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  3. शीशा (Glazing)
Title

शीशा (Glazing)

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Rare

Śīśā

Glazing

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Descriptionकांच (Kānch), or शीशा (Śīśā), encompasses glazing materials, primarily soda-lime glass, used in Indic architecture. Its composition is predominantly silica (SiO₂) derived from quartz-rich sands, traditionally sourced from riverbeds across the subcontinent. Physical properties include a density of 2400-2800 kg/m³, refractive index of 1.5-1.9, and thermal conductivity of 0.8-1.0 W/mK. [1] Historically, कांच was employed in Mughal and Rajput structures, often as दर्पण (Darpaṇa) or mirrors, and later as window panes. Durability is a concern; weathering leads to surface degradation. Conservation involves careful cleaning and replacement with compatible glass. The thermal expansion coefficient (8-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C) dictates joint design. Traditional processing involved crucible melting, a technique documented in ancient texts. [2] Modern कांच production utilizes float glass methods. Restoration requires understanding the original glass composition and manufacturing techniques to ensure authentic replication. [3] The tensile strength is 40-80 MPa, while compressive strength is ~1000 MPa.
Also Known As
Glazing
Śīśā
Glazing
Glass
Pane
Sheet Glass
काच
शीशा
दर्पण
काँच
शिशा (Bengali)
கண்ணாடி (Kannāṭi)
అద్దము (Addamu)
ಗಾಜು (Gāju)
ചില്ല് (Chillu)
Tags
कांच
Kānch
Glass
Window
Transparency
Glazing
Transparent
Sheet Glass
Material ID
INHFMAT-010613252-20-11-25-KZ
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/glazing
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/glazing
Total Sites2
Primary Sites2
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Glass
Silicate
Soda-Lime Glass

Regions

Regions
South Asia
Global

Historical Context

Time Periods
20th Century CE
21st Century CE

Geographic Sources

Sources
Glass factories across India
Saint-Gobain
Asahi India Glass
Glass manufacturing plants
Silica sand mines

Properties

Properties
Density: 2400-2800 kg/m³
Refractive index: 1.5-1.9
Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.0 W/mK
Tensile strength: 40-80 MPa
Compressive strength: ~1000 MPa
Thermal expansion coefficient: 8-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Common Uses

Uses
Windows
Doors
Skylights
Curtain walls
Stained glass windows

Related Materials

Materials
Aluminium
Steel
Silicon Sealant
Aluminium Frame
Rubber Sealant

Related Styles

Styles
Modern Architecture
Contemporary Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Community Hall
Temple (modern)

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to cracking from thermal stress
  • Requires careful handling during installation
  • Can be prone to condensation
  • Susceptible to cracking and breakage due to impact
  • Requires periodic cleaning
  • Protection from extreme temperature fluctuations

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
IS 2553 (Part 1) : 1990StandardSafety glass - Specification: Part 1 Annealed and toughened glass
Glass Technology JournalJournalTechnical articles on glass properties and applications

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Canberra Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir Mawson
Primary
100%
Hindu Cultural Society of Calgary Temple
Primary
Flooring100%

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