Question 1

What is ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork)?

Accepted Answer

ईंट की चिनाई (Brickwork), or इष्टिका चिनाई (Ishtika Chinai) in Sanskrit, is a composite construction material prevalent across the Indian subcontinent since the Indus Valley Civilization [2]. Fabricated from locally sourced clay – a geological material composed of hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates – bricks are fired at 900-1100°C, imparting compressive strength (3.5-40 MPa) and reducing water absorption (5-25%) [3]. Traditional sources included riverbeds and alluvial plains. Density ranges from 1.6-2.2 g/cm³. Mortar, often incorporating चूना (Chuna, lime) and sometimes Surkhi (brick dust), binds the bricks.

Extensively used during the Mauryan, Gupta, and Delhi Sultanate periods for structures like स्तूप (Stupa), temples, and fortifications, brickwork exhibits varied bond patterns. Conservation necessitates understanding clay mineralogy, firing techniques, and mortar composition. Deterioration mechanisms include salt efflorescence and bio-colonization. Restoration employs compatible materials and techniques, respecting the original चिनाई कार्य (Chinai Karya, masonry work) [1]. Thermal conductivity is 0.6-1.0 W/mK.

Question 2

What type of material is ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork)?

Accepted Answer

ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) is classified as Ceramic, Masonry, Fired Clay Product. Key properties include Compressive strength: 3.5-40 MPa (depending on brick type), Water absorption: 5-25%, Density: 1.6-2.2 g/cm³.

Question 3

Where is ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) used?

Accepted Answer

ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) is commonly used in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, India, Indus Valley. It is sourced from Local clay deposits, Local brick kilns, Alluvial clay deposits.

Question 4

How is ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) is used for Load-bearing walls, Partition walls, Paving, Arches, Vaults, Fortifications, Temple construction, Boundary walls in heritage architecture. It is found in 3 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) requires attention to Susceptible to salt efflorescence and Susceptible to frost damage. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork) 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites) Rare Īnṭ cināī Brickwork 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites)
Description	ईंट की चिनाई (Brickwork), or इष्टिका चिनाई (Ishtika Chinai) in Sanskrit, is a composite construction material prevalent across the Indian subcontinent since the Indus Valley Civilization [2]. Fabricated from locally sourced clay – a geological material composed of hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates – bricks are fired at 900-1100°C, imparting compressive strength (3.5-40 MPa) and reducing water absorption (5-25%) [3]. Traditional sources included riverbeds and alluvial plains. Density ranges from 1.6-2.2 g/cm³. Mortar, often incorporating चूना (Chuna, lime) and sometimes Surkhi (brick dust), binds the bricks. Extensively used during the Mauryan, Gupta, and Delhi Sultanate periods for structures like स्तूप (Stupa), temples, and fortifications, brickwork exhibits varied bond patterns. Conservation necessitates understanding clay mineralogy, firing techniques, and mortar composition. Deterioration mechanisms include salt efflorescence and bio-colonization. Restoration employs compatible materials and techniques, respecting the original चिनाई कार्य (Chinai Karya, masonry work) [1]. Thermal conductivity is 0.6-1.0 W/mK.
Also Known As	Brickwork Īnṭ cināī Bricklaying Brick masonry Brick construction Masonry with bricks ईंटों की चिनाई ईंटों का काम चिनाई कार्य इष्टिका चिनाई (Sanskrit) செங்கல் கட்டுமானம் (Tamil) ఇటుక పని (Telugu) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಕೆಲಸ (Kannada) ഇഷ്ടികപ്പണി (Malayalam) विटांची बांधणी (Marathi) ইটের গাঁথনি (Bengali) ইটাৰ কাম (Assamese) ଇଟା କାମ (Odia) اینٹوں کی چنائی (Urdu)
Tags	ईंट Brick Clay Firing Mortar Masonry Wall Terracotta
Material ID	`INHFMAT-846126556-20-11-25-AR`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brickwork
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brickwork`
Total Sites	3
Primary Sites	3
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Period Gupta Period Delhi Sultanate Period Medieval Period Modern Period
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Chola Dynasty Delhi Sultanate

Title	Type	Notes
Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study	Book	Brick types and construction
Traditional Indian Brickmaking	Article	Manufacturing process
IS 1077:1992	Indian Standard	Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks - Specification
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Brick manufacturing and properties
Traditional Indian Brick Architecture	Book	History and construction techniques
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Brick analysis
Traditional Indian Brick Making	Technical Report	Brick manufacturing techniques
Ancient Indian Bricks	Archaeological Report	Analysis of brick composition and manufacturing techniques
Terracotta and Brick in South Asia	Book	Historical analysis

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple Penang	Primary	100%
Sri Mariamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple Singapore	Primary	100%

ईंट चिनाई (Brickwork)

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Heritage Sites (3)

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