History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c15.s1.46

c15.s1.46

The polished stone surfaces of many of the Sanchi sculptures are reddened with a translucent stain, which has the advantage of not obscuring the texture of the stone or the delicate details of the carving. At a later date, gateways and railings were covered with a coat of creamy lime followed by a thin red wash, which gave the stone a dull dead appearance. Paintings on walls have been found to be made by mixing red ochre with lime-wash to give red or *geruka* (brownish yellow) colour. Red lead or minium has also been found as an ingredient for the application of red paint.