The Ajanta Caves are Buddhist temples which were excavated in two phases:between 2nd century BC and 1st century AD,and between 5th and 6th century. Most of the caves are decorated with polychrome sculpture and magnificent wall paintings showing a highly developed artistic sensibility both in technique and rich intellectual expression. The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties,Tokyo and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) who is responsible for maintaining the Ajanta Caves have conducted a collaborative research project in search of appropriate conservation methodologyto preserve the wall paintings in Cave 2. The Ajanta paintings are relatively well preserved but still suffer from several damaging causes such as measures taken in the past to protect the wall paintings or animal and insect activities. Varnish which had been applied in the past has turned yellow, disturbing the original painting appearance. In addition, excreta of bats which once inhabited the caves remain on the upper walls and ceilings, causing paint loss and visual disturbance. After assessment of the painting conditions,cleaning trials were carried out to remove the aged varnish and bats’excreta-related accretion. It appears that the varnish can be removed with 1 :1 mixture of acetone and ethanol in HPC gel. Water was effective in removing the bats’excreta-related accretion, especially in case of black substances
