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Arts & Communication Safeguarding Sinauli’s royal chariot discovery

cleaning was carried out using wooden picks and spatulas A detailed overview of the process is explained in the
to gently dislodge debris without scratching or damaging subsequent sections.
the surface.
2.2.10. Removal of consolidate, adhesive, or
Both superficial and mechanical cleaning requires the preservative
utmost care and caution. Archaeological chemists first
assessed inconspicuous are as to ensure that no adverse During the excavation of the royal chariot, consolidants,
effects would result. The goal was to enhance the royal adhesives, and preservatives were applied to prevent
chariot’s appearance and stability without altering its further damage to the structure. Thus, before proceeding
original state. Before undertaking any scientific treatment, with restoration and preservation, it was essential to
a detailed assessment and documentation of the royal remove any excess coating from the artifacts. The choice
chariot’s condition have been conducted. This includes of chemicals/solvents for the removal of those coatings
was based on trial methods using specially formulated
noting any existing coatings, varnishes or pigments, and chemical solutions that were safe and compatible with
areas of particular vulnerability, such as fragile decorations excavated objects. Organic solvents such as toluene 100%,
or corroded metals. It is important to emphasize that toluene 60% + acetone 40%, toluene 40% + acetone 40% +
the cleaning process was carried out by experienced and isopropanol 20%, and distilled water as per requirement
trained archaeological chemists with specific expertise in were used along with cotton swabs to remove old adhesive,
handling and preserving such artifacts. The preservation consolidate, and preservatives (Figure 6). The protective
of the royal chariot’s integrity and historical value was coatings were gradually removed, and any unwanted
paramount throughout the cleaning process. material was cleaned from the surface.
2.2.9. Restoration and preservation of the royal chariot 2.2.11. Structural stabilization
The restoration and preservation of the royal chariot The royal chariot exhibited signs of structural instability
involved meticulous and specialized tasks aimed at or fragility in its wooden parts and pole. Fragile or
stabilizing, conserving, and repairing the royal chariot to deteriorated sections were stabilized using non-invasive
its closest original condition while preserving its historical and appropriate methods. For example, a mixture of mud
and archaeological value (Figure 5). This process was powder and animal glue in distilled water was used in a
comprehensive and multi-step, ensuring its long-term
protection and its effective presentation to the public.
A B
A B

Figure 5. Restoration and preservation of royal chariot. (A) Canopy pole.
(B) Yoke and shaft. Source: Archaeological Survey of India

A B
C

Figure 4. On opening the straps and slings from the royal chariot. Figure 6. Removal of consolidate, adhesive, or preservative coating and
(A) Left side view. (B) Right side view. (C) Yoke and shaft view. hard encrustation. (A) Left wheel. (B) Right wheel. Source: Archaeological
Source: Archaeological Survey of India Survey of India

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 5 doi: 10.36922/ac.2437