Pachmarhi rock art is an important archaeological source for understanding the prehistoric and protohistoric cultures of central India. The Pachmarhi region is situated in the Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh and contains numerous rock shelters, caves and sandstone formations decorated with paintings and engravings. These sites provide valuable evidence about the life, subsistence activities, beliefs and artistic abilities of prehistoric communities. The rock paintings are particularly significant within Archaeological Anthropology because they help reconstruct aspects of human behaviour that cannot be understood from stone tools and other material remains alone. The rock shelters of Pachmarhi are generally located in natural sandstone formations. Many shelters contain paintings on their walls and ceilings, while some also preserve engravings. Important localities include shelters around the Pachmarhi plateau and adjoining areas. The paintings occur in different states of preservation, with some figures remaining clear and others becoming faint because of weathering and human interference. The use of natural mineral pigments indicates the technological knowledge of the prehistoric inhabitants. Red and ochre colours are especially common, while white, yellow and occasionally other shades were also used. Red pigment was probably obtained from iron-rich minerals such as haematite. The artists applied pigments directly to the rock surface, sometimes producing simple outlines and sometimes filling