Scholars specializing in ancient manuscripts have used neural-paleography to decipher a cache of 6th-century Late-Brahmi fragments discovered in the Malwa region. The texts contain lost Sanskrit treatises on sub-surface thermal retention, detailing architectural protocols for keeping granaries and living spaces cool during extreme heat waves through the use of layered mineral insulation and specific geometric ventilation.
The decipherment reveals that Gupta-era engineers had a formal theory of thermal conductivity, classifying different types of clay and stone by their heat-transfer properties. This research highlights a sophisticated tradition of sustainable, passive climate control in ancient India, offering insights into how ancient urban centers maintained food security despite the volatile climate patterns of the 1st millennium CE.