The rock paintings can be classified into several groups
Hunting scenes :
- Several such paintings are available in Bhimbetka, particularly Lakhajwar area.
- Here one can see hunters hunting animals such as Cow, Buffalo, Bull, Peacock, Rhino etc.
- The most interesting painting is the one where a hunter is aiming at a peacock on a tree.
- Another hunter wearing a horned headgear is hunting an animal.
- In II a is a painting of a buffalo surrounded by men during hunting.
- In another one while a person with bow and arrow is aiming at an animal, dogs are chasing the animal.
War scenes :
- These are from historical period where men can be seen on horses, elephants and proceeding for a fight. One also sees men on foot with weapons.
- Groups of armed men facing one another on a battlefield.
- In II B – 32 is a painting of warriors on an elephant fighting with one another.
- In one group one can see one Mahavat and a fighter on elephant back. The fighter is carrying a spear, bow and arrow and sword etc.
- In one shelter is a painting depicting Ashwamedh Yagna from the Gupta period where a horse is leading, followed by army of a king. On the opposite side is another army trying to stop the horse.
Birds Animals and Aquatic species :
- Painted animals include Lion, Elephant, Horse, Deer, Antelope, Cow, Monkey, Wild Boar, Buffalo, etc.
- Birds include Peacock.
- Aquatic species have fishes.
- In the Boar Rock Shelter is a huge Boar almost 1 meter long drawn in red colour.
Human figures :
- A female resting her hands on another human figure standing in front (discovered by RR Brooks).
- Another painting shows a man extracting honey from a honey comb.
- In II f – 14 is a human figure drinking water from a vessel. One can see drops of water flowing down on to his stomach.
Dance :
- Several shelters are painted with dancing figures – preliminary group dances.
- People dancing holding hands
Religious rites :
- Bulls whose feet are trapped in a basket.
- Hand prints – outline or fully coloured.
- Figures dancing with hands raised.
- Some signs related to worship.
Inscriptions :
These are of two types
- Etched
- Painted
These are mostly from Sunga and Gupta period.
There are several inscription using Shankh lipi (Conch script).
There are almost 20 such inscription in red colour.