Scientific studies on decorated mud mortar of Ajanta

A groundbreaking analysis of the decorated mud mortar from Ajanta Caves reveals that high-silt soil, purposefully mixed with lime (calcite), was used to enhance its cementing properties. The study detected calcium oxalate, likely a byproduct of proteic materials, along with ferrugineous silicates, rare minerals like gluconite–celadonite and white zeolites, as well as quartz and sepiolite. These findings suggest that the mortar's composition was tailored using vegetal matter to optimize construction behavior. The research also confirms a strong similarity between the Ajanta mud plaster and alluvial deposits from the Waghura River, indicating potential for restoration efforts by leveraging local materials for better performance and compatibility.

Singh, M., & Arbad, B. R. (2014). Scientific studies on decorated mud mortar of Ajanta. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 1, 138–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2014.07.001