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Arts & Communication Safeguarding Sinauli’s royal chariot discovery

Aryans from Central Asia into the Indian subcontinent A
around 1500 BCE played a pivotal role in shaping India’s
early civilization. The existence of the royal chariot raises
4
questions about the timeline and origins of advanced
civilizations in India. The dating of the Sinauli burials
to around 1900 BCE has led some historians and
5
archaeologists to argue that the sophistication of the
chariot indicates a well-established indigenous culture,
challenging the notion that ancient Indian civilizations
were primarily shaped by external migrations. They B
propose that instead of an invasion, cultural exchanges
and internal developments within the Indian subcontinent
contributed to the growth of these early societies. However,
proponents of the Aryan invasion theory point to linguistic
and textual evidence indicating interactions between Indo-
Aryans and other indigenous cultures. They argue that
4,6
the chariot’s design could result from cultural exchanges
between different groups, which could still fit within the
broader framework of the Aryan invasion theory. Figure 1. Preservation and visualization of the royal chariot. (A) The royal
chariot excavated from Sinauli kept in a safe house at the Pt. Deendayal
As the scientific community grapples with these Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, Greater Noida. (B) The actual
intriguing discoveries, it is essential to maintain a balanced, visualization of the royal chariot. Source: Archaeological Survey of India
evidence-based approach to interpreting the past. The
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royal chariot from Sinauli has provided a wealth of new the side panels, which stood approximately 100 cm high
information, offering fresh insights into India’s ancient from the base of the chariot. A single pipe supported a
history. However, it is crucial to remember that a single canopy positioned 100 cm from the chariot’s end. The solid
artifact cannot definitively resolve debates that have persisted wheels were adorned on both sides with triangular copper
for centuries. Ongoing excavations and research at Sinauli sheets arranged in three rows, radiating from the central
are expected to reveal more about the ancient societies that hub to the outer rim. These sheets were affixed with 2-cm
once thrived there, potentially shedding further light on the long copper nails. Similarly, triangular decorations adorned
Aryan invasion theory and the broader history of India. the 230-cm long pole and the 95-cm long yoke (Figure 2).
Until then, scholars will continue to exchange ideas and
theories, gradually moving toward a more comprehensive The first challenge faced by the excavation team was
understanding of India’s remarkable and diverse past. moving the royal chariot to a secure location for further
research and conservation. The copper inlay on the chariot’s
Renowned Indian archaeologist Dr. S. K. Manjul of wooden structure suggests that it was a luxurious and
the Archaeological Survey of India and his team began opulent piece, likely associated with a person of significant
extensive excavations at Sinauli. Among their findings, the power and influence in ancient Indian society. The motifs
royal chariot stood out for its fascinating combination of and patterns created with the copper inlay may offer
materials and artistic craftsmanship. The chariot features valuable insights into the cultural and aesthetic preferences
a wooden frame, which serves as its structural foundation, of the time. Archaeologists and historians will meticulously
providing the necessary strength and durability for study this copper inlay work to discern its symbolism, style,
transportation. This frame is complemented by intricate and possible connections to other artifacts or historical
copper-inlay decorative work that enhances its exquisite records from the same era. Such an analysis could provide
beauty (Figure 1). a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal context
The skilled artisans of ancient India crafted this wooden in which the chariot was crafted and used. The combination
framework, showcasing their expertise in working with of wood and copper inlay showcases the fusion of artistic
woodworking and their ability to create both functional expression and functional design characteristic of ancient
and elegant designs. 8-10 The full-sized, two-wheeled chariot Indian craftsmanship. As researchers continue their
measured 135 cm in length and featured a fixed axle analysis, the royal chariot of Sinauli is poised to reveal new
supporting a semi-circular wooden platform covered with chapters in the rich tapestry of India’s ancient history and
thick copper plates. The platform, with inner dimensions of contribute further to the ongoing debates surrounding the
60 cm × 52 cm, was framed with copper pipes that attached Aryan invasion theory. 4,11

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/ac.2437