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Arts & Communication Safeguarding Sinauli’s royal chariot discovery

process. Temporary, reversible supports were added using A B
POP straps and slings (bandages dipped in aqueous sludge
of POP) to reinforce the chariot and prevent damage to its
outer surface. The base of the royal chariot was secured to
a steel frame with the help of jacks under the supervision
of structural conservation experts. The attachment points
were strategically chosen to evenly distribute the weight
and minimize stress on the artifact.
2.2.3. Excavation and detachment Figure 3. Removing straps and slings from the royal chariot using

The royal chariot was carefully excavated from the grinders and surgical knives and blades at the safe house. (A) Using
surrounding soil to ensure that no part of it was damaged grinder. (B) Using surgical knives and blades. Source: Archaeological
Survey of India
in the process. This required precise tools and techniques
to avoid any accidental damage.
2.2.7. Conservation state of the royal chariot
2.2.4. Lifting equipment The conservation state of the royal chariot unearthed
Specialized lifting equipment, including cranes for from Sinauli in 2018, dating back to the Bronze Age,
shifting and gantries for lifting, was brought to the site. presents several challenges and opportunities for
The selection of equipment was based on the weight and restoration and preservation. The left wheel portion of
dimensions of the chariot to ensure safe handling and even the chariot, adorned with metal pieces, was consolidated
weight distribution, minimizing stress on the royal chariot. with Paraloid B-72 (thermoplastic resin). The remaining
sections were reinforced and coated with plaster gauze
2.2.5. Controlled lifting using POP. Originally crafted from wood and copper,
With all safety measures in place, the lifting process was the wooden components of the wheel have eroded over
carried out gradually and under the close supervision of time, leaving numerous pointed triangular copper pieces
experts. The royal chariot was lifted inch by inch to ensure embedded in the mud, along with the shaft connecting
stability and avoid sudden movements. At each stage of to the yoke. These copper fragments, which display green
the lift, archaeologists and other experts paused to assess incrustations, notably form a circular motif within the
the chariot’s condition and adjust the rigging as necessary. wheel. The mud encasement, now robust and retaining
This careful approach was critical to preventing accidental its form, lacks any traces of wood. Although the copper
damage during the process. plates were well preserved within the mud, the yoke
segment shows faint impressions and scant remnants of
2.2.6. Transport to the safe house copper. The shaft, which is in a fragile state with multiple
Once the royal chariot was safely lifted, it was carefully breaks, is supported by a plywood case and shielded with a
transferred to a specially designed container for transparent Perspex sheet. Similar triangular copper pieces
transportation. The container provided adequate protection with green incrustations were also found in the long shaft
to prevent any movement that could cause damage during portion and the copper axle linking the shaft to the chariot.
transit. On arrival at the safe house, the Science Branch of While the exposed mud wheel appears structurally
the Archaeological Survey of India in Greater Noida took sound, its core strength remains uncertain until the
over the stabilization and conservation of the artifact. This packaging material is fully removed. The lower base of the
process included removing the straps and slings, cleaning, chariot exhibits visible lacunae, voids, and pits (Figure 4).
documenting, and repairing the chariot to ensure its Due to the fragile nature of the shaft and yoke, extreme
long-term preservation. Details of the restoration and caution is required during handling for restoration and
preservation efforts, which involve the removal of straps preservation. Overall, the conservation state of the chariot
and slings from the royal chariot, are outlined as follows: requires careful examination and treatment to ensure its
∑ Before applying POP straps and slings, the royal long-term preservation and display.
chariot was covered with a non-stick polythene sheet.
Subsequently, straps and slings were applied to make 2.2.8. Superficial and mechanical cleaning
the chariot’s surface non-sticky and reversible. The To remove loose dirt and dust from the surface of the
removal of these straps and slings was carried out chariot, archaeologists used soft-bristled brushes made
using a cutter and assorted surgical knives and blades of nylon hair. Brushes of various sizes and shapes were
(Figure 3). employed to reach different areas effectively. Mechanical

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