The Bhimbetka rock shelters, known for prehistoric cave paintings, are located in which of the following states of India?

The correct option is Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation and Details:

1. Location: The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India, located in the Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh, about 45 kilometers south-east of Bhopal.

2. Historical Significance: These rock shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India and evidence of Stone Age dwellings, with some of the paintings dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods (around 10,000 years ago or more).

3. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Due to their historical, cultural, and artistic significance, the Bhimbetka rock shelters were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.