| Title | पक्की ईंट (Burnt Brick)Rare Pakkī īnṭ Burnt Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | ईंट (burnt brick), or *Ishtika* in Sanskrit, is a ceramic masonry unit integral to Indic architecture since the Indus Valley Civilization [1]. Primarily composed of clay minerals (silica, alumina, iron oxide) from alluvial deposits across the subcontinent [2], its properties depend on the *bhata* (kiln) firing process (900-1000°C) [3]. This yields compressive strength (10-35 MPa), density (1600-2200 kg/m³), and reduced water absorption (5-20%) [4]. The Maurya, Gupta, and Delhi Sultanate dynasties extensively used *ishtika* for load-bearing walls, vaulted roofs, and well linings [5]. Traditional construction employed lime mortar (*chuna*) [6]. Durability is affected by clay composition and firing temperature [7]. Conservation at sites like Hampi addresses salt efflorescence and bio-deterioration [8]. Regional names include *Sengal* (Tamil) and *Ituka* (Telugu) [9]. Traditional brick hammers aided in shaping [1]. Material sources were often local quarries and riverbeds [10]. |
| Also Known As | Burnt Brick Pakkī īnṭ Burnt Brick Fired Brick Kiln-fired Brick Common Brick ईंट भट्ठे की ईंट अग्निसह ईंट इष्टिका செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika) |
| Tags | इष्टिका Ishtika Brick Clay Kiln Masonry Terracotta Firing |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-593581362-20-11-25-IB |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/burnt-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/burnt-brick |
| Total Sites | 3 |
| Primary Sites | 3 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Ceramic Clay Product Masonry Unit |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | Haryana Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan West Bengal Assam Punjab Maharashtra |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Empire Gupta Empire Medieval Period Ahom Kingdom Maratha Empire |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Kushan Dynasty Delhi Sultanate Ahom Dynasty Yadava Dynasty Maratha Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Local clay deposits near riverbeds Brick kilns in Haryana Brick kilns in Uttar Pradesh Local clay pits near settlements Brick kilns near riverbeds Local clay pits near brick kilns Specific clay deposits along riverbanks Local clay pits near Pune Local clay pits near Sivasagar Brick kilns in Assam |
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Properties
| Properties | Compressive strength: 10-35 MPa Water absorption: 5-20% Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK Porosity: 15-25% Firing temperature: 900-1000°C |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Load-bearing walls Pavements Vaulted roofs (with lime mortar) Well linings Arches Paving Ornamental brickwork Wall construction Linings for water tanks |
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Related Materials
| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) Kāshtha (Timber) |
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Related Styles
| Styles | Indo-Islamic architecture Regional vernacular architecture Bengal Sultanate architecture Bengal terracotta architecture Ahom architecture Deccan architecture Maratha architecture |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Forts Temples Residential buildings Wells Stupas Civil Architecture Palaces |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Technical analysis of brick types and construction techniques |
| Traditional Indian Brick Making Techniques | Technical Report | Brick manufacturing process |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Brick analysis and conservation |
Heritage Sites (3)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimapur Fort Dimapur | Primary | 100% | |
| Sinhagad Fort Pune | Primary | 100% | |
| Sivasagar Fort Sivasagar | Primary | 100% |