Explore Natural Philosophy

Phil • Cr. Think • Science • Hist •

STORY

Bhimbetka Petroglyphs, Cupules

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Thu 4 Apr 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 2 months ago.
Related Stories
Phenotype Variation: Eye Shape and the Epicanthic Fold
Simple Sentience Settles: Haikouichthys
Advanced Sewing Needles
Genus: Sahelanthropus (Walking Upright)
Ukraine: Mezhyrich Community
Eve: Haplogroup L
Share :
Cave are found in central India dated back to 290 thousand years ago has significant implications for the evolution of the human brain.

Bhimbetka Petroglyphs, Cupules

Before 290,000 BCE
Hominins; 290,000 to 700,000 years ago

Found in central India, these cupules (circular hollows on rock surfaces) are among the earliest known forms of rock art. They were likely created by a species like Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis and not Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens are not known to be in India until around 40,000 years ago. Homo erectus is known in India as early as 1.7 million years ago and Homo heidelbergensis around 300,000 years ago. If Homo heidelbergensis is confirmed, that moves the evolution of symbolic thought back to before 700,000 years ago. If Homo erectus is confirmed, that moves it back to well before 2 million years ago.

Primary Timeline…

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
Email
Print
The Prestwood Column
Menu
July 2026
»COLUMN ARCHIVE
--COLUMN--
Column Research….
1. Timeline Story
The famous Lewis “Truth in Fiction” Paper
2. Linked Quote
“Truth is stranger than fiction…[which] is obliged to stick to possibilities;”
3. Science FAQ »
Why does fiction feel real?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
Can authors create fiction beyond our universe?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
How do we know what is true in a fictional world?
6. History FAQ!
What is the history of philosophy of fiction?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
TST Philosophy of Fiction: Imaginative Realism

Comments

Join the Conversation! Currently logged out.

Leave a Reply

NEW BOOK! NOW AVAILABLE!!

30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas

by Michael Alan Prestwood
The story of the history of our best ideas!
Scroll to Top