Bikramkhol Cave Inscriptions

Bikramkhol, also known as Vikramkhol rock shelter, is located in the reserved forest of Belpahar range in Jharsuguda district. This prehistoric rock shelter with its engravings and painted markings was first discovered by K. P. Jayaswal in 1933. Since then, it has been of interest to historians and researchers of early rock art and of development of writing in India.

The markings found on the sandstone walls of the rock shelter comprise linear and pictographic forms, which are as yet undefined as to their meaning and are as yet unclassified. Jayaswal had found in these markings the script of an early period and felt that there was a connection between the Indus Valley seals and the Brahmi script. However, this view has not been universally accepted. Thus, Bikramkhol remains an unsolved mystery for scholars, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past and the continuing challenges of interpreting ancient markings.