| Title | बर्मा सागौन (Burma Teak)Rare Barmā Sāgaun Burma Teak |
|---|---|
| Description | Sāgavāna (सागवान) or Burma Teak (Tectona grandis), known as *śāka* (शाक) or *śākavṛkṣa* (शाकवृक्ष) in Sanskrit, is a highly valued hardwood timber. Its density ranges from 640-720 kg/m³ [1]. The heartwood's oleoresin content confers natural resistance to decay and insect attack, crucial for longevity in Indic climates. Historically sourced from forests across Myanmar and the Indian subcontinent, Sāgavāna was extensively used in temple architecture and royal palaces during the Vijayanagara and Maratha periods. Its modulus of rupture is between 80-110 MPa. Traditional processing involved seasoning techniques to minimize warping. Its durability made it ideal for *dvāra-bandhana* (द्वार-बन्धन) or door frames, *sthambha* (स्तम्भ) or pillars, and roofing. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like Thanjavur's Brihadeeswarar Temple require careful assessment of moisture content (12-15%) and appropriate consolidation methods to preserve the wood's structural integrity. |
| Also Known As | Burma Teak Barmā Sāgaun Burma Teak Teak Tectona grandis सागवान सागौन शाक शाकवृक्ष तेक्कु (Tamil) టేకు (Telugu) ತೇಗ (Kannada) തേക്ക് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | Sagwan Sāgavāna Teak Timber Hardwood Myanmar Tectona grandis Construction material |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-578431906-20-11-25-SR |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/burma-teak |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/burma-teak |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Hardwood Timber Wood |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | Myanmar India |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | 19th Century CE 20th Century CE 21st Century CE |
|---|
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Forests of Myanmar Plantations in India |
|---|
Properties
| Properties | Density: 640-720 kg/m³ Modulus of Rupture: 80-110 MPa Moisture Content: 12-15% Natural oils provide water resistance High durability Resistance to decay and insects |
|---|
Common Uses
| Uses | Carved pillars Door frames Roofing structures Window frames Paneling Flooring Furniture |
|---|
Related Materials
| Materials | Chuna (Lime Mortar) Loha (Iron) Wood adhesives |
|---|
Related Styles
| Styles | Chettinad architecture Colonial architecture |
|---|
Related Categories
| Categories | Palace Mansion |
|---|
Conservation Notes
| Notes |
|
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Research Institute Reports | Technical Report | Wood properties and preservation |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chettinad Palace Karaikudi | Primary | 100% |