Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae) in Ancient Clay Plaster of Ellora Caves, India

The present research trend is to explore sustainable construction materials having least environmental impact that also encapsulate in terms of our natural resources. The present communication discusses the use of raw hemp as an organic additive in the clay plaster of the 6th century AD Buddhist Caves of Ellora, a World Heritage Site. Cannabis sativa L. admixed in the clay plaster has been identified using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and stereomicroscopic studies and the results are compared with fresh specimens. The study indicates that many valuable properties of hemp were known to the ancient Indians in the 6th century AD.