Question 1

What is मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick)?

Accepted Answer

ईंट (Īṇṭa), or clay brick, is a fundamental construction material across the Indian subcontinent, evidenced from the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE) [2]. Primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits, its chemical composition includes silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Processing involves molding, drying, and firing at 900-1100°C, transforming कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट (kaccī miṭṭī kī īṇṭa, unfired brick) into a durable ceramic [3]. Physical properties include compressive strength (3.5-35 MPa), water absorption (5-20%), and density (1600-2200 kg/m³) [3]. Historically, dynasties like the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals extensively utilized इष्टिका (Iṣṭika) in monumental architecture. Traditional construction methods employed lime mortar for bonding. Conservation of heritage structures necessitates careful consideration of ईंट's porosity and susceptibility to salt efflorescence. Restoration often involves sourcing compatible clay and employing traditional firing techniques. Brick hammers [1] were historically used in bricklaying.

References:
[1] brick hammers - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300421110
[2] (Hypothetical) Archaeological Survey of India report on Indus Valley Civilization building materials.
[3] (Hypothetical) Indian Standard (IS) code for clay brick specifications.

Question 2

What type of material is मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) is classified as Ceramic, Earthen, Manufactured. Key properties include Compressive strength: 3.5-35 MPa (depending on grade), Water absorption: 5-20%, Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³.

Question 3

Where is मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) used?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) is commonly used in Indian Subcontinent, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu. It is sourced from Clay deposits, Brick kilns.

Question 4

How is मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) is used for Load-bearing walls, Partition walls, Pavements, Arches, Vaults, Wall construction, Vaulting, Flooring in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) requires attention to Susceptible to salt attack and Efflorescence. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Mṛttikā īnṭ Clay Brick 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	ईंट (Īṇṭa), or clay brick, is a fundamental construction material across the Indian subcontinent, evidenced from the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE) [2]. Primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits, its chemical composition includes silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Processing involves molding, drying, and firing at 900-1100°C, transforming कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट (kaccī miṭṭī kī īṇṭa, unfired brick) into a durable ceramic [3]. Physical properties include compressive strength (3.5-35 MPa), water absorption (5-20%), and density (1600-2200 kg/m³) [3]. Historically, dynasties like the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals extensively utilized इष्टिका (Iṣṭika) in monumental architecture. Traditional construction methods employed lime mortar for bonding. Conservation of heritage structures necessitates careful consideration of ईंट's porosity and susceptibility to salt efflorescence. Restoration often involves sourcing compatible clay and employing traditional firing techniques. Brick hammers [1] were historically used in bricklaying. References: [1] brick hammers - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300421110 [2] (Hypothetical) Archaeological Survey of India report on Indus Valley Civilization building materials. [3] (Hypothetical) Indian Standard (IS) code for clay brick specifications.
Also Known As	Clay Brick Mṛttikā īnṭ Clay Brick Common Brick Unfired Brick Mud Brick मिट्टी की ईंट कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट साधारण ईंट मृदा ईंट इष्टिका செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ഇഷ്ടിക (Iṣṭika)
Tags	ईंट Brick Clay Brick Burnt Clay Kiln Clay Terracotta Masonry Construction Material
Material ID	`INHFMAT-862861835-20-11-25-AL`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-bricks
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-bricks`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	2
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient (3300 BCE - 600 CE) Medieval (600 CE - 18th Century) Modern (18th Century - Present)
Dynasties	Indus Valley Civilization Maurya Gupta Mughal Vijayanagara

Title	Type	Notes
IS 1077:1992	Indian Standard	Common burnt clay building bricks - Specification
Ancient Indian Bricks	Book	History and technology
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Traditional Indian Building Materials and Techniques	Book	Brick manufacturing and properties

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Pahari Mandir Ranchi	Primary		100%
Vellore Fort Vellore	Primary		100%

मृत्तिका ईंट (Clay Brick)

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