Question 1

What is मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

Mrittikā Khaprail (Clay Tiles), or मिट्टी की खपरैल, are ceramic construction materials prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Derived from locally sourced *mrittika* (clay), their composition varies based on geological origin within the Indian subcontinent. Firing temperatures range from 900-1100°C, yielding densities of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ and water absorption rates of 5-20% [2]. Compressive strength is typically 15-40 MPa, with flexural strength at 15-25 MPa. Porosity ranges from 10-25%.

Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara extensively used *kapalika* for roofing, paving, and cladding. Traditional *gramyaavaran* (rural covering) methods involved skilled *terracotta artists* [1]. Conservation requires understanding clay mineralogy and firing history. Restoration necessitates sourcing compatible clay from similar *khanija* (mines) and employing traditional firing techniques. Durability is affected by weathering, biological growth, and seismic activity. Understanding these factors is crucial for preserving heritage structures.

Question 2

What type of material is मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) is classified as Ceramic, Terracotta, Earthenware. Key properties include Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Water absorption: 5-20%, Firing temperature: 900-1100°C.

Question 3

Where is मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) used?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) is commonly used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa. It is sourced from Local kilns, Local clay pits, Tile manufacturing units.

Question 4

How is मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) is used for Roofing, Paving, Flooring, Wall cladding, Decorative elements in architecture in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) requires attention to Susceptible to cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles and physical impact and Prone to moss and algae growth, especially in humid climates. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Mṛttikā Khaprail Clay Tiles 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Mrittikā Khaprail (Clay Tiles), or मिट्टी की खपरैल, are ceramic construction materials prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Derived from locally sourced mrittika (clay), their composition varies based on geological origin within the Indian subcontinent. Firing temperatures range from 900-1100°C, yielding densities of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ and water absorption rates of 5-20% [2]. Compressive strength is typically 15-40 MPa, with flexural strength at 15-25 MPa. Porosity ranges from 10-25%. Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara extensively used kapalika for roofing, paving, and cladding. Traditional gramyaavaran (rural covering) methods involved skilled terracotta artists [1]. Conservation requires understanding clay mineralogy and firing history. Restoration necessitates sourcing compatible clay from similar khanija (mines) and employing traditional firing techniques. Durability is affected by weathering, biological growth, and seismic activity. Understanding these factors is crucial for preserving heritage structures.
Also Known As	Clay Tiles Mṛttikā Khaprail Clay Tiles Roofing Tiles Earthen Tiles Terracotta Tiles मिट्टी की खपरैल कपालिका ग्राम्यावरण ग्राम्य टाइल छत की मिट्टी மண் ஓடுகள் (Maṇ ōṭukaḷ) మట్టి పెంకులు (Maṭṭi peṅkulū) ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಹೆಂಚುಗಳು (Maṇṇina hen̄cugaḷu)
Tags	Clay Tiles Roof Tiles Terracotta Roofing Flooring Earthenware Ceramic मृत्तिका खपरैल Mritika Patala
Material ID	`INHFMAT-626994241-20-11-25-MI`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-tiles
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-tiles`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Colonial Period Modern Period
Dynasties	Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Travancore Kingdom Regional Kingdoms

Title	Type	Notes
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Clay tile manufacturing and properties
Traditional Indian Tile Manufacturing	Technical Report	Production and properties
Traditional Indian Ceramics	Book	Manufacturing and properties
Traditional Indian Ceramics	Book	Manufacturing and properties of clay tiles

मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tiles)

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