| Title | चीनी मिट्टी की टाइलें (Ceramic Tiles)Rare Chīnī miṭṭī kī ṭāileṁ Ceramic Tiles |
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| Description | सिरेमिक टाइलें (Siraimik ṭāileṁ), or *mrittika* टाइलें (clay tiles), are fired clay products extensively used in Indic architecture for floor coverings and wall cladding [1]. Their composition varies based on locally sourced *khanija* (minerals) from regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Traditional sources included quarries yielding clay rich in silica and alumina. Firing temperatures range from 1000-1200°C, impacting porosity (0.5-10%) and compressive strength (20-200 MPa). Water absorption ranges from <0.5-10%. Historically, the Mughal and Rajput dynasties employed these tiles extensively, though evidence exists of earlier use. The tiles exhibit varying abrasion resistance depending on glaze and firing. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate understanding the original *rasayana* (chemical composition) and firing techniques. Thermal expansion (6-8 x 10^-6 /°C) is a key consideration for restoration. Traditional *vastu shastra* principles guided tile placement. Durability depends on proper installation and environmental factors. |
| Also Known As | Ceramic Tiles Chīnī miṭṭī kī ṭāileṁ Ceramic Tiles Tiles Floor Tiles Wall Tiles चीनी मिट्टी की टाइलें सिरेमिक टाइलें मृत्तिका टाइलें ಚೀನೀ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಹೆಂಚುಗಳು (Kannada) సిరామిక్ పలకలు (Telugu) பீங்கான் ஓடுகள் (Tamil) |
| Tags | Ceramic Tiles Porcelain Glaze Flooring Tiles Clay Ceramic Tile Terracotta |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-677082691-20-11-25-ST |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/ceramic-tiles |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/ceramic-tiles |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Ceramic Clay Product Fired Clay |
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Regions
| Regions | Gujarat Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Modern Period Medieval Period Colonial Period |
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| Dynasties | Rajput Dynasty Mughal Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Ceramic factories Tile manufacturers Local tile factories Ceramic tile manufacturing clusters |
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Properties
| Properties | Porosity: 0.5-10% Compressive strength: 20-200 MPa Water absorption: <0.5-10% Thermal expansion: 6-8 x 10^-6 /°C Breaking strength: 15-30 MPa Abrasion resistance: Varies Firing temperature: 1000-1200°C Glazed or unglazed surface |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Floor coverings Wall cladding Roofing Decorative surfaces Decorative panels Flooring |
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Related Materials
| Materials | सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭ (Cement) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) रेती - Retī (Sand) |
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Related Styles
| Styles | Modern architecture Art Deco Rajput architecture Indo-Islamic architecture |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Residential buildings Commercial buildings Temples Temple Residential Buildings Commercial Buildings Palaces |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IS 15622: Ceramic Tiles - Specification | Standard | Indian Standard for ceramic tile specifications |
| Handbook on Ceramic Tiles | Technical Manual | Manufacturing and properties |
| Traditional Indian Ceramics | Art History | History and techniques of ceramic tile production |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Mariamman Temple Singapore | Secondary | 100% |