Title

बर्मा सागौन (Burma Teak)

Rare

Barmā Sāgaun

Burma Teak

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionSāgavāna (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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/burma-teak
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/burma-teak
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 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
  • Susceptible to surface erosion from UV exposure
  • Requires periodic oiling to maintain water resistance
  • Insect infestation can occur if not properly treated
  • Monitor for fungal growth in humid environments

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportWood properties and preservation

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Chettinad Palace Karaikudi
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions