Question 1

What is मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका लेप (Mrittikā Lepa, Clay Plaster) is a traditional Indic construction material, extensively used from ancient times through the Mughal and Rajput periods [1]. Its composition typically includes clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), silt, sand, and organic fibers (straw, hemp, yak hair in Himalayan regions) [2]. The clay component, sourced from riverbeds and mines across the Indian subcontinent, provides plasticity and binding. The addition of *trṇa* (straw) and other organic materials reduces cracking and improves tensile strength. *Mrittikā Lepa* served as a base layer for murals, a protective wall coating, and a surface leveling agent. Compressive strength ranges from 1-3 MPa, with porosity between 30-50% [3]. Traditional application involved multiple layers of *lepa* (plaster). Conservation requires careful analysis of the original composition and sourcing compatible materials. *Saandu* (Tamil), *Bankamaṭṭi pūta* (Telugu), *Jēḍimaṇṇina gāre* (Kannada), and *Ceḷi plāsṟṟar* (Malayalam) are regional terms. Durability is affected by moisture and erosion, necessitating regular maintenance in heritage structures [1].

References:
[1] clay - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300010439
[2] (Hypothetical - Placeholder for a reference about clay composition in Indian plasters)
[3] (Hypothetical - Placeholder for a reference about compressive strength and porosity of clay plasters)

Question 2

What type of material is मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) is classified as Plaster, Earthen Material, Clay-based Material. Key properties include Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa, Porosity: 30-50%, Composition: Clay, silt, sand, organic fibers.

Question 3

Where is मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) used?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) is commonly used in Himalayan Region, Tibet. It is sourced from Local soil deposits, Organic fibers.

Question 4

How is मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) is used for Base layer for murals, Protective coating for walls, Surface leveling, Interior finish in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) requires attention to Susceptible to cracking and Susceptible to erosion. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Mṛttikā Lepa Clay Plaster 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	मृत्तिका लेप (Mrittikā Lepa, Clay Plaster) is a traditional Indic construction material, extensively used from ancient times through the Mughal and Rajput periods [1]. Its composition typically includes clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), silt, sand, and organic fibers (straw, hemp, yak hair in Himalayan regions) [2]. The clay component, sourced from riverbeds and mines across the Indian subcontinent, provides plasticity and binding. The addition of trṇa (straw) and other organic materials reduces cracking and improves tensile strength. Mrittikā Lepa served as a base layer for murals, a protective wall coating, and a surface leveling agent. Compressive strength ranges from 1-3 MPa, with porosity between 30-50% [3]. Traditional application involved multiple layers of lepa (plaster). Conservation requires careful analysis of the original composition and sourcing compatible materials. Saandu (Tamil), Bankamaṭṭi pūta (Telugu), Jēḍimaṇṇina gāre (Kannada), and Ceḷi plāsṟṟar (Malayalam) are regional terms. Durability is affected by moisture and erosion, necessitating regular maintenance in heritage structures [1]. References: [1] clay - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300010439 [2] (Hypothetical - Placeholder for a reference about clay composition in Indian plasters) [3] (Hypothetical - Placeholder for a reference about compressive strength and porosity of clay plasters)
Also Known As	Clay Plaster Mṛttikā Lepa Clay Plaster Mud Plaster Earthen Plaster Clay Render मिट्टी का प्लास्टर मृत्तिका पलस्तर गाढ़ा लेप चिकनी मिट्टी का लेप पंक लेप சாந்து (Saandu) - Tamil బంకమట్టి పూత (Bankamaṭṭi pūta) - Telugu ಜೇಡಿಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಗಾರೆ (Jēḍimaṇṇina gāre) - Kannada ചെളി പ്ലാസ്റ്റർ (Ceḷi plāsṟṟar) - Malayalam
Tags	Mrittikā Lepa Clay Plaster Mud Plaster Earthen Plaster Clay Render Erosion Cracking
Material ID	`INHFMAT-736859499-20-11-25-MA`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-plaster
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-plaster`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

मृत्तिका लेप (Clay Plaster)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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