Which of the state has pre-historic site of 'Pachmarhi'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1: Madhya Pradesh.

Pachmarhi is correctly identified as a pre-historic site situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, specifically within the Satpura Range of the Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) district. This location is one of the most important hubs in Central India for studying early human history, primarily because of its numerous rock shelters and cave paintings. These paintings, which are spread across dozens of shelters like the Jambu Dwip and Dorothy Deep, represent continuous human occupation from the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) to the historical period. The rock art at Pachmarhi is a crucial resource for understanding the transition of human societies, making its geographical setting in Madhya Pradesh a cornerstone of Indian pre-historic archaeology.

The incorrect option is 2: Uttar Pradesh.
While Uttar Pradesh has its own significant pre-historic legacy, it does not include Pachmarhi. The primary rock art centres in Uttar Pradesh are geographically concentrated in the Vindhyan ranges, notably around the Mirzapur district, such as the famous sites of Likhunia and Mahadaria. These rock shelters and paintings, though immensely valuable, belong to a separate archaeological cluster and are distinct from the Satpura-centered art found at Pachmarhi, which falls clearly within the boundaries of Madhya Pradesh.

The incorrect option is 3: Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is an important state for Indian archaeology, boasting prominent sites from the Chalcolithic and Neolithic periods like Inamgaon and Jorwe. However, the pre-historic site of Pachmarhi is not located within Maharashtra's borders. The Satpura range, where Pachmarhi is situated, is a massive geological feature, but the specific cultural and geographical area associated with the Pachmarhi rock shelters lies entirely in Madhya Pradesh, distinguishing it from the rock art found in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

The incorrect option is 4: Odisha.
Odisha contains rich archaeological evidence of pre-historic cultures, including significant Paleolithic tool finds and rock paintings. Major pre-historic sites in Odisha, such as Ushakothi and Gudahandi, are located far to the east of Central India. These eastern sites exhibit regional stylistic differences and are geographically separate from the Central Indian plateau. Therefore, the world-renowned Pachmarhi pre-historic site is geographically and archaeologically distinct from the ancient heritage found in Odisha.