Question 1

What is चर्म (Leather)?

Accepted Answer

चर्म (Charma), also known as चमड़ा (Camada) in Hindi and தோல் (Tōl) in Tamil, is a processed animal skin [1]. Primarily derived from cattle (गौ - Gau) and buffalo (महिष - Mahisha), its use is documented across Indic heritage architecture and material culture. The Mauryan Dynasty utilized चर्म for protective coverings and containers. Tensile strength ranges from 20-30 MPa, with a density of 0.8-1.0 g/cm³ [1]. Tanning, traditionally employing vegetable tannins sourced from forests within the Indian subcontinent, significantly impacts flexibility and water resistance. Ajin (अजिन) and Tavak (तवक्) are Sanskrit terms for animal hide. Medieval period saw extensive use in bookbinding and musical instruments. Durability varies based on tanning methods. Conservation necessitates careful humidity control and protection from biological degradation. Restoration efforts at heritage sites like those in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh require specialized knowledge of traditional tanning processes to maintain authenticity [2]. Modern conservation science aids in preserving this organic material [3].

Question 2

What type of material is चर्म (Leather)?

Accepted Answer

चर्म (Leather) is classified as Organic Material, Animal-derived Material. Key properties include Tensile Strength: 20-30 MPa, Density: 0.8-1.0 g/cm³, Water Resistance: Varies with Tanning.

Question 3

Where is चर्म (Leather) used?

Accepted Answer

चर्म (Leather) is commonly used in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. It is sourced from Tanneries, Animal Husbandry, Animal Hides.

Question 4

How is चर्म (Leather) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

चर्म (Leather) is used for Containers, Straps, Protective Coverings, Footwear, Protective Gear, Musical Instruments, Bookbinding, Architectural Ornamentation in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for चर्म (Leather)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of चर्म (Leather) requires attention to Susceptible to Drying and Cracking and Vulnerable to Mold and Insect Damage. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	चर्म (Leather) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Carma Leather 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	चर्म (Charma), also known as चमड़ा (Camada) in Hindi and தோல் (Tōl) in Tamil, is a processed animal skin [1]. Primarily derived from cattle (गौ - Gau) and buffalo (महिष - Mahisha), its use is documented across Indic heritage architecture and material culture. The Mauryan Dynasty utilized चर्म for protective coverings and containers. Tensile strength ranges from 20-30 MPa, with a density of 0.8-1.0 g/cm³ [1]. Tanning, traditionally employing vegetable tannins sourced from forests within the Indian subcontinent, significantly impacts flexibility and water resistance. Ajin (अजिन) and Tavak (तवक्) are Sanskrit terms for animal hide. Medieval period saw extensive use in bookbinding and musical instruments. Durability varies based on tanning methods. Conservation necessitates careful humidity control and protection from biological degradation. Restoration efforts at heritage sites like those in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh require specialized knowledge of traditional tanning processes to maintain authenticity [2]. Modern conservation science aids in preserving this organic material [3].
Also Known As	Leather Carma Leather Hide Skin चर्म चमड़ा अजिन कृत्ति तवक् தோல் (Tōl) తోలు (Tōlu) ಚರ್ಮ (Carma) ചർമ്മം (Carm'maṁ)
Tags	चर्म Charma Leather Hide Tanning Animal Product
Material ID	`INHFMAT-371227569-20-11-25-CT`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/leather
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/leather`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	2
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Vedic Period
Dynasties	Mughal Dynasty Mauryan Dynasty

Title	Type	Notes
Traditional Leather Crafts of India	Book	Techniques and history of Indian leatherwork
Leather Craft in India	Book	Details on leather production and usage

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Loulan Ancient City Ruoqiang Xinjiang China	Primary		100%
Niya Ruins Minfeng Xinjiang China	Primary		100%

चर्म (Leather)

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