Title

कंकड़ (Kankar (Kankar))

Rare

Kaṅkaṛ

Kankar (Kankar)

4.5/5(Based on 4 heritage sites)
Descriptionकंकड़ पत्थर (Kankar), a nodular limestone [1], served as a crucial construction material across the Indic subcontinent, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Deccan Plateau. Its geological origin lies in sedimentary deposits, forming calcareous aggregates with 60-90% calcium carbonate and 10-20% clay impurities. Traditionally sourced from quarries and alluvial deposits, Kankar, known locally as कंकरीट, रोड़ी, बजरी, சல்லிக்கல் (Sallikkal), మెట్ట (Meṭṭa), and ಜಲ್ಲಿಕಲ್ಲು (Jallikallu), was extensively used from the ancient to early modern periods. Its moderate hardness (Density: 2.0-2.4 g/cm³) made it suitable for historical road construction and as aggregate in early forms of concrete. Calcination transformed Kankar into lime, a primary binder. The clay content imparted moderate pozzolanic activity, enhancing lime mortar durability. Heritage structures, including those from the Chauhan Dynasty, utilized Kankar in foundations and walls. Conservation efforts must address its susceptibility to weathering and salt attack, employing compatible lime-based mortars for restoration [2], [3].
Also Known As
Kankar (Kankar)
Kaṅkaṛ
Kankar
Calcareous Nodules
Gravel
Aggregate
कंकड़ पत्थर
कंकरीट
रोड़ी
बजरी
சல்லிக்கல் (Sallikkal)
మెట్ట (Meṭṭa)
ಜಲ್ಲಿಕಲ್ಲು (Jallikallu)
Tags
Kankar
Lime Nodules
Calcium Carbonate
Lime
Pozzolan
Aggregate
Construction Material
Material ID
INHFMAT-675637504-20-11-25-KN
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/kankar
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/kankar
Total Sites4
Primary Sites4
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Calcareous Aggregate
Lime Source
Pozzolanic Material
Sedimentary Rock
Nodular Limestone
Construction Aggregate

Regions

Regions
Haryana
Punjab
Uttar Pradesh
Indo-Gangetic Plain
Deccan Plateau

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient Period
Medieval Period
Early Modern Period
Dynasties
Chauhan Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Alluvial soil deposits

Properties

Properties
Calcium carbonate content: 60-90%
Clay content: 10-20%
Nodule size: mm to cm
Moderate Hardness
Composition: Calcium carbonate with clay impurities
Density: 2.0-2.4 g/cm³
Variable compressive strength
Moderate pozzolanic activity

Common Uses

Uses
Lime production
Historical road construction
Historical aggregate for concrete
Lime mortar additive
Historical foundation material

Related Materials

Materials
Chuna (Lime)
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Ret (Sand)

Related Styles

Styles
Rajput Architecture
Traditional Indian Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Forts
Temples
Residential Buildings

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Requires careful calcination for lime production
  • Impurity content affects lime quality
  • Improves hydraulic properties of lime mortar when used as a pozzolan
  • Requires proper crushing and grading for aggregate use
  • Potential for salt efflorescence if improperly processed in lime production
  • Requires careful selection and preparation for optimal performance

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Lime and Lime MortarsBookUse of Kankar in lime mortars

Heritage Sites (4)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan
Primary
Walls100%
Mundeshwari Devi Temple Kaura
Primary
100%
Pemayangtse Monastery Pelling
Primary
100%
Polonnaruwa Ancient City North Central Province Sri Lanka
Primary
100%

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