| Title | मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick)Rare Mṛttikā īnṭ Clay Brick |
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| Description | ईंट (Clay Brick), or *Ishtika* (इष्टिका) in Sanskrit, is a ceramic structural material integral to Indic heritage architecture. Formed from clay, its composition varies based on geological origin, typically sourced from alluvial deposits in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Processing involves shaping, drying, and firing at 800-1100°C, yielding compressive strengths of 15-30 MPa and water absorption of 10-20%. Density ranges from 1600-2200 kg/m³. Traditional kilns (*bhatti*) utilized locally sourced fuel. The Maurya and Kushan dynasties extensively employed *Ishtika* in structures, documented in archaeological sites [1]. Durability depends on firing temperature and clay composition. Conservation necessitates understanding material degradation mechanisms like salt efflorescence and bio-deterioration. Restoration often involves replacing deteriorated *Ishtika* with compatible materials, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic harmony. *Kacchi mitti ki eint* (कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट) refers to unfired bricks. *Sengal* (செங்கல்), *Iṭuka* (ఇటుక), *Iṭṭige* (ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ), and *Iṣṭika* (ഇഷ്ടിക) are regional names. Brick hammers were used in construction [1]. |
| Also Known As | Clay Brick Mṛttikā īnṭ Clay Brick Common Brick Unfired Brick मिट्टी की ईंट कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट साधारण ईंट मृदा ईंट इष्टिका செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika) விட்டம் (Viṭṭam) |
| Tags | इष्टिका Ishtikā Brick Clay Firing Terracotta Construction Material Ancient Brick |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-962152868-20-11-25-IY |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-brick |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Structural Material |
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| Regions | Uttar Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Kerala |
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| Time Periods | Early Historic Period Kushan Period |
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| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Kushan Dynasty |
| Sources | Local clay deposits near riverbeds |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 15-30 MPa Water absorption: 10-20% Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.6-0.8 W/mK |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Vault construction Paving Enclosure walls Foundation construction |
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| Materials | मृत्तिकालेप (Mud Plaster) चूना (Lime Mortar) |
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| Styles | Mauryan Architecture Kushan Architecture |
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| Categories | Stupas Monasteries Temples Residential Buildings |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Technical analysis of brick types |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Ruins Termez | Primary | 100% |