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Title

ईंट (Brick)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Īnṭ

Brick

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionईंट (Iṣṭika), or brick, is a fundamental ceramic masonry unit used extensively in Indic architecture for millennia. Primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits across the Indian subcontinent [2], its chemical composition includes silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Traditional processing involves shaping, sun-drying (कच्ची ईंट, kachchi iint), and firing in kilns at temperatures between 900-1100°C (पक्की ईंट, pakki iint) [3]. This firing process vitrifies the clay, imparting compressive strength (15-40 MPa) and durability. Bricks were integral to Harappan urban planning and continued through Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods, evident in structures like Sanchi Stupa and Fatehpur Sikri [1]. Density ranges from 1600-2200 kg/m³, with water absorption between 5-20%. Durability is affected by salt attack and weathering. Conservation involves mortar repair using lime-based mortars compatible with the original construction and controlled cleaning methods to prevent damage to the brick surface. Understanding the geological origin and firing techniques is crucial for effective restoration of heritage sites.
Also Known As
Brick
Īnṭ
Brick
Building Brick
Construction Brick
Masonry Brick
पक्की ईंट
कच्ची ईंट
भवन निर्माण ईंट
चिनाई ईंट
गेरू ईंट
इंट
செங்கல் (Sengal)
ఇటుక (Iṭuka)
ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige)
ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika)
Tags
Brick
Masonry
Clay
Refractory
Construction Material
Wall
Arch
Vault
Chimney
Fireplace
Flue
Material ID
INHFMAT-813203343-20-11-25-NE
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brick-chimneys
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brick-chimneys
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Ceramic
Masonry
Structural Material

Regions

Regions
Global

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Early Modern
Modern
Contemporary

Geographic Sources

Sources
Clay Quarries
Brick Kilns

Properties

Properties
Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³
Compressive Strength: 15-40 MPa
Water Absorption: 5-20%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK
Fire Resistance

Common Uses

Uses
Wall Construction
Vault Construction
Arch Construction
Pavement
Chimney Construction
Fireplace Construction
Oven Construction
Flue Linings
Foundation Construction

Related Materials

Materials
Mortar
Lime Mortar
Cement Mortar
Fire Clay Mortar
Refractory Materials
Insulation Materials

Related Styles

Styles
Vernacular Architecture
Industrial Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Residential Buildings
Religious Buildings
Industrial Buildings
Infrastructure

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to freeze-thaw damage
  • Requires regular inspection for cracks and spalling
  • Vulnerable to salt efflorescence
  • Potential for structural instability due to deterioration
  • Biological growth can contribute to deterioration

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Brick Industry Association Technical NotesTechnical ReportConstruction details and best practices.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Vedanta Society Old Temple San Francisco
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions