What is ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite)?

ग्रेनाइट (ग्रेनाइट पत्थर), an intrusive igneous rock (अग्निजन्य शिला), served as a crucial *vastu* (material) in Indic architecture from the Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) [2]. Its felsic composition, primarily quartz and feldspar, yields high compressive strength (100-250 MPa) [3] and density (2.6-2.75 g/cm³) [3], vital for load-bearing structures. Quarries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (கிராнит கல்), and Andhra Pradesh (గ్రానైట్ రాయి) provided *shila* (stone) for Chalukya, Chola, and Vijayanagara empires [2]. Traditional methods involved quarrying, dressing, and interlocking *shila* without mortar, exemplified in temple plinths and *mūrtī* (idols) [2]. Its low water absorption (<0.5%) [3] contributes to durability, yet thermal expansion (7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C) [3] necessitates careful design. Conservation addresses weathering and bio-deterioration, employing techniques to preserve this *kaṭhora shila* (hard stone) [2] at sites like Hampi and Brihadeeswarar Temple [2].

What type of material is ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite)?

ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) is classified as Igneous Rock, Intrusive Rock, Plutonic Rock, Natural Stone, Building Stone, Acidic Rock, Felsic Rock. Key properties include Compressive strength: 100-250 MPa, Density: 2.6-2.75 g/cm³, Water absorption: 0.1-0.5%.

Where is ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) used?

ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) is commonly used in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sri Lanka (Jaffna), Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is sourced from Aihole quarries, Ilkal quarries, Kanakapura quarries.

What are the conservation considerations for ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite)?

Conservation of ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) requires attention to Resistant to weathering and Susceptible to staining. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite)
Rating: 4.5 (10 reviews)
Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite) 4.5/5(Based on 10 heritage sites) Uncommon Grenāiṭ śilā Granite 4.5/5(Based on 10 heritage sites)
Description	ग्रेनाइट (ग्रेनाइट पत्थर), an intrusive igneous rock (अग्निजन्य शिला), served as a crucial vastu (material) in Indic architecture from the Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) [2]. Its felsic composition, primarily quartz and feldspar, yields high compressive strength (100-250 MPa) [3] and density (2.6-2.75 g/cm³) [3], vital for load-bearing structures. Quarries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (கிராнит கல்), and Andhra Pradesh (గ్రానైట్ రాయి) provided shila (stone) for Chalukya, Chola, and Vijayanagara empires [2]. Traditional methods involved quarrying, dressing, and interlocking shila without mortar, exemplified in temple plinths and mūrtī (idols) [2]. Its low water absorption (<0.5%) [3] contributes to durability, yet thermal expansion (7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C) [3] necessitates careful design. Conservation addresses weathering and bio-deterioration, employing techniques to preserve this kaṭhora shila (hard stone) [2] at sites like Hampi and Brihadeeswarar Temple [2].
Also Known As	Granite Grenāiṭ śilā Granite Granite Stone Igneous Rock ग्रेनाइट पत्थर कठोर शिला अग्निजन्य शिला ग्रेनाइट கிராнит கல் (Kirāṉiṭ kal) గ్రానైట్ రాయి (Granaiṭ rāyi) ಗ್ರಾನೈಟ್ ಕಲ್ಲು (Grānaiṭ kallu) ഗ്രാനൈറ്റ് കല്ല് (Grānaiṟṟ kall) ग्रॅनाइट (Marathi) ગ્રેનાઈટ (Gujarati) গ্রানাইট (Bengali) ଗ୍ରାନାଇଟ୍ (Odia)
Tags	Granite Krishna Shilā Stone Quarry Masonry Karnataka कृष्ण शिला Statue Durable Grænā'iṭa Shilā ग्रॅनाइट Grॅnā'iṭa Igneous Rock शिला Igneous Structural Karnataka Granite Dravidian Cladding Grॅnāiṭa Hard Stone Foundation Quartz Feldspar पाषाण Vijayanagara Rajasthan Fort Deccan ग्रेनाइट Granā'iṭa Dravidian Architecture Temple Construction Granāit Aihole Badami Grānait Granāita Tamil Nadu Pillar Kalaburagi Khammam Kakatiya Granāiṭa Pashāna Grēnā'iṭa Grenait Paving Mica Grenāit Chalukya Grenāiṭ Temple Grēnāiṭ Grey Ilkal Kuppam Grenāiṭa South India Grēnāiṭa Building Stone Temple construction Plinth Telangana Deccan Granite Kanchipuram Durability Pallava Mamallapuram Vellore Pāshāna Uttarakhand Himalayas Krishnashila கற்கள் Karkal Kaṟkaḷ Fortification
Material ID	`INHFMAT-543808436-20-11-25-KE`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/granite
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/granite`
Total Sites	10
Primary Sites	5
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Igneous Rock Intrusive Rock Plutonic Rock Natural Stone Building Stone Acidic Rock Felsic Rock

Regions

Regions	Karnataka Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Rajasthan Telangana Uttarakhand Himachal Pradesh Sri Lanka (Jaffna) Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Historical Context

Time Periods	Chalukya period Hoysala period Vijayanagara period 10th century CE Chola period Vijayanagara Empire Chalukya period (6th-12th century CE) Chola period (9th-13th century CE) Chola Period Pallava Period 3rd century BCE Medieval Period CE Chola Period (9th-13th century CE) Pandya Period (13th-14th century CE) Chola Period CE Ancient Period Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th century CE) Pandya Period CE Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century CE) Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) Later Rajput Period Qutb Shahi Dynasty Chalukya Dynasty (6th-12th centuries CE) Chola Dynasty (9th-13th centuries CE) Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE) Vijayanagara Period Colonial Period Bahmani Sultanate Modern Period Kakatiya Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire CE Modern Ancient Period CE Chalukya Period CE - Present Chalukya Period CE Hoysala Period CE Ancient times Modern times Nayaka Period Vijayanagara Period CE Chalukya Period 17th century CE Ancient Medieval Ancient Times Pandya Period 19th Century CE 20th Century CE Vijayanagara Empire Period Modern Era Pallava Period (6th-9th century CE) Chola Dynasty Modern Construction 7th century CE 8th century CE Medieval Period Modern Era CE Kakatiya period (12th-14th century CE) 16th century CE Modern Period CE Kakatiya Period CE Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) Chola Period (11th century CE) Nayaka Period (16th-18th century CE) Nayaka Period CE Nayaka Period (16th-17th century CE) Precambrian
Dynasties	Chalukya Hoysala Vijayanagara Ganga Dynasty Chola Pallava Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Pandya Mewar Dynasty Rajput clans Qutb Shahi Mysore Wodeyars Bahmani Nayaka Dynasty Kakatiya Nayaka Qutb Shahi dynasty Kakatiya dynasty Chalukya dynasty Hoysala dynasty Bahmani Sultanate

Time Periods

Chalukya period

Hoysala period

Vijayanagara period

10th century CE

Chola period

Vijayanagara Empire

Chalukya period (6th-12th century CE)

Chola period (9th-13th century CE)

Chola Period

Pallava Period

3rd century BCE

Medieval Period CE

Chola Period (9th-13th century CE)

Pandya Period (13th-14th century CE)

Chola Period CE

Ancient Period

Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th century CE)

Pandya Period CE

Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century CE)

Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)

Later Rajput Period

Qutb Shahi Dynasty

Chalukya Dynasty (6th-12th centuries CE)

Chola Dynasty (9th-13th centuries CE)

Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE)

Vijayanagara Period

Colonial Period

Bahmani Sultanate

Modern Period

Kakatiya Dynasty

Vijayanagara Empire CE

Modern

Ancient Period CE

Chalukya Period CE - Present

Chalukya Period CE

Hoysala Period CE

Ancient times

Modern times

Nayaka Period

Vijayanagara Period CE

Chalukya Period

17th century CE

Ancient

Medieval

Ancient Times

Pandya Period

19th Century CE

20th Century CE

Vijayanagara Empire Period

Modern Era

Pallava Period (6th-9th century CE)

Chola Dynasty

Modern Construction

7th century CE

8th century CE

Medieval Period

Modern Era CE

Kakatiya period (12th-14th century CE)

16th century CE

Modern Period CE

Kakatiya Period CE

Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE)

Chola Period (11th century CE)

Nayaka Period (16th-18th century CE)

Nayaka Period CE

Nayaka Period (16th-17th century CE)

Precambrian

Dynasties

Chalukya

Hoysala

Vijayanagara

Ganga Dynasty

Chola

Pallava

Chola Dynasty

Vijayanagara Empire

Pandya

Mewar Dynasty

Rajput clans

Qutb Shahi

Mysore Wodeyars

Bahmani

Nayaka Dynasty

Kakatiya

Nayaka

Qutb Shahi dynasty

Kakatiya dynasty

Chalukya dynasty

Hoysala dynasty

Bahmani Sultanate

Geographic Sources

Sources	Aihole quarries Ilkal quarries Kanakapura quarries Quarries near Shravanabelagola Specific quarries in Karnataka Aihole quarries (Karnataka) Kuppam quarries (Andhra Pradesh) Shoolagiri quarries (Tamil Nadu) Mamallapuram quarries Kanchipuram region quarries Badami quarries specific geographic sources Quarries near Bangalore Hospet quarries Karimnagar quarries Specific quarries in South India Quarries near Nellore Aihole quarries (historical) various quarries in South India Kuppam quarries Shoolagiri quarries Ilkal quarries (Karnataka) Shoolagiri (Tamil Nadu) Quarries near Bangalore, Karnataka Quarries near Chennai, Tamil Nadu Quarries near Chittorgarh Specific Rajasthan quarries Quarries near Hyderabad specific Deccan plateau quarries Quarries in Karnataka Quarries in Tamil Nadu Jalore (Rajasthan) specific quarries in Karnataka Karnataka granite quarries Telangana quarries near Hyderabad Quarries near Khammam Melmaruvathur quarries Aihole quarries, Karnataka Specific quarries in Andhra Pradesh Specific granite quarries in Tamil Nadu specific South Indian quarries specific quarries in Tamil Nadu Specific quarries in Tamil Nadu Quarries near Krishnagiri Local sources near Gingee Karnataka quarries (e.g., Ilkal) Tamil Nadu quarries (e.g., Melmaruvathur) local Telangana quarries Quarries near Madurai specific quarries in South India Specific geographic sources Kanigiri quarries Quarries in Karnataka (e.g., Ilkal) Quarries in Tamil Nadu (e.g., Melmaruvathur) Quarries near Tiruvannamalai Quarries in Karimnagar Quarries in Tamil Nadu (e.g., near Madurai) Karnataka (e.g., near Bangalore) Khammam quarries Tamil Nadu quarries Deccan Plateau quarries near Hyderabad Jalore quarries (Rajasthan) Local sources if available Kanchipuram quarries various quarries in Tamil Nadu Quarries near Chennai Specific regional sources Rajasthan quarries Kolar Granite Quarries Ilkal Quarries Tamil Nadu granite quarries Kunnam quarries Kolar quarries Quarries near Vellore Specific quarries near Hampi Local Telangana quarries Uttarkashi quarries Himalayan foothills Quarries near Madurai, Tamil Nadu Specific quarries near Thanjavur Quarries near Dindigul Madurai granite quarries Quarries in South India Specific quarries near Jaffna, Sri Lanka Hospet granite quarries Madurai quarries Krishnagiri quarries Local quarries in Mannar District Mahabalipuram quarries (historical)

Sources

Aihole quarries

Ilkal quarries

Kanakapura quarries

Quarries near Shravanabelagola

Specific quarries in Karnataka

Aihole quarries (Karnataka)

Kuppam quarries (Andhra Pradesh)

Shoolagiri quarries (Tamil Nadu)

Mamallapuram quarries

Kanchipuram region quarries

Badami quarries

specific geographic sources

Quarries near Bangalore

Hospet quarries

Karimnagar quarries

Specific quarries in South India

Quarries near Nellore

Aihole quarries (historical)

various quarries in South India

Kuppam quarries

Shoolagiri quarries

Ilkal quarries (Karnataka)

Shoolagiri (Tamil Nadu)

Quarries near Bangalore, Karnataka

Quarries near Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Quarries near Chittorgarh

Specific Rajasthan quarries

Quarries near Hyderabad

specific Deccan plateau quarries

Quarries in Karnataka

Quarries in Tamil Nadu

Jalore (Rajasthan)

specific quarries in Karnataka

Karnataka granite quarries

Telangana quarries near Hyderabad

Quarries near Khammam

Melmaruvathur quarries

Aihole quarries, Karnataka

Specific quarries in Andhra Pradesh

Specific granite quarries in Tamil Nadu

specific South Indian quarries

specific quarries in Tamil Nadu

Specific quarries in Tamil Nadu

Quarries near Krishnagiri

Local sources near Gingee

Karnataka quarries (e.g., Ilkal)

Tamil Nadu quarries (e.g., Melmaruvathur)

local Telangana quarries

Quarries near Madurai

specific quarries in South India

Specific geographic sources

Kanigiri quarries

Quarries in Karnataka (e.g., Ilkal)

Quarries in Tamil Nadu (e.g., Melmaruvathur)

Quarries near Tiruvannamalai

Quarries in Karimnagar

Quarries in Tamil Nadu (e.g., near Madurai)

Karnataka (e.g., near Bangalore)

Khammam quarries

Tamil Nadu quarries

Deccan Plateau quarries near Hyderabad

Jalore quarries (Rajasthan)

Local sources if available

Kanchipuram quarries

various quarries in Tamil Nadu

Quarries near Chennai

Specific regional sources

Rajasthan quarries

Kolar Granite Quarries

Ilkal Quarries

Tamil Nadu granite quarries

Kunnam quarries

Kolar quarries

Quarries near Vellore

Specific quarries near Hampi

Local Telangana quarries

Uttarkashi quarries

Himalayan foothills

Quarries near Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Specific quarries near Thanjavur

Quarries near Dindigul

Madurai granite quarries

Quarries in South India

Specific quarries near Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Hospet granite quarries

Madurai quarries

Krishnagiri quarries

Local quarries in Mannar District

Mahabalipuram quarries (historical)

Properties

Properties	Compressive strength: 100-250 MPa Density: 2.6-2.75 g/cm³ Water absorption: 0.1-0.5% Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C Density: 2.65-2.75 g/cm³ Porosity: 0.1-3% Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³ Porosity: 0.5-1.5% Thermal conductivity: 2.9-3.5 W/mK Porosity: 0.4-1.5% Compressive Strength: 100-250 MPa Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Porosity: 0.2-1.5% Porosity: 0.1-1.5% Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C High weather resistance Porosity: 0.1-1% Porosity: <1% Thermal conductivity: 2.5-3.5 W/mK Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10^-6 /°C Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10^-6/°C Density: 2600-2800 kg/m³ Thermal expansion coefficient: 5-8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Density: 2600-2700 kg/m³ Water absorption: <0.5% Porosity: 1-3% Thermal conductivity: 2.9-3.5 W/m.K Water absorption: <0.2% Thermal conductivity: 2-3 W/mK Density: 2650-2750 kg/m³ Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ Weathering resistance: High Grain size: 1-5 mm Thermal expansion coefficient: 5-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C Thermal expansion: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7 Compressive strength: 150-250 MPa Flexural Strength: 15-30 MPa Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75 Thermal Expansion: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Mohs hardness: 6-7 Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale) Water absorption: Low Thermal expansion: Low Grain size: Medium to coarse Water absorption: <1%

Compressive strength: 100-250 MPa

Density: 2.6-2.75 g/cm³

Water absorption: 0.1-0.5%

Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C

Density: 2.65-2.75 g/cm³

Porosity: 0.1-3%

Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³

Porosity: 0.5-1.5%

Thermal conductivity: 2.9-3.5 W/mK

Porosity: 0.4-1.5%

Compressive Strength: 100-250 MPa

Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Porosity: 0.2-1.5%

Porosity: 0.1-1.5%

Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

High weather resistance

Porosity: 0.1-1%

Porosity: <1%

Thermal conductivity: 2.5-3.5 W/mK

Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10^-6 /°C

Thermal expansion coefficient: 7-9 x 10^-6/°C

Density: 2600-2800 kg/m³

Thermal expansion coefficient: 5-8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Density: 2600-2700 kg/m³

Water absorption: <0.5%

Porosity: 1-3%

Thermal conductivity: 2.9-3.5 W/m.K

Water absorption: <0.2%

Thermal conductivity: 2-3 W/mK

Density: 2650-2750 kg/m³

Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³

Weathering resistance: High

Grain size: 1-5 mm

Thermal expansion coefficient: 5-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C

Thermal expansion: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶/°C

Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7

Compressive strength: 150-250 MPa

Flexural Strength: 15-30 MPa

Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75

Thermal Expansion: 7-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Mohs hardness: 6-7

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)

Water absorption: Low

Thermal expansion: Low

Grain size: Medium to coarse

Water absorption: <1%

Common Uses

Uses	Foundation stones Load-bearing walls Pillars Decorative carvings Paving Structural components of the Gomateshwara statue Sculptures Column bases Steps Cladding Structural elements Floor paving Structural components Structural support Temple construction Flooring Temple plinths Sculptural elements Structural supports Retaining walls Temple base Structural walls Decorative elements Columns Foundation Paving stones Structural columns Exterior cladding Plinths Wall cladding मूर्ती - Mūrtī (Idols) Gateways Structural Elements Column shafts Temple superstructure Lintels

Uses

Foundation stones

Load-bearing walls

Pillars

Decorative carvings

Paving

Structural components of the Gomateshwara statue

Sculptures

Column bases

Steps

Cladding

Structural elements

Floor paving

Structural components

Structural support

Temple construction

Flooring

Temple plinths

Sculptural elements

Structural supports

Retaining walls

Temple base

Structural walls

Decorative elements

Columns

Foundation

Paving stones

Structural columns

Exterior cladding

Plinths

Wall cladding

मूर्ती - Mūrtī (Idols)

Gateways

Structural Elements

Column shafts

Temple superstructure

Lintels

Related Materials

Materials	चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) रेती - Retī (Sand) Kāshtha (Wood) Metal clamps कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for reinforcement) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) Kāshtha (Timber) धातु क्लैम्प - Dhātu Klaimp (Metal Clamps) धातु - Dhātu (Metal) सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭ (Cement) धातु - Dhātu (Metal) cramps लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for dowels) Kankar (Lime Nodules) रेती - Reti (Sand) जल - Jal (Water) Jaggery (for mortar strengthening) धातु - Dhatu (Metal Clamps) Shilā (Stone) Lohā (Iron) धातु - Dhātu (Metal Dowels) धातु बंधन - Dhātu Bandhan (Metal Clamps) धातु की कील - Dhātu kī kīl (Metal Dowels) रेत - Ret (Sand) Gravel Shilārasa (Stone Adhesive) ग्रेनाइट धूल - Grēnāiṭa Dhūl (Granite Dust) धातु - Dhātu (Metal) - for reinforcement गारा - Gārā (Mud Mortar) Lead clamps सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭa (Cement) धातु - Dhātu (Metal Clamps) कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel) कंकड - Kankar (Lime Nodules) ईंट - Īnt (Brick) சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Chunāmbuch chāndhu (Lime Mortar) செங்கல் தூள் - Ceṅkal tūḷ (Brick Powder) சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Bricks) சுண்ணாம்பு - Cunnāmpu (Lime) Sand செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick)

Materials

चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)

सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

रेती - Retī (Sand)

Kāshtha (Wood)

Metal clamps

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions)

लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for reinforcement)

लोहा - Lohā (Iron)

Kāshtha (Timber)

धातु क्लैम्प - Dhātu Klaimp (Metal Clamps)

धातु - Dhātu (Metal)

सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭ (Cement)

धातु - Dhātu (Metal) cramps

लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for dowels)

Kankar (Lime Nodules)

रेती - Reti (Sand)

जल - Jal (Water)

Jaggery (for mortar strengthening)

धातु - Dhatu (Metal Clamps)

Shilā (Stone)

Lohā (Iron)

धातु - Dhātu (Metal Dowels)

धातु बंधन - Dhātu Bandhan (Metal Clamps)

धातु की कील - Dhātu kī kīl (Metal Dowels)

रेत - Ret (Sand)

Gravel

Shilārasa (Stone Adhesive)

ग्रेनाइट धूल - Grēnāiṭa Dhūl (Granite Dust)

धातु - Dhātu (Metal) - for reinforcement

गारा - Gārā (Mud Mortar)

Lead clamps

सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭa (Cement)

धातु - Dhātu (Metal Clamps)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel)

कंकड - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

ईंट - Īnt (Brick)

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Chunāmbuch chāndhu (Lime Mortar)

செங்கல் தூள் - Ceṅkal tūḷ (Brick Powder)

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar)

செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Bricks)

சுண்ணாம்பு - Cunnāmpu (Lime)

Sand

செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick)

Related Styles

Styles	Dravidian architecture style Vijayanagara architecture style Dravidian architecture Hoysala architecture Vijayanagara architecture Nagara architecture style Rajput architecture Nagara architecture Deccan architecture style Indo-Islamic architecture style Vesara architecture style Vesara architecture Indo-Saracenic architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Kakatiya architecture Hoysala architecture style Chalukya architecture style Temple architecture style Chalukya architecture Temple architecture Chettinad architecture Modern Temple Architecture Kakatiya architecture style Himalayan Temple Architecture Chola architecture

Styles

Dravidian architecture style

Vijayanagara architecture style

Dravidian architecture

Hoysala architecture

Vijayanagara architecture

Nagara architecture style

Rajput architecture

Nagara architecture

Deccan architecture style

Indo-Islamic architecture style

Vesara architecture style

Vesara architecture

Indo-Saracenic architecture

Indo-Islamic architecture

Kakatiya architecture

Hoysala architecture style

Chalukya architecture style

Temple architecture style

Chalukya architecture

Temple architecture

Chettinad architecture

Modern Temple Architecture

Kakatiya architecture style

Himalayan Temple Architecture

Chola architecture

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Fort Palace Statue Mandapa Public Buildings Mandir Gopuram Sculpture Stepwell Foundation Dam Bridge Monument Pillars Mansion

Conservation Notes

Notes	Resistant to weathering Susceptible to staining Requires periodic cleaning Joints may require repointing with compatible mortar Resistant to weathering but susceptible to staining Requires cleaning with non-acidic solutions Requires careful cleaning to avoid damage Requires cleaning with pH-neutral solutions Avoid abrasive cleaning methods Resistant to weathering, but susceptible to staining from biological growth. Requires periodic cleaning with appropriate biocides. Requires cleaning with appropriate pH-neutral solutions Joints need periodic inspection and repointing Avoid abrasive cleaners Joints need periodic repointing with compatible mortar Requires careful cleaning to avoid abrasion Joints require periodic repointing with compatible mortar May exhibit staining Requires minimal maintenance Biological growth can occur in humid conditions Requires careful cleaning Susceptible to thermal stress Requires careful handling during transportation Requires cleaning with appropriate solvents Joint stabilization Joints may require repointing Joints require periodic repointing Requires periodic cleaning with non-acidic solutions Joints need repointing with compatible mortar Requires gentle cleaning Highly durable May require cleaning to remove surface stains Joint erosion in masonry Requires cleaning with appropriate detergents Cracks can be repaired with epoxy resins Biological growth can be removed with biocides Thermal stress Requires careful cleaning methods Susceptible to thermal stress cracking in extreme climates Avoid harsh chemical cleaners Joint erosion Staining from biological growth Requires cleaning and sealing Requires careful cleaning to avoid damage to the surface Potential for cracking due to thermal stress May exhibit exfoliation due to thermal stress May require cleaning to remove stains Use of appropriate cleaning agents Cleaning with appropriate pH-neutral solutions Joint degradation May exhibit staining from iron oxides Staining from pollutants Resistant to weathering but susceptible to thermal stress Requires cleaning with neutral detergents Avoid acidic cleaners Requires cleaning and biocide treatment May exhibit exfoliation due to mineral alteration Cleaning with appropriate solvents Biological growth removal Potential for staining Requires careful jointing to prevent cracking Clean with mild detergents Can develop cracks due to thermal stress Resistant to weathering, but susceptible to staining Avoid harsh abrasives Protection from acid rain Joints need periodic repointing Susceptible to staining from biological growth Requires proper drainage Requires gentle cleaning methods Requires cleaning with non-abrasive methods Cracking can occur due to thermal stress Biocide treatment for algae/lichen growth Requires cleaning Highly durable but susceptible to thermal stress Potential for exfoliation Requires proper jointing Susceptible to staining from organic matter Potential for exfoliation due to thermal stress May require sealing to prevent staining Requires careful jointing to prevent water ingress Use of non-ferrous dowels to avoid staining Joints may require repointing with lime mortar Joints may require repointing with compatible lime mortar Potential for exfoliation in coastal environments due to salt spray Joints require repointing with compatible lime mortar Potential for exfoliation in coastal environments

Notes

Resistant to weathering
Susceptible to staining
Requires periodic cleaning
Joints may require repointing with compatible mortar
Resistant to weathering but susceptible to staining
Requires cleaning with non-acidic solutions
Requires careful cleaning to avoid damage
Requires cleaning with pH-neutral solutions
Avoid abrasive cleaning methods
Resistant to weathering, but susceptible to staining from biological growth. Requires periodic cleaning with appropriate biocides.
Requires cleaning with appropriate pH-neutral solutions
Joints need periodic inspection and repointing
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Joints need periodic repointing with compatible mortar
Requires careful cleaning to avoid abrasion
Joints require periodic repointing with compatible mortar
May exhibit staining
Requires minimal maintenance
Biological growth can occur in humid conditions
Requires careful cleaning
Susceptible to thermal stress
Requires careful handling during transportation
Requires cleaning with appropriate solvents
Joint stabilization
Joints may require repointing
Joints require periodic repointing
Requires periodic cleaning with non-acidic solutions
Joints need repointing with compatible mortar
Requires gentle cleaning
Highly durable
May require cleaning to remove surface stains
Joint erosion in masonry
Requires cleaning with appropriate detergents
Cracks can be repaired with epoxy resins
Biological growth can be removed with biocides
Thermal stress
Requires careful cleaning methods
Susceptible to thermal stress cracking in extreme climates
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
Joint erosion
Staining from biological growth
Requires cleaning and sealing
Requires careful cleaning to avoid damage to the surface
Potential for cracking due to thermal stress
May exhibit exfoliation due to thermal stress
May require cleaning to remove stains
Use of appropriate cleaning agents
Cleaning with appropriate pH-neutral solutions
Joint degradation
May exhibit staining from iron oxides
Staining from pollutants
Resistant to weathering but susceptible to thermal stress
Requires cleaning with neutral detergents
Avoid acidic cleaners
Requires cleaning and biocide treatment
May exhibit exfoliation due to mineral alteration
Cleaning with appropriate solvents
Biological growth removal
Potential for staining
Requires careful jointing to prevent cracking
Clean with mild detergents
Can develop cracks due to thermal stress
Resistant to weathering, but susceptible to staining
Avoid harsh abrasives
Protection from acid rain
Joints need periodic repointing
Susceptible to staining from biological growth
Requires proper drainage
Requires gentle cleaning methods
Requires cleaning with non-abrasive methods
Cracking can occur due to thermal stress
Biocide treatment for algae/lichen growth
Requires cleaning
Highly durable but susceptible to thermal stress
Potential for exfoliation
Requires proper jointing
Susceptible to staining from organic matter
Potential for exfoliation due to thermal stress
May require sealing to prevent staining
Requires careful jointing to prevent water ingress
Use of non-ferrous dowels to avoid staining
Joints may require repointing with lime mortar
Joints may require repointing with compatible lime mortar
Potential for exfoliation in coastal environments due to salt spray
Joints require repointing with compatible lime mortar
Potential for exfoliation in coastal environments

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
Indian Stones: Properties and Applications	Technical Publication	Granite varieties and their characteristics
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources
Building Stones of India	Book	Granite varieties and properties
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite characterization
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite deposits in Karnataka
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Indian Minerals Yearbook	Report	Geological survey data
Geology of Andhra Pradesh	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
Ancient Indian Building Materials and Construction Technology	Book	Granite usage in South Indian temples
South Indian Inscriptions	Archaeological Survey	Granite usage in inscriptions
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis of South Indian temples
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources of Karnataka
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis of South Indian temples
Geology and Building Stones of India	Book	Petrographic analysis and sourcing
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geology of Karnataka	Book	Granite formations in Karnataka
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology by Myron G. Best	Book	Properties of granite
Ancient Indian Building Materials and Construction Technology	Book	Granite usage in South India
Geology and Building Stones of India	Book	Detailed information on granite deposits and properties
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey Report	Granite deposits
South Indian Shila Shastra	Book	Granite usage in temples
Geology of South India	Geological Survey	Granite formations
South Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Granite usage
Geology of South India	Geological Survey	Granite formations
Handbook on Building Materials	Handbook	Granite properties and applications
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources
South Indian Inscriptions	Archaeological Survey	Granite usage in temple construction
Handbook of Indian Geology	Book	Granite resources in India
Indian Minerals Yearbook	Report	Granite resources in India
South Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Material usage in temples
Geological Survey of India reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources
South Indian Inscriptions	Archaeological Survey	Granite usage in temples
South Indian Shila Shastra	Book	Granite usage in temples
Granite in Indian Architecture	Technical Report	Properties and applications of granite
Geology of Indian Rocks	Book	Petrographic analysis
Ancient Indian Building Materials	Book	Granite usage in South Indian temples
Handbook of Indian Geology	Book	Granite formations in South India
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geology of South India	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite formations
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey	Granite deposits in Karnataka
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources in India
Building Stones of India	Book	Granite varieties and properties
Geology of South India	Geological Survey	Granite formations
South Indian Inscriptions	Historical Record	Use of granite in Chola temples
Geology of Building Stones in South India	Book	Detailed analysis of granite types
Geology and Building Stones of India	Book	Detailed geological analysis of granite sources
South Indian Shila Shastra	Book	Granite usage in temples
Geology of Building Stones	Book	Petrographic analysis
Geology of Indian Stones	Technical Report	Granite properties and quarry locations
Granites of South India	Geological Survey	Petrographic analysis
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Granite analysis in South Indian temples
Geology of Karnataka	Geological Survey Report	Granite deposits
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis of South Indian temples
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis of Chola temples
Geology of Tamil Nadu	Geological Survey	Granite deposits
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Granite resources of Tamil Nadu
Archaeological Survey of India Reports	Technical Report	Material analysis of South Indian temples

Heritage Sites (10)

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur	Primary	100%
Dindigul Fort Dindigul	Primary	100%
Kundankuzhi Mahadevar Temple Nagercoil	Primary	100%
Palani Murugan Temple Palani	Primary	100%
Tiruchirapalli Fort Tiruchirapalli	Primary	100%
Naguleswaram Temple Keerimalai Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple Nainativu Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Jaffna Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Thanjavur Palace Thanjavur	Secondary	100%
Thiruketheeswaram Temple Mannar Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%

ग्रेनाइट शिला (Granite)