Question 1

What is बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry)?

Accepted Answer

बंधणी रहित (Bandhanī Rahita), also known as शुष्क चिनाई (Śuṣka Cināī) or जोड़ रहित चिनाई (Joṛ Rahit Cināī), is a mortar-less masonry technique prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Stability depends on gravity and friction between carefully dressed stones, often sourced from regional quarries [2]. Stone burins [1] were traditionally used for precise shaping. Geological origins vary, influencing compressive strength; granite, sandstone, and slate are common. High permeability allows drainage, mitigating hydrostatic pressure, crucial for retaining walls and foundations. The Maurya and Chalukya dynasties utilized this technique extensively. Durability depends on stone type and craftsmanship. Conservation involves careful stone replacement and drainage management to prevent destabilization. Flexibility allows for minor seismic adjustments. Restoration requires skilled artisans familiar with traditional methods. This technique is seen in fortifications, statue bases, and terracing across Rajasthan, Karnataka, and the Himalayan region.

Question 2

What type of material is बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry)?

Accepted Answer

बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) is classified as Construction Technique, Masonry. Key properties include High permeability, Flexibility, Interlocking dependent stability.

Question 3

Where is बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) used?

Accepted Answer

बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) is commonly used in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Himalayan Region. It is sourced from Local stone quarries.

Question 4

How is बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) is used for Retaining walls, Terracing, Foundations, Statue bases, Fortifications in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) requires attention to Susceptible to displacement due to seismic activity or erosion and Requires periodic inspection and realignment. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Bandhanī Rahita Cināī Dry Masonry 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	बंधणी रहित (Bandhanī Rahita), also known as शुष्क चिनाई (Śuṣka Cināī) or जोड़ रहित चिनाई (Joṛ Rahit Cināī), is a mortar-less masonry technique prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Stability depends on gravity and friction between carefully dressed stones, often sourced from regional quarries [2]. Stone burins [1] were traditionally used for precise shaping. Geological origins vary, influencing compressive strength; granite, sandstone, and slate are common. High permeability allows drainage, mitigating hydrostatic pressure, crucial for retaining walls and foundations. The Maurya and Chalukya dynasties utilized this technique extensively. Durability depends on stone type and craftsmanship. Conservation involves careful stone replacement and drainage management to prevent destabilization. Flexibility allows for minor seismic adjustments. Restoration requires skilled artisans familiar with traditional methods. This technique is seen in fortifications, statue bases, and terracing across Rajasthan, Karnataka, and the Himalayan region.
Also Known As	Dry Masonry Bandhanī Rahita Cināī Dry Stone Walling Dry Stack Masonry Mortarless Masonry शुष्क चिनाई जोड़ रहित चिनाई रूखी चिनाई बंधनी विहीन चिनाई சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து பூசாத கட்டுமானம் (Tamil) పొడి రాతి కట్టడం (Telugu) ಬಂಧನ ರಹಿತ ಕಲ್ಲುಕುಸುರಿ (Kannada) വരണ്ട കല്ലുപണി (Malayalam)
Tags	Dry Masonry Stone Interlocking Construction Mortarless Walling
Material ID	`INHFMAT-486810070-20-11-25-BM`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/dry-masonry
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/dry-masonry`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval Period
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Chalukya Dynasty

बंधनी रहित चिनाई (Dry Masonry)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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