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  3. देवदार काष्ठ (Deodar Wood)
Title

देवदार काष्ठ (Deodar Wood)

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Rare

Devadāra kāṣṭha

Deodar Wood

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Descriptionदेवदारु (Devadāru), or Deodar wood, a softwood timber derived from Cedrus deodara, holds significant importance in Indic heritage architecture. Predominantly sourced from the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, its density ranges from 0.49-0.6 g/cm³ [2]. The wood exhibits a modulus of elasticity between 9-12 GPa and bending strength of 50-70 MPa [2]. Its natural resistance to decay and insects, attributed to its chemical composition including resinous compounds, makes it ideal for structural applications. Historically, देवदारु काष्ठ (Devadāru Kāṣṭha) was extensively used by dynasties like the Katyuri Dynasty for roof beams, door frames, and window frames. Traditional processing involved felling during specific lunar cycles (चन्द्रमा) and seasoning techniques to control moisture content (12-15%) [3]. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of देवदारु लकड़ी (Devadāru Lakadi) elements, employing compatible repair materials and techniques to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic value. The Getty AAT lists related elements such as wooden collars [1].
Also Known As
Deodar Wood
Devadāra kāṣṭha
Deodar Wood
Himalayan Cedar
Cedrus deodara wood
देवदारु काष्ठ
देवदार लकड़ी
सुरभित दारु
देवदारु
தேவதாரு மரம் (Tēvatāru maram)
దేవదారు చెక్క (Dēvadāru cekka)
ದೇವದಾರು ಮರ (Dēvadāru mara)
ദേവദാരു മരം (Dēvadāru maraṁ)
Tags
देवदारु
Devadāru
Deodar
Cedar
Wood
Himalayas
Uttarakhand
Timber
Material ID
INHFMAT-408987181-20-11-25-DR
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/deodar-wood
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/deodar-wood
Total Sites2
Primary Sites2
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Softwood
Coniferous Wood
Timber

Regions

Regions
Uttarakhand
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Dynasties
Katyuri Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Himalayan forests
Uttarkashi forests
Himalayan forests near Tungnath

Properties

Properties
Density: 0.49-0.6 g/cm³
Modulus of elasticity: 9-12 GPa
Bending strength: 50-70 MPa
Natural resistance to decay and insects
Moisture content: 12-15%

Common Uses

Uses
Roof beams
Door frames
Window frames
Carvings
Structural supports
Structural beams
Decorative carvings
Roofing elements
Joinery

Related Materials

Materials
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
लोहा - Lohā (Iron)
राल - Rāla (Resin)
लाक्षा - Lākshā (Lac)
तेल - Tela (Oil)

Related Styles

Styles
Himalayan Temple Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Nagara Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Residential Buildings

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to fungal attack if not properly seasoned
  • Requires regular application of oil or resin-based preservatives
  • Vulnerable to fire
  • Susceptible to UV degradation
  • Insect infestation prevention

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Gangotri Temple Uttarkashi
Primary
100%
Tungnath Temple Rudraprayag
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions