PATHARIA SHELTERS

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

One out of altogether six painted rock shelters at Hapsili, Pagara, Pandow, Patricota, Patharia and Semra in Sagar district (Vijay Singh in: Indian Archaeology: A Review [IAR] 1980-81 / 1983: 39). SITUATION: Madhya Pradesh, Sagar district, Patharia (IAR 1980-81 / 1983: 39). CAVE POTENTIAL -- geology: Sagar, also: Saugor District … between 23° 9' and 24°27' N. and 78°4' and 78° 22' E. The greater part of the district is covered by Deccan trap; but there are two great inliers of Vindhyan sandstone … To the east or south-east of Saugor the infra-trappean or Lameta limestone is largly developed. Calcareous infra-trappean bands with fossilized shells and plants also occur largely near Saugor (IMPERIAL GAZETTEER 1907-1909, 22: 137). CULTURAL HISTORY -- rock art: Most of the shelters bear paintings in red and ochre colour depicting scenes of fighters and warriors carrying swords and shields, bows and arrows, and male and female figures in dancing pose. Painted scenes also depict the igures of wild buffaloes, lions and chitahs, besides horses and elephants (Indian Archaeology: A Review [IAR] 1980-81 / 1983: 39).