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Arts & Communication Safeguarding Sinauli’s royal chariot discovery

ratio of 3:1:1. Damaged parts of the wheel were restored crucial to understanding the implications and significance
to ensure its structural integrity and enhance public of the observed differences in material composition within
understanding. To strengthen and support the weak areas, the historical context of the chariot.
stainless steel rods and adhesives were used to stabilize the
wooden frame and other elements, including the pole. 2.2.13. Scientific treatment
After removing the preservative coating and other
2.2.12. Non-destructive XRF analysis of the royal incrustations and identifying the construction material,
chariot it was found that the full-sized two-wheeled chariot with

XRF is a powerful analytical technique that was crucial pole and yoke was nearly intact. However, the axle, chassis,
in studying the royal chariot excavated from Sinauli. XRF and dashboard were partially damaged. Nevertheless, it
is a non-destructive method 12-14 used to determine the is evident that the chariot had a fixed axle supporting a
elemental composition of materials through single-beam semi-circular wooden platform covered with thick copper
and double-beam methods. In our analysis with a hand- plates. The copper metallic portion of the royal chariot
held XRF instrument, we examined the composition was brushed with alcohol to remove sand and dirt from
of the copper plates on the chariot, revealing a range the surface. Following the removal of incrustations and
of copper concentrations, from approximately 99% to cleaning, the metal parts were rinsed with hot distilled
58%, depending on the position tested. We employed water once they were completely dry (Figure 5).
the alloying method, utilizing the single beam for 10 s Active corrosion areas were meticulously cleaned and
(Supplementary Figures S1 and 2). These variations in treated with a corrosion inhibitor (1 – 3% BTA solution
composition could be attributed to the presence of surface in isopropanol) using cotton swabs, applied every half
accretions or deterioration; further investigation is needed hour over the course of 3 days. Any excess powdery BTA
to understand the implications of these variations in was removed using isopropanol. Loose copper chips were
composition. joined or repositioned using acrylic resin. A protective

Moreover, the analysis of the wood, which had coating of a 1% PVA solution in toluene was applied to the
transformed into mud, revealed a silica content of cleaned, stabilized, and dried copper metal. In some cases,
approximately 20 – 28% (Figures 7 and 8). This analysis toluene-soaked swabs were used to remove any excess
was conducted using the double-beam geochemical coating or gloss from the surface.
method. Beam-1 was directed at the sample for 20 s, while
beam-2 was applied for 40 s, aiding in on-site assessments 3. Results and discussion
for the identification and quantification of the elemental The royal chariot discovered in the Sinauli excavations is a
composition (Supplementary Figures S3 and 4). These unique discovery on the entire subcontinent, dating back
findings underscore the need for ongoing investigation to the Bronze Age. The primary structural material of the
to ensure accuracy and reliability. Additional research is ancient royal chariot was wood, supported by thick metal
sheets (plates) and adorned with copper triangles. The metal
P, 0.25 Fe, 0.737 Zn, 0.1 components were identified using a hand-held portable
Cr, 0.055 Ni, 0.022 energy dispersive XRF (EDXRF) (Figures 7 and S1). Over

1% 0%0%0%0%0%0%
0%
3% 2% 0% 1%
6% LE (light element) Cu
1%
0% 0%0%0%0%0%0%
0%
4% 2% 1% 0%
6% Si S
12%
Al P
20% 48% Fe Mn
K Ni
65%
Cu, 98.835 Mg Sn
Ca Zr
28%
Ti Pb
Figure 7. Handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence data (%) of the
copper plating and decorated copper metal on the wooden frame of the Figure 8. Handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence data of the mud
royal chariot and wooden frame that has transformed into mud in the royal chariot

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/ac.2437