Restoration, preservation, and interpretation of the royal chariot from the Sinauli excavation in India: Safeguarding a remarkable discovery

The novel discovery of the royal chariot from the Sinauli excavation in India has sparked a global debate among archaeologists and historians regarding India’s ancient history and the Aryan invasion theory. The chariot is a remarkable piece of engineering, showcasing advanced metalworking techniques that challenge previous assumptions about the technological capabilities of ancient India. Its design closely resembles chariots depicted in ancient Indian texts and art, underscoring its cultural significance. The royal chariot is a fascinating combination of materials and craftsmanship. Its construction features a wooden frame adorned with intricate copper-inlay decorative work. After millennia underground, the wooden structure had transformed into mud, leaving behind only the fragile, corroded copper elements. This necessitated the restoration and preservation of the royal chariot for future research, with the aim of arresting or slowing down the rate of further deterioration, using the appropriate methodology as required. This article describes the restoration and preservation of the royal chariot.