What is लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite)?

लैटेराइट, or *mrittika pashana* (मृत्तिका पाषाण) [soil rock], is an iron-rich sedimentary rock widely used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly in coastal regions and the Deccan plateau [1]. Formed through intense weathering (*laterization*) in tropical climates, its composition includes goethite, hematite, gibbsite, and kaolinite [2]. Traditional quarries (*khadana*) provided the raw material. Freshly quarried laterite is relatively soft (compressive strength 2-10 MPa), but hardens upon exposure to air due to iron oxide precipitation, reaching compressive strengths up to 20 MPa [2]. Its high porosity (20-60%) and density (1.6-2.2 g/cm³) influence its thermal conductivity (0.2-0.8 W/mK) [2]. The Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE) extensively used laterite for foundations, walls, and paving [3]. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing consolidation techniques to preserve structures built during the Kadamba, Maratha, and Nayaka periods. Durability concerns necessitate careful material selection and maintenance in heritage sites.

What type of material is लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite)?

लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) is classified as Soil, Rock, Sedimentary Rock, Weathered Rock, Iron-rich Rock, Soil Rock, Natural Stone, Sedimentary. Key properties include Compressive strength: 5-20 MPa, Porosity: High, Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³.

Where is लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) used?

लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) is commonly used in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Coastal regions of India, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Coastal Karnataka, Parts of Chhattisgarh, Cambodia, Chhattisgarh, Southeast Asia, Tropical regions, Thailand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Coastal Odisha. It is sourced from Lateritic formations in Western Ghats, Specific regional quarries, Quarries in Kerala's midlands.

What are the conservation considerations for लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite)?

Conservation of लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) requires attention to Susceptible to erosion and Requires protection from moisture. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite)
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Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Laiṭerāiṭ mr̥dā Laterite 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	लैटेराइट, or mrittika pashana (मृत्तिका पाषाण) [soil rock], is an iron-rich sedimentary rock widely used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly in coastal regions and the Deccan plateau [1]. Formed through intense weathering (laterization) in tropical climates, its composition includes goethite, hematite, gibbsite, and kaolinite [2]. Traditional quarries (khadana) provided the raw material. Freshly quarried laterite is relatively soft (compressive strength 2-10 MPa), but hardens upon exposure to air due to iron oxide precipitation, reaching compressive strengths up to 20 MPa [2]. Its high porosity (20-60%) and density (1.6-2.2 g/cm³) influence its thermal conductivity (0.2-0.8 W/mK) [2]. The Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE) extensively used laterite for foundations, walls, and paving [3]. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing consolidation techniques to preserve structures built during the Kadamba, Maratha, and Nayaka periods. Durability concerns necessitate careful material selection and maintenance in heritage sites.
Also Known As	Laterite Laiṭerāiṭ mr̥dā Laterite Lateritic soil Red soil Iron-rich soil लैटेराइट मिट्टी लाल मिट्टी मृत्तिका पाषाण गेरू मिट्टी செம்மண் (Cemmaṇ) - Tamil లాటరైట్ మట్టి (Lāṭarāiṭ maṭṭi) - Telugu ಲ್ಯಾಟರೈಟ್ ಮಣ್ಣು (Lyāṭaraiṭ maṇṇu) - Kannada ചെങ്കൽ മണ്ണ് (Ceṅkal maṇṇŭ) - Malayalam
Tags	laterite Iron Aluminum Tropical soil Hardening Laterite Chenkallu Red Soil Kerala Architecture Quarry इष्टिका Ishtikā Stone Masonry Red Stone Erosion जलोढ़ मृत्तिका Jalodh Mrittika जांभा Jāmbhā Porous Stone Maharashtra Fort Pāshāna Odisha Tropical Soil Coastal Construction Weathering Goa Coastal Iron-rich stone Odisha architecture Tropical building material Iron Oxide Kerala Stone पाषाण मृत्तिका Pāshān Mrittikā Iron-rich Building Block Pāshāna Mrittikā Soil Bengal पाषाणभेद Pāshānabheda पाषाणमृत्तिका Pāshānamrittikā Ironstone मृत्तिका पाषाण Mrittika Pāshāna Iron oxide Porous लॅटेराइट Lॅṭerāiṭa Brick लेटराइट Laterait Laterāiṭa Building Material Kerala Porosity Lateritic Stone Jharkhand Tropical Western Ghats Deccan लैटेराइट Laiṭerā'iṭa Laiterāit Moorum Laiṭerāiṭ Rock Laiterāiṭa Coastal India Murrum Iron-rich soil Building block Udayagiri Laitērāiṭa Laterite Stone Sedimentary Rock Vellore Laiṭerāiṭa Wall शिला Shilā Cemmaṇ Red செம்மண் Insulation வெட்டுக்கல் Veṭṭukkal
Material ID	`INHFMAT-673011964-20-11-25-VT`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/laterite
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/laterite`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Soil Rock Sedimentary Rock Weathered Rock Iron-rich Rock Soil Rock Natural Stone Sedimentary

Regions

Regions	Kerala Karnataka Maharashtra Goa Coastal regions of India Odisha West Bengal Jharkhand Tamil Nadu Coastal Karnataka Parts of Chhattisgarh Cambodia Chhattisgarh Southeast Asia Tropical regions Thailand Andhra Pradesh Telangana Coastal Odisha

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient times Medieval Period CE Colonial Period 18th Century CE 19th Century CE 17th century CE 18th century CE Ancient times onwards Maratha Period Modern Period CE Ancient Period Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th century CE) Vijayanagara Period Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE) Medieval Period (8th-18th centuries CE) Early Historic Period Vijayanagara period Colonial period Vijayanagara Empire Medieval Period Not primary material at Prambanan, but potentially used in secondary structures or foundations Early Chalukya Dynasty (6th-8th century CE) Ancient Period CE 14th-17th century CE 16th century CE Colonial Period CE Ancient Medieval British Colonial Period Nayaka Period CE
Dynasties	Kadamba Vijayanagara Travancore British East India Company Various dynasties of South India Maratha Ganga Dynasty Eastern Chalukya Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Nayakas Kadamba Dynasty Eastern Ganga Dynasty Portuguese Malla dynasty (Bengal) Chera Kadamba dynasty Chola Cochin Royal Family Travancore Royal Family Regional Dynasties Shilahara Nayaka Maratha Empire Kakatiya dynasty Local chieftains Various local dynasties Nayaka Dynasty regional kingdoms Chalukya Ganga dynasty Eastern Ganga dynasty Vijayanagara dynasty Gajapati dynasty Qutb Shahi dynasty Qutb Shahi Cochin

Time Periods

Ancient times

Medieval Period CE

Colonial Period

18th Century CE

19th Century CE

17th century CE

18th century CE

Ancient times onwards

Maratha Period

Modern Period CE

Ancient Period

Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th century CE)

Vijayanagara Period

Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)

Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries CE)

Medieval Period (8th-18th centuries CE)

Early Historic Period

Vijayanagara period

Colonial period

Vijayanagara Empire

Medieval Period

Not primary material at Prambanan, but potentially used in secondary structures or foundations

Early Chalukya Dynasty (6th-8th century CE)

Ancient Period CE

14th-17th century CE

16th century CE

Colonial Period CE

Ancient

Medieval

British Colonial Period

Nayaka Period CE

Dynasties

Kadamba

Vijayanagara

Travancore

British East India Company

Various dynasties of South India

Maratha

Ganga Dynasty

Eastern Chalukya Dynasty

Vijayanagara Empire

Nayakas

Kadamba Dynasty

Eastern Ganga Dynasty

Portuguese

Malla dynasty (Bengal)

Chera

Kadamba dynasty

Chola

Cochin Royal Family

Travancore Royal Family

Regional Dynasties

Shilahara

Nayaka

Maratha Empire

Kakatiya dynasty

Local chieftains

Various local dynasties

Nayaka Dynasty

regional kingdoms

Chalukya

Ganga dynasty

Eastern Ganga dynasty

Vijayanagara dynasty

Gajapati dynasty

Qutb Shahi dynasty

Qutb Shahi

Cochin

Geographic Sources

Sources	Lateritic formations in Western Ghats Specific regional quarries Quarries in Kerala's midlands Specific laterite formations in coastal Karnataka Laterite quarries in Kerala Local laterite quarries in coastal Kerala Local quarries in coastal Karnataka Coastal Maharashtra quarries Goa plateaus Coastal Odisha Laterite Beds Specific Laterite Quarries in Mayurbhanj Coastal Kerala quarries Lateritic plateaus of Karnataka Coastal Goa quarries Ratnagiri district quarries Coastal Odisha quarries Specific laterite formations in Ganjam district Local quarries in Goa Coastal regions of Maharashtra Coastal regions of Karnataka Local laterite quarries Surface deposits Birbhum district (West Bengal) Coastal Karnataka Specific laterite formations in Western Ghats Specific laterite formations near Vaikom Lateritic plateaus in Goa Local laterite quarries in Chhattisgarh and surrounding regions specific geographic sources Local quarries near Gingee Laterite formations in Tamil Nadu Coastal regions of Kerala Ratnagiri, Maharashtra Goa mines Local quarries in Kerala Laterite quarries in Jharkhand Coastal regions of India Coastal regions of Western Ghats Specific geographic sources Lateritic plateaus of Kerala Coastal Karnataka quarries Specific laterite quarries in Goa Karnataka plateau regions Local quarries Coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala Ratnagiri district (Maharashtra) Coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka specific laterite quarries Specific laterite quarries Local quarries in coastal regions Local laterite deposits in Janjgir-Champa district Goa Local laterite quarries near Dantewada Lateritic soil deposits in Bastar region Local quarries and pits in laterite regions Goa plateau Specific laterite formations in Odisha Local quarries and soil deposits Specific laterite plateaus Laterite plateaus Local soil deposits Laterite plateaus in coastal regions Tropical regions Specific local quarries Local quarries in laterite-rich regions Coastal Odisha deposits Specific laterite quarries in Odisha Specific geographic sources in Odisha Coastal quarries Lateritic plateaus Local laterite quarries near Udayagiri Local quarries near Hyderabad Local quarries near Vellore Lateritic soil deposits specific laterite plateaus Local quarries in Jharkhand Local quarries and soil deposits in laterite regions Laterite formations in Kerala Laterite quarries in Goa Lateritic soil deposits in West Bengal Specific geographic locations Laterite mines in coastal Karnataka Laterite quarries in Tamil Nadu Kerala laterite mines Local quarries around Palani Specific laterite deposits

Sources

Lateritic formations in Western Ghats

Specific regional quarries

Quarries in Kerala's midlands

Specific laterite formations in coastal Karnataka

Laterite quarries in Kerala

Local laterite quarries in coastal Kerala

Local quarries in coastal Karnataka

Coastal Maharashtra quarries

Goa plateaus

Coastal Odisha Laterite Beds

Specific Laterite Quarries in Mayurbhanj

Coastal Kerala quarries

Lateritic plateaus of Karnataka

Coastal Goa quarries

Ratnagiri district quarries

Coastal Odisha quarries

Specific laterite formations in Ganjam district

Local quarries in Goa

Coastal regions of Maharashtra

Coastal regions of Karnataka

Local laterite quarries

Surface deposits

Birbhum district (West Bengal)

Coastal Karnataka

Specific laterite formations in Western Ghats

Specific laterite formations near Vaikom

Lateritic plateaus in Goa

Local laterite quarries in Chhattisgarh and surrounding regions

specific geographic sources

Local quarries near Gingee

Laterite formations in Tamil Nadu

Coastal regions of Kerala

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Goa mines

Local quarries in Kerala

Laterite quarries in Jharkhand

Coastal regions of India

Coastal regions of Western Ghats

Specific geographic sources

Lateritic plateaus of Kerala

Coastal Karnataka quarries

Specific laterite quarries in Goa

Karnataka plateau regions

Local quarries

Coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala

Ratnagiri district (Maharashtra)

Coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka

specific laterite quarries

Specific laterite quarries

Local quarries in coastal regions

Local laterite deposits in Janjgir-Champa district

Goa

Local laterite quarries near Dantewada

Lateritic soil deposits in Bastar region

Local quarries and pits in laterite regions

Goa plateau

Specific laterite formations in Odisha

Local quarries and soil deposits

Specific laterite plateaus

Laterite plateaus

Local soil deposits

Laterite plateaus in coastal regions

Tropical regions

Specific local quarries

Local quarries in laterite-rich regions

Coastal Odisha deposits

Specific laterite quarries in Odisha

Specific geographic sources in Odisha

Coastal quarries

Lateritic plateaus

Local laterite quarries near Udayagiri

Local quarries near Hyderabad

Local quarries near Vellore

Lateritic soil deposits

specific laterite plateaus

Local quarries in Jharkhand

Local quarries and soil deposits in laterite regions

Laterite formations in Kerala

Laterite quarries in Goa

Lateritic soil deposits in West Bengal

Specific geographic locations

Laterite mines in coastal Karnataka

Laterite quarries in Tamil Nadu

Kerala laterite mines

Local quarries around Palani

Specific laterite deposits

Properties

Properties	Compressive strength: 5-20 MPa Porosity: High Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³ Iron content: High Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (air-dried) Porosity: 30-50% Thermal conductivity: 0.2-0.6 W/mK Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa Porosity: 20-40% Water absorption: 15-25% Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa Iron oxide content: 30-60% Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa, Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Porosity: 30-60%, Iron content: High Density: 1.6-1.9 g/cm³ Porosity: 30-60% Density: 1.8-2.5 g/cm³ Thermal conductivity: 0.29 W/mK Density: 1.6-2.0 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), 20-40 MPa (seasoned) Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (after hardening) Porosity: 40-60% High iron content (20-60%) Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (dry) Thermal conductivity: 0.5-0.8 W/mK Porosity: 20-50% Thermal conductivity: 0.5-1.0 W/mK High iron and aluminum content Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (air-dried) Density: 1.6-2.2 g/cm³ Porosity: 20-30% Iron oxide content: 20-60% Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (unconfined) High iron content Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (fresh), up to 40 MPa (seasoned) Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), up to 20 MPa (seasoned) Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (variable) Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (depending on iron content) High iron oxide content Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (varies with composition) Water absorption: 20-40% Water absorption: 20-30% Porous structure Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (varies with iron content) Density: 1.4-1.8 g/cm³ Mineral composition: Goethite, hematite, gibbsite, kaolinite Iron content: 20-60% High iron oxide content (up to 60%) Porosity: 20-60% Density: 1600-1900 kg/m³ Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (variable) Iron content: 30-60% High iron and aluminum oxide content Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa Porosity: 30-40% Compressive strength: Variable, up to 10 MPa Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), 10-30 MPa (seasoned) Water absorption: High Specific gravity: 1.8-2.5 g/cm³ Compressive strength (air-dried): 2-10 MPa

Compressive strength: 5-20 MPa

Porosity: High

Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³

Iron content: High

Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (air-dried)

Porosity: 30-50%

Thermal conductivity: 0.2-0.6 W/mK

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa

Porosity: 20-40%

Water absorption: 15-25%

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa

Iron oxide content: 30-60%

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa, Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, Porosity: 30-60%, Iron content: High

Density: 1.6-1.9 g/cm³

Porosity: 30-60%

Density: 1.8-2.5 g/cm³

Thermal conductivity: 0.29 W/mK

Density: 1.6-2.0 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), 20-40 MPa (seasoned)

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (after hardening)

Porosity: 40-60%

High iron content (20-60%)

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (dry)

Thermal conductivity: 0.5-0.8 W/mK

Porosity: 20-50%

Thermal conductivity: 0.5-1.0 W/mK

High iron and aluminum content

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (air-dried)

Density: 1.6-2.2 g/cm³

Porosity: 20-30%

Iron oxide content: 20-60%

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (unconfined)

High iron content

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (fresh), up to 40 MPa (seasoned)

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), up to 20 MPa (seasoned)

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (variable)

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (depending on iron content)

High iron oxide content

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (varies with composition)

Water absorption: 20-40%

Water absorption: 20-30%

Porous structure

Compressive strength: 2-20 MPa (varies with iron content)

Density: 1.4-1.8 g/cm³

Mineral composition: Goethite, hematite, gibbsite, kaolinite

Iron content: 20-60%

High iron oxide content (up to 60%)

Porosity: 20-60%

Density: 1600-1900 kg/m³

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (variable)

Iron content: 30-60%

High iron and aluminum oxide content

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa

Porosity: 30-40%

Compressive strength: Variable, up to 10 MPa

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (fresh), 10-30 MPa (seasoned)

Water absorption: High

Specific gravity: 1.8-2.5 g/cm³

Compressive strength (air-dried): 2-10 MPa

Common Uses

Uses	Load-bearing walls Foundation Paving Foundation stones Well construction Compound walls Steps Walls Foundations Well lining Boundary walls Fortification walls Plinth construction Road Sub-base Road construction Well linings Foundation blocks Retaining walls Exterior cladding Wall construction Foundation material Road paving Building blocks Infill material Foundation plinths Plinth Brick-making Road sub-base Foundation walls Paving blocks Brick substitute Secondary walls Unpaved roads Foundation fill Substructure material Not typically used for primary structural elements in temples Road Paving Secondary structural elements Brick making Foundation filling Core material for walls Rough masonry Substructure construction Simple dwellings Simple structures

Uses

Load-bearing walls

Foundation

Paving

Foundation stones

Well construction

Compound walls

Steps

Walls

Foundations

Well lining

Boundary walls

Fortification walls

Plinth construction

Road Sub-base

Road construction

Well linings

Foundation blocks

Retaining walls

Exterior cladding

Wall construction

Foundation material

Road paving

Building blocks

Infill material

Foundation plinths

Plinth

Brick-making

Road sub-base

Foundation walls

Paving blocks

Brick substitute

Secondary walls

Unpaved roads

Foundation fill

Substructure material

Not typically used for primary structural elements in temples

Road Paving

Secondary structural elements

Brick making

Foundation filling

Core material for walls

Rough masonry

Substructure construction

Simple dwellings

Simple structures

Related Materials

Materials	चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) Kāshtha (Wood) ചൂനാമ്ബ് - Chūnāmb (Lime) മണൽ - Maṇal (Sand) Teak wood सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) कषायम् - Kashāyam (Herbal Concoctions) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding कौडी - Kaudi (Seashell Lime) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Extracts) लकड़ी - Lakadi (Wood) कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar) मिट्टी - Mitti (Mud) Kāshtha (Timber) मिट्टी - Mittī (Mud) मिट्टी - Miṭṭī (Mud) ईंट - Īnt (Brick) लकड़ी - Lakadee (Wood) मृत्तिका - Mr̥ttikā (Mud Mortar) मिट्टी - Mittī (Mud) plaster Jute fibers for reinforcement जल - Jala (Water) சுண்ணாம்பு - Cunnāmpu (Lime) Mud mortar சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) மரம் - Maram (Wood) மண் சாந்து - Maṇ cāntu (Mud Mortar)

Materials

चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)

Kāshtha (Wood)

ചൂനാമ്ബ് - Chūnāmb (Lime)

മണൽ - Maṇal (Sand)

Teak wood

सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

कषायम् - Kashāyam (Herbal Concoctions)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding

कौडी - Kaudi (Seashell Lime)

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions)

काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood)

कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Extracts)

लकड़ी - Lakadi (Wood)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar)

मिट्टी - Mitti (Mud)

Kāshtha (Timber)

मिट्टी - Mittī (Mud)

मिट्टी - Miṭṭī (Mud)

ईंट - Īnt (Brick)

लकड़ी - Lakadee (Wood)

मृत्तिका - Mr̥ttikā (Mud Mortar)

मिट्टी - Mittī (Mud) plaster

Jute fibers for reinforcement

जल - Jala (Water)

சுண்ணாம்பு - Cunnāmpu (Lime)

Mud mortar

சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar)

மரம் - Maram (Wood)

மண் சாந்து - Maṇ cāntu (Mud Mortar)

Related Styles

Styles	Kerala architecture Goan architecture Kerala architecture style Kerala Temple Architecture Colonial architecture Vernacular architecture Dravidian architecture style Maratha architecture style Deccan architecture style Odisha Temple Architecture Vernacular Architecture Coastal architecture Kalinga architecture Vernacular architecture of coastal India Goan temple architecture Goan architecture style Coastal architecture style Colonial architecture style Bengal temple architecture Kalinga architecture style Regional vernacular architecture Temple architecture in coastal regions Temple architecture in laterite-rich regions Vijayanagara architecture Colonial Bungalow architecture Vijayanagara architecture style Regional Bastar architecture Deccan architecture Bengal architecture style Rural construction Secondary structures Southeast Asian temple architecture Odisha temple architecture Bengal Temple Architecture

Styles

Kerala architecture

Goan architecture

Kerala architecture style

Kerala Temple Architecture

Colonial architecture

Vernacular architecture

Dravidian architecture style

Maratha architecture style

Deccan architecture style

Odisha Temple Architecture

Vernacular Architecture

Coastal architecture

Kalinga architecture

Vernacular architecture of coastal India

Goan temple architecture

Goan architecture style

Coastal architecture style

Colonial architecture style

Bengal temple architecture

Kalinga architecture style

Regional vernacular architecture

Temple architecture in coastal regions

Temple architecture in laterite-rich regions

Vijayanagara architecture

Colonial Bungalow architecture

Vijayanagara architecture style

Regional Bastar architecture

Deccan architecture

Bengal architecture style

Rural construction

Secondary structures

Southeast Asian temple architecture

Odisha temple architecture

Bengal Temple Architecture

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Church House Fort Residential Buildings Residential Palace Residential buildings Water Tank Wells Fortifications Rural Housing Foundation Substructure Wall Well

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to erosion Requires protection from moisture Stabilization with lime mortar Susceptible to erosion from heavy rainfall Requires breathable lime-based plasters Prone to disintegration if not properly cured Prone to erosion and disintegration due to high porosity; requires protective coatings and breathable lime mortars. Susceptible to salt crystallization; requires regular monitoring and desalination treatments. Highly susceptible to erosion due to porosity Requires protective coatings to prevent weathering Prone to disintegration in wet conditions Prone to erosion and weathering. Requires protective coatings and regular maintenance. Requires breathable lime-based coatings Prone to disintegration due to moisture Stabilization with lime-based consolidants Prone to disintegration in coastal environments Prone to disintegration in high humidity Requires breathable lime-based plasters for protection Prone to iron leaching Vegetation growth can accelerate weathering Susceptible to erosion due to high porosity Prone to disintegration in freeze-thaw cycles Susceptible to erosion and disintegration Stabilization with lime-based mortars Weakens upon prolonged water exposure Requires protective coatings Vegetation growth can cause structural damage Highly susceptible to erosion due to porosity; requires breathable lime plaster or protective coatings. Prone to moss and algae growth. Stabilization with lime-based treatments Highly susceptible to erosion due to its porous nature. Requires regular application of breathable consolidants. Avoid cement-based repairs; use lime-based mortars. Treatment with consolidants and water repellents Laterite is highly susceptible to erosion due to its high porosity; requires surface treatment with lime wash or breathable consolidants. Water ingress can lead to weakening of the structure; proper drainage is essential. Stabilization with lime Requires protection from water infiltration Prone to disintegration in high humidity environments Susceptible to erosion and disintegration due to its porous nature. Requires protection from direct water exposure. Consolidation with lime-based mortars and surface treatments. Requires surface treatments to prevent disintegration Biological growth due to moisture retention Prone to disintegration due to weathering Susceptible to erosion and disintegration in wet conditions Requires protective coatings or plastering Prone to biological growth Treatment with consolidants may be necessary Requires breathable lime plaster Requires surface stabilization Protect from excessive moisture Susceptible to erosion and weathering Prone to disintegration Weakens upon prolonged exposure to moisture Vegetation control Stabilization with lime or cement Weak in wet conditions Weakens with prolonged exposure to rain Weakens when saturated with water Weakening due to wetting and drying cycles Requires surface treatments Requires surface treatments with lime wash or silicate-based consolidants. Prone to disintegration in contact with moisture. Weakens with prolonged water exposure Biological growth Prone to leaching of iron oxides High water absorption Can contain harmful salts Requires surface treatments to reduce water absorption Protection from physical abrasion High porosity leads to water absorption Requires surface treatment to prevent disintegration Requires surface protection Requires surface treatment Prone to disintegration in high moisture Protection from prolonged wetting Weak material Stabilization with silicate-based consolidants Consolidation with lime-based treatments Consolidation with silicate-based treatments Highly susceptible to erosion due to high porosity Requires protective plastering to prevent weathering Avoid using cement-based mortars, which can trap moisture Stabilization with lime or cement is often necessary Highly porous and susceptible to erosion Use of lime plaster and herbal consolidants Susceptible to disintegration upon exposure to air Requires stabilization with lime mortar Protection from water infiltration Prone to disintegration in areas with high rainfall Stabilization with lime or cement may be necessary Susceptible to weathering and erosion

Notes

Susceptible to erosion
Requires protection from moisture
Stabilization with lime mortar
Susceptible to erosion from heavy rainfall
Requires breathable lime-based plasters
Prone to disintegration if not properly cured
Prone to erosion and disintegration due to high porosity; requires protective coatings and breathable lime mortars.
Susceptible to salt crystallization; requires regular monitoring and desalination treatments.
Highly susceptible to erosion due to porosity
Requires protective coatings to prevent weathering
Prone to disintegration in wet conditions
Prone to erosion and weathering. Requires protective coatings and regular maintenance.
Requires breathable lime-based coatings
Prone to disintegration due to moisture
Stabilization with lime-based consolidants
Prone to disintegration in coastal environments
Prone to disintegration in high humidity
Requires breathable lime-based plasters for protection
Prone to iron leaching
Vegetation growth can accelerate weathering
Susceptible to erosion due to high porosity
Prone to disintegration in freeze-thaw cycles
Susceptible to erosion and disintegration
Stabilization with lime-based mortars
Weakens upon prolonged water exposure
Requires protective coatings
Vegetation growth can cause structural damage
Highly susceptible to erosion due to porosity; requires breathable lime plaster or protective coatings.
Prone to moss and algae growth.
Stabilization with lime-based treatments
Highly susceptible to erosion due to its porous nature.
Requires regular application of breathable consolidants.
Avoid cement-based repairs; use lime-based mortars.
Treatment with consolidants and water repellents
Laterite is highly susceptible to erosion due to its high porosity; requires surface treatment with lime wash or breathable consolidants.
Water ingress can lead to weakening of the structure; proper drainage is essential.
Stabilization with lime
Requires protection from water infiltration
Prone to disintegration in high humidity environments
Susceptible to erosion and disintegration due to its porous nature.
Requires protection from direct water exposure.
Consolidation with lime-based mortars and surface treatments.
Requires surface treatments to prevent disintegration
Biological growth due to moisture retention
Prone to disintegration due to weathering
Susceptible to erosion and disintegration in wet conditions
Requires protective coatings or plastering
Prone to biological growth
Treatment with consolidants may be necessary
Requires breathable lime plaster
Requires surface stabilization
Protect from excessive moisture
Susceptible to erosion and weathering
Prone to disintegration
Weakens upon prolonged exposure to moisture
Vegetation control
Stabilization with lime or cement
Weak in wet conditions
Weakens with prolonged exposure to rain
Weakens when saturated with water
Weakening due to wetting and drying cycles
Requires surface treatments
Requires surface treatments with lime wash or silicate-based consolidants.
Prone to disintegration in contact with moisture.
Weakens with prolonged water exposure
Biological growth
Prone to leaching of iron oxides
High water absorption
Can contain harmful salts
Requires surface treatments to reduce water absorption
Protection from physical abrasion
High porosity leads to water absorption
Requires surface treatment to prevent disintegration
Requires surface protection
Requires surface treatment
Prone to disintegration in high moisture
Protection from prolonged wetting
Weak material
Stabilization with silicate-based consolidants
Consolidation with lime-based treatments
Consolidation with silicate-based treatments
Highly susceptible to erosion due to high porosity
Requires protective plastering to prevent weathering
Avoid using cement-based mortars, which can trap moisture
Stabilization with lime or cement is often necessary
Highly porous and susceptible to erosion
Use of lime plaster and herbal consolidants
Susceptible to disintegration upon exposure to air
Requires stabilization with lime mortar
Protection from water infiltration
Prone to disintegration in areas with high rainfall
Stabilization with lime or cement may be necessary
Susceptible to weathering and erosion

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Geology of Laterite	Book	Formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council Reports	Technical Report	Laterite properties and applications
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Geology of Goa	Book	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Laterite properties and uses
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Properties and uses of laterite
Building with Laterite	Book	Technical guide on laterite construction
Building Materials and Construction	Journal Article	Properties and uses of laterite
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formations in Tamil Nadu
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Laterite Soil Engineering	Technical Paper	Geotechnical properties
Building with Laterite	Book	Construction techniques
Studies in Laterite Soil	Academic Paper	Composition and properties of laterite
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials of India	Book	Laterite construction techniques
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Laterite properties and uses
CPWD Handbook	Construction Manual	Laterite construction techniques
Journal of Earth System Science	Journal Article	Laterite formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Laterite properties and uses
Laterite Soil Studies	Soil Science Report	Geotechnical properties
Building Materials of India	Book	Laterite properties and applications
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Laterite Stone in Indian Architecture	Journal Article	Case studies of laterite use
CPWD Handbook	Construction Manual	Laterite construction
Building with Laterite	Book	Laterite construction techniques
Laterite Soils of India	Book	Formation and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Technical Report	Laterite formation and properties
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Laterite properties and uses
Soil Survey of India Reports	Soil Survey	Laterite soils in India
Central Building Research Institute Reports	Research Publication	Laterite properties and stabilization
Laterite Soil Engineering	Book	Geotechnical properties
Building Materials and Construction	Textbook	Laterite properties and uses
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite formation and properties
Building with Laterite	Technical Report	Properties and uses
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Laterite deposits in Tamil Nadu
CPWD Handbook	Construction Manual	Use of Laterite in Construction

Heritage Sites (1)

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Kundankuzhi Mahadevar Temple Nagercoil	Secondary		100%

लैटेराइट मृदा (Laterite)