bhimbetka

almost an hour outside bhopal a stunning outcrop of rocks on top of a hill from where you can see the whole valley below. the trees were barren and dry as was the hard rugged landscape. in the crevices (natural? man made?) dark and cool with bats overhead and the wind rushing through. the surfaces are pock-marked with the traces of tools handcrafted and the red purple walls have seats and sleeping spaces. the walls are painted with white and red hunters on horses, elephants, processions. layer upon layer upon layer over centuries.

nearby, one of the caves has been turned into a temple, while the family of the priest lives in another cave nearby. a line of glitter forms a sort of false ceiling inside the house and shevles are carved into the rock. a dog stands guard over the landscape.