Question 1

What is वस्त्र (Cloth)?

Accepted Answer

वस्त्र (Vastra), encompassing कपड़ा, चीर, and पट, denotes woven materials crucial in Indic heritage architecture and ritual. Predominantly cotton (Karpāsa) or silk (Resham), their biological origins dictate properties. Cotton, sourced from *Gossypium* species cultivated across the subcontinent, exhibits tensile strength of 290-590 MPa and moisture regain of 8.5%. Silk, derived from *Bombyx mori* silkworms fed on mulberry leaves, boasts tensile strength of 500-700 MPa and 11% moisture regain. Traditional processing involved condensers [1] and handlooms. Natural dyes, extracted from plants like indigo and turmeric, imparted color. Vastra served as temple decoration, clothing for idols, and architectural elements like canopies during the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods. Conservation necessitates careful handling due to biodegradability and dye fading. Restoration requires sourcing compatible natural fibers and dyes, mirroring historical techniques. Durability is affected by humidity, light exposure, and pest infestation.

Question 2

What type of material is वस्त्र (Cloth)?

Accepted Answer

वस्त्र (Cloth) is classified as Natural Fiber, Woven Material. Key properties include Tensile strength (Cotton): 290-590 MPa, Tensile strength (Silk): 500-700 MPa, Moisture regain (Cotton): 8.5%.

Question 3

Where is वस्त्र (Cloth) used?

Accepted Answer

वस्त्र (Cloth) is commonly used in South Asia, India. It is sourced from Local weavers, Textile merchants.

Question 4

How is वस्त्र (Cloth) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

वस्त्र (Cloth) is used for Temple decoration, Clothing for idols, Architectural decoration (e.g., canopies, wall hangings) in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for वस्त्र (Cloth)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of वस्त्र (Cloth) requires attention to Susceptible to insect damage (moths) and Fading of dyes due to light exposure. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	वस्त्र (Cloth) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Vastra Cloth 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	वस्त्र (Vastra), encompassing कपड़ा, चीर, and पट, denotes woven materials crucial in Indic heritage architecture and ritual. Predominantly cotton (Karpāsa) or silk (Resham), their biological origins dictate properties. Cotton, sourced from Gossypium species cultivated across the subcontinent, exhibits tensile strength of 290-590 MPa and moisture regain of 8.5%. Silk, derived from Bombyx mori silkworms fed on mulberry leaves, boasts tensile strength of 500-700 MPa and 11% moisture regain. Traditional processing involved condensers [1] and handlooms. Natural dyes, extracted from plants like indigo and turmeric, imparted color. Vastra served as temple decoration, clothing for idols, and architectural elements like canopies during the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods. Conservation necessitates careful handling due to biodegradability and dye fading. Restoration requires sourcing compatible natural fibers and dyes, mirroring historical techniques. Durability is affected by humidity, light exposure, and pest infestation.
Also Known As	Cloth Vastra Cloth Fabric Textile Material वस्त्र कपड़ा चीर पट अम्बर वसन वल्कल परिधान वस्त्रम् (Sanskrit) துணி (Tamil) గుడ్డ (Telugu) ಬಟ್ಟೆ (Kannada) തുണി (Malayalam)
Tags	वस्त्र Vastra Cloth Cotton Silk Textile Fabric
Material ID	`INHFMAT-426313820-20-11-25-VC`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/cloth
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/cloth`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

वस्त्र (Cloth)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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