Title

कृष्ण प्रस्तर (Krishna Pāshāna (Black Trap))

Rare

Kṛṣṇa Prastara

Krishna Pāshāna (Black Trap)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionकृष्ण पाषाण (Krishna Pāshāna), also known as काला पत्थर (Kālā Pathar) or श्याम पाषाण (Shyām Pāshāna), is a fine-grained, dark-colored extrusive igneous rock, primarily basalt, extensively used in Indic architecture. Its geological origin lies in volcanic activity across the Deccan Plateau. Characterized by high density (2.7-3.0 g/cm³) and low porosity (<1%), it exhibits compressive strength ranging from 150-200 MPa. Mineralogically, it comprises plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. Traditionally quarried from regions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, कृष्ण पाषाण (Krishna Pāshāna) served in foundation construction, wall construction, paving, and hydraulic structures like tanks. The Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties employed it extensively. Examples include structural elements in temples and forts. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, utilizing techniques compatible with the stone's properties. The use of basalt fiber [1] in modern restoration is being explored.
Also Known As
Krishna Pāshāna (Black Trap)
Kṛṣṇa Prastara
Black Trap Rock
Basalt
Deccan Trap
Igneous Rock
कृष्ण पाषाण
काला पत्थर
श्याम पाषाण
बेसाल्ट
कृष्णशिला
கருங்கல் (Karungal)
నల్ల రాయి (Nalla Raayi)
ಕಪ್ಪು ಕಲ್ಲು (Kappu Kallu)
കറുത്ത കല്ല് (Karutha Kallu)
Tags
Basalt
Krishna Pāshāna
Deccan Trap
Volcanic Rock
Black Stone
Building Stone
Material ID
INHFMAT-033484496-20-11-25-KC
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/black-trap
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/black-trap
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Igneous Rock
Extrusive Rock
Volcanic Rock

Regions

Regions
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Dynasties
Chalukya Dynasty
Rashtrakuta Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Deccan Plateau
Local Quarries (e.g., near Pune)

Properties

Properties
Density: 2.7-3.0 g/cm³
Porosity: <1%
Compressive Strength: 150-200 MPa
Mineral Composition: Plagioclase Feldspar, Pyroxene

Common Uses

Uses
Foundation Construction
Wall Construction
Paving
Hydraulic Structures (e.g., Dams, Tanks)
Sculptural Elements

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Gravel

Related Styles

Styles
Deccan Architecture
Chalukya Architecture
Rashtrakuta Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Fort
Water Tank

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Generally Weather-Resistant
  • Potential for Alkali-Silica Reaction
  • Proper Jointing Techniques Required

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Deccan Trap GeologyGeological SurveyBasalt formation and properties

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Bidar Fort Bidar
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions