BHU scientists to study ancient knowledge system of hematite in Kaimur range rock art

Varanasi: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is all set to carry out a scientific study on the ancient knowledge system of hematite materials used in the rock art of Kaimur range. Two scientists of the varsity have received a project to take the interdisciplinary study forward.
Prof. NV Chalapathi Rao of Geology department and Sachin Kumar Tiwary of the department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology have been sanctioned a project to conduct the study over the course of two years under the Indian Knowledge System initiative by the union Ministry of Education. They will involve extensive use of EPMA/SEM on archaeological material and in joint interpretation. The study will be carried out in the Kaimur range of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Prof Rao said the study of rock art started in India long back soon after its discovery in 1867. However, it is limited to only discovery, preliminary documentation (without the application of scientific tools) and publications. This is probably one of the reasons why the two important issues in the study of rock art heritage have not been addressed so far. Firstly, the activities behind making of pigment such as the nature of colours used, their chemical composition and structure, by their mediums (organic and non-organic), characterization techniques used and natural and artificial binding mediums used in making those colours remain unexplored. Secondly, to know the dating of these executions, which has so far been possible only through relative dating methods, to be accomplished through absolute dating methods like AMS, Uranium Series etc.
The scientists said Indians were pioneers in the rock art material sciences. Many of these traditional technologies are on the verge of extinction.
“Through this project, they will be able to show the researchers and students the knowledge of India in “Rock Art Materials Processing of Haematite” and showcase the ‘Indian way’ to the world,” said Prof Rao, adding that the hematite continues to be one of the most important pigment minerals. The name hematite is from the Greek word "haimatitis" which means "blood-red." Primitive people discovered that hematite could be crushed and rubbed and mixed with a liquid for use as paint. Hematite was one of the major sources of ancient painting, still continuing in the remote region of India.
According to the BHU faculty, the project will be an important step to know and understand the purposes, techniques in terms of expression of rock art in its early stage of development. The project will also make people aware of the Indian Knowledge System and the heritage value attached to it.
They said that the project will study the pigments for their chemical compositions and structure, mediums and type of binders (natural and artificial) used in Indian rock art painting, especially in relation to the use of haematite material. They will try to understand the technology of manufacturing of vanishing colours in the tribal society of Vindhyan region. Besides, they will try to understand technology behind the colour formation in modern tribal groups and the protection techniques used in ancient times for paintings and to mimic the same to replicate such art in present days.