Question 1

What is पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick)?

Accepted Answer

ईंट (Baked Brick), also known as *Ishtika* (इष्टिका) in Sanskrit, is a ceramic masonry unit crucial to Indic architecture. Composed primarily of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial plains across the subcontinent, its geological origin influences its properties [2]. Firing at 800-1100°C in *bhatta* (भट्ठा) kilns imparts compressive strength (10-35 MPa), density (1600-2200 kg/m³), and porosity (15-25%) [3]. Traditional methods, documented since the Indus Valley Civilization, involve shaping, drying, and firing [1]. The Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal dynasties extensively utilized *mrittika ईंट* (मृत्तिका ईंट) in structures like stupas, temples, and forts. Water absorption (10-20%) and thermal conductivity (0.6-0.8 W/mK) affect durability. Conservation requires understanding material degradation mechanisms, including salt efflorescence and weathering. Restoration employs compatible materials and techniques to preserve heritage sites like those in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, reflecting the enduring legacy of *Sengal* (செங்கல்), *Iṭuka* (ఇటుక), *Iṣṭika* (ഇഷ്ടിക), and *Viṭṭam* (விட்டம்).

Question 2

What type of material is पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick)?

Accepted Answer

पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) is classified as Ceramic, Clay Product, Masonry Unit, Construction Material. Key properties include Compressive strength: 10-35 MPa, Water absorption: 10-20%, Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³.

Question 3

Where is पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) used?

Accepted Answer

पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) is commonly used in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam. It is sourced from Local clay pits near riverbeds, Brick kilns in Punjab region, Brick kilns in Assam region.

Question 4

How is पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) is used for Load-bearing walls, Paving, Arches, Vaults, Vaulted roofs, Decorative facades, Foundation Construction, Wall construction, Structural support in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) requires attention to Susceptible to salt efflorescence and Requires repointing with compatible mortar. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Pakkī īnṭ Baked Brick 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	ईंट (Baked Brick), also known as Ishtika (इष्टिका) in Sanskrit, is a ceramic masonry unit crucial to Indic architecture. Composed primarily of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial plains across the subcontinent, its geological origin influences its properties [2]. Firing at 800-1100°C in bhatta (भट्ठा) kilns imparts compressive strength (10-35 MPa), density (1600-2200 kg/m³), and porosity (15-25%) [3]. Traditional methods, documented since the Indus Valley Civilization, involve shaping, drying, and firing [1]. The Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal dynasties extensively utilized mrittika ईंट (मृत्तिका ईंट) in structures like stupas, temples, and forts. Water absorption (10-20%) and thermal conductivity (0.6-0.8 W/mK) affect durability. Conservation requires understanding material degradation mechanisms, including salt efflorescence and weathering. Restoration employs compatible materials and techniques to preserve heritage sites like those in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, reflecting the enduring legacy of Sengal (செங்கல்), Iṭuka (ఇటుక), Iṣṭika (ഇഷ്ടിക), and Viṭṭam (விட்டம்).
Also Known As	Baked Brick Pakkī īnṭ Baked Brick Brick Fired Brick Clay Brick ईंट भट्ठा ईंट मृत्तिका ईंट इष्टिका செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika) விட்டம் (Viṭṭam)
Tags	इष्टिका Ishtika Brick Terracotta Kiln Masonry Clay Construction Material Building Material
Material ID	`INHFMAT-808030117-20-11-25-IB`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/baked-brick
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/baked-brick`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	2
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Period Gupta Period Medieval Period Mughal Period Ahom Kingdom
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Ahom Dynasty

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Multan Sun Temple Ruins Multan	Primary		100%
Rang Ghar Sivasagar	Primary		100%

पक्की ईंट (Baked Brick)

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