Question 1

What is प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick)?

Accepted Answer

तैराकी ईंट (Tairākī Īṇṭ), or "floating brick," a porous ceramic material, exhibits a density less than 1.0 g/cm³ and porosity exceeding 30%. Known by Indic terms like *plavamāna īṇṭ* (प्लवमान ईंट) and *jalataraṇa īṇṭ* (जलतरण ईंट), its lower compressive strength necessitates specialized applications. Traditional construction, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, utilized these bricks in wells, water tanks, and marshy foundations. The Kakatiya dynasty extensively employed them to reduce structural load.

The chemical composition varies based on locally sourced materials, often incorporating rice husk ash or lightweight aggregates. Geological origins trace back to clay quarries and volcanic deposits within the Indian subcontinent. Processing involved traditional brick hammers [1] for shaping and firing techniques to induce porosity. Durability is a concern due to high water absorption. Conservation efforts require careful assessment of material degradation and compatible repair mortars. Restoration necessitates sourcing similar materials and employing traditional *sthāpatis* (architects) skilled in heritage construction.

Question 2

What type of material is प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick)?

Accepted Answer

प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) is classified as Brick, Lightweight Brick, Porous Ceramic. Key properties include Density: <1.0 g/cm³, High porosity (typically >30%), Lower compressive strength compared to standard bricks.

Question 3

Where is प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) used?

Accepted Answer

प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) is commonly used in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh. It is sourced from Local clay deposits mixed with lightweight aggregates such as rice husk ash.

Question 4

How is प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) is used for Construction of wells and water tanks, Construction of specific parts of hydraulic structures, Foundation construction in marshy areas, Reducing the overall weight of structures in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) requires attention to High water absorption necessitates protective coatings and Susceptibility to algae and moss growth. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Plavamāna Īṇṭ Floating Brick 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	तैराकी ईंट (Tairākī Īṇṭ), or "floating brick," a porous ceramic material, exhibits a density less than 1.0 g/cm³ and porosity exceeding 30%. Known by Indic terms like plavamāna īṇṭ (प्लवमान ईंट) and jalataraṇa īṇṭ (जलतरण ईंट), its lower compressive strength necessitates specialized applications. Traditional construction, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, utilized these bricks in wells, water tanks, and marshy foundations. The Kakatiya dynasty extensively employed them to reduce structural load. The chemical composition varies based on locally sourced materials, often incorporating rice husk ash or lightweight aggregates. Geological origins trace back to clay quarries and volcanic deposits within the Indian subcontinent. Processing involved traditional brick hammers [1] for shaping and firing techniques to induce porosity. Durability is a concern due to high water absorption. Conservation efforts require careful assessment of material degradation and compatible repair mortars. Restoration necessitates sourcing similar materials and employing traditional sthāpatis (architects) skilled in heritage construction.
Also Known As	Floating Brick Plavamāna Īṇṭ Floating Brick Buoyant Brick Lightweight Floating Brick प्लवमान ईंट तैराकी ईंट उत्तारी ईंट जलतरण ईंट तरण ईंट மிதக்கும் செங்கல் (Mithakkum Sengal) తేలియాడే ఇటుక (Tēliyādē Iṭuka) ತೇಲುವ ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Tēluva Iṭṭige) പൊങ്ങിക്കിടക്കുന്ന ഇഷ്ടിക (Poṅṅikkṭakkunna Iṣṭika)
Tags	तैराकी ईंट Tairākī Īṇṭ Floating Brick Lightweight Brick Porous Brick Kakatiya Buoyant Brick
Material ID	`INHFMAT-722706905-20-11-25-TB`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/floating-bricks
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/floating-bricks`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Medieval India
Dynasties	Kakatiya Dynasty

प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick)

External References

Material Types

Regions

Historical Context

Geographic Sources

Properties

Common Uses

Related Materials

Related Styles

Related Categories

Conservation Notes

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (1)

Frequently Asked Questions