Question 1

What is कली चूना (Quicklime)?

Accepted Answer

चूना (Chunā), primarily calcium oxide (CaO) [1], is a crucial Indic construction material derived from limestone (चूना पत्थर - Chunā Patthar) through calcination. Traditional sources included quarries across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The process yields कली चूना (Kali Chunā - unslaked lime), which is then slaked with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), the binding agent in mortar and plaster. Its high pH (>12) provides inherent biocidal properties. Density is approximately 3.25 g/cm³. Setting time varies based on additives and environmental conditions. Compressive strength of lime mortars typically ranges from 2-5 MPa.

Historically, चूना was extensively used by Rajput and Mughal dynasties in structures like forts and palaces. Traditional applications include mortar for stone (पत्थर - Patthar) and brick (ईंट - Īnt) masonry, plaster for walls, and stucco for decoration. It also served as a waterproofing agent and lime wash. Conservation efforts at heritage sites prioritize lime-based repairs to maintain material compatibility [2]. Traditional Sanskrit texts mention क्षार (Kshara), referring to its alkaline nature. Durability depends on proper slaking and aggregate selection [3].

References:
[1] calcium oxide - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300011736
[2] (Hypothetical reference to a conservation guideline document)
[3] (Hypothetical reference to a study on lime mortar durability)

Question 2

What type of material is कली चूना (Quicklime)?

Accepted Answer

कली चूना (Quicklime) is classified as Binding Material, Construction Material, Calcium-based Material. Key properties include High pH (typically >12), Density: 3.25 g/cm³ (approximate), Setting time: Variable, dependent on additives and environmental conditions.

Question 3

Where is कली चूना (Quicklime) used?

Accepted Answer

कली चूना (Quicklime) is commonly used in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka. It is sourced from Local limestone quarries.

Question 4

How is कली चूना (Quicklime) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

कली चूना (Quicklime) is used for Mortar for stone and brick masonry, Plaster for interior and exterior walls, Stucco for decorative finishes, Waterproofing agent in traditional construction, Lime wash for surface protection and aesthetic purposes in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for कली चूना (Quicklime)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of कली चूना (Quicklime) requires attention to Requires careful slaking and mixing and Susceptible to carbonation upon exposure to air. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	कली चूना (Quicklime) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Kalī cūnā Quicklime 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	चूना (Chunā), primarily calcium oxide (CaO) [1], is a crucial Indic construction material derived from limestone (चूना पत्थर - Chunā Patthar) through calcination. Traditional sources included quarries across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The process yields कली चूना (Kali Chunā - unslaked lime), which is then slaked with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), the binding agent in mortar and plaster. Its high pH (>12) provides inherent biocidal properties. Density is approximately 3.25 g/cm³. Setting time varies based on additives and environmental conditions. Compressive strength of lime mortars typically ranges from 2-5 MPa. Historically, चूना was extensively used by Rajput and Mughal dynasties in structures like forts and palaces. Traditional applications include mortar for stone (पत्थर - Patthar) and brick (ईंट - Īnt) masonry, plaster for walls, and stucco for decoration. It also served as a waterproofing agent and lime wash. Conservation efforts at heritage sites prioritize lime-based repairs to maintain material compatibility [2]. Traditional Sanskrit texts mention क्षार (Kshara), referring to its alkaline nature. Durability depends on proper slaking and aggregate selection [3]. References: [1] calcium oxide - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300011736 [2] (Hypothetical reference to a conservation guideline document) [3] (Hypothetical reference to a study on lime mortar durability)
Also Known As	Quicklime Kalī cūnā Quicklime Unslaked lime Lime Calcium oxide कली चूना अनबुझा चूना चूना क्षार சுண்ணாம்பு (Cunnāmpu) సున్నం (Sunnamu) ಸುಣ್ಣ (Suṇṇa) சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் (Cunnāmpukkal) - Limestone సున్నపురాయి (Sunnapurāyi) - Limestone ಸುಣ್ಣಕಲ್ಲು (Suṇṇakallu) - Limestone
Tags	चूना Chunā Lime Mortar Plaster Calcium Oxide Traditional Building Material India
Material ID	`INHFMAT-677084483-20-11-25-CI`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lime
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lime`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval
Dynasties	Rajput Mughal

कली चूना (Quicklime)

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