Context

• Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest known cave painting (a life-sized picture of a wild pig) in ‘Leang Karampuang’ cave, Sulawesi of Indonesia that was made at least 51,200 years ago. 

Key Highlights

• The samples were actually collected in 2021, but the dating was not done until now.
• The discovery was carried by the researchers of Australia’s Griffith University, Southern Cross University and the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency.
• Scientists have discovered artwork which depict three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig.
• Very little is known about the people who created the Sulawesi cave paintings.

Used 'Dating Technique'

U-series dating:

• The finding is based on dating using 'uranium series' (U-series) analysis of calcite deposits overlying rock art in the limestone caves. 
• 'Laser beams' were used during the process and by comparing the ratio between the parent isotope (uranium) and the daughter isotope (thorium) researchers were able to date the paintings.

Some of the important Caves with Paintings in India