The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The question pertains to the characteristics of Upper Palaeolithic rock paintings, specifically those found at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. These paintings provide insights into the prehistoric art and life of early humans.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1: They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures.
Correct. Early rock paintings, particularly from the Upper Palaeolithic period, often feature large animal figures such as bison, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. These representations are typically linear, focusing on the outlines and basic forms of the animals.
- Statement 2: Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters.
Incorrect. The colour usage in Bhimbetka paintings is not strictly categorized in this manner. While both red and green colours are used, there is no definitive rule that green paintings exclusively depict dancers and red paintings exclusively depict hunters. Different colours were used for various subjects, and the themes often overlapped.
- Statement 3: The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours.
Correct. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka exhibit paintings predominantly in red and green, along with white and yellow. Red, derived from haematite (geru), and green, derived from chalcedony, are among the most common colours used by the prehistoric artists.
Key Takeaway
Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka feature linear representations of large animal figures and are predominantly executed in red and green colours.