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  3. कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))
Title

कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Kaṅkaṛ

Kankar (Lime Nodules)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionकंकड़ (Kankar), also known as चूना कंकड़ (Chuna Kankar), are impure calcareous nodules found extensively in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Deccan Plateau [1]. Geologically, these formations are secondary calcium carbonate (CaCO3) deposits, typically containing 60-80% CaCO3 and 10-20% clay [2]. Specific gravity ranges from 2.3 to 2.5. Traditionally, कंकड़ served as a crucial raw material for lime production, a vital component in Indic heritage architecture. After calcination (ताप), the resulting lime was used in mortar and plaster. Historically, कंकड़ was sourced from local quarries and riverbeds. Ancient and medieval structures across the Indian subcontinent, built by various local dynasties, utilized कंकड़-derived lime mortar. The variable hardness and clay content influenced the final lime quality. Conservation efforts at heritage sites often involve analyzing and replicating traditional कंकड़-based mortars for authentic restoration. Durability is affected by environmental factors, necessitating careful conservation strategies. Traditional processing methods, including crushing and burning in kilns (भट्ठा), impacted the final product's properties. कंकड़ was also used as aggregate, historically termed कंकरीट, for road paving [3].
Also Known As
Kankar (Lime Nodules)
Kaṅkaṛ
Kankar
Lime Nodules
Calcareous Nodules
Gravelly Laterite
कंकड़
चूना कंकड़
कंकरीट
कंकरी
சுண்ணாம்பு கூழாங்கல் (Cunnāmpu kūḻāṅkal)
సున్నపు గులకరాయి (Sunnapu gulakarāyi)
ಸುಣ್ಣದ ಗುಂಡುಕಲ್ಲು (Suṇṇada guṇḍukallu)
Tags
Kankar
Lime Nodules
Calcium Carbonate
Lime
Aggregate
Material ID
INHFMAT-730836943-20-11-25-KK
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lime-nodules
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lime-nodules
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Raw Material
Lime Source
Aggregate

Regions

Regions
Indo-Gangetic Plain
Deccan Plateau

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Dynasties
Various Local Dynasties (India)

Geographic Sources

Sources
Alluvial Deposits
Riverbeds

Properties

Properties
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) content: 60-80%
Clay content: 10-20%
Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5
Variable Hardness

Common Uses

Uses
Lime Production
Aggregate for Construction
Road Paving (Historical)

Related Materials

Materials
Chuna (Lime Mortar)
Surkhi (Brick Dust)

Related Styles

Styles
Rural Architecture
Vernacular Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Wells
Ponds
Temples

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Requires careful selection and processing to remove impurities
  • Lime produced may be less pure than that from limestone
  • Potential for harmful impurities

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Geological Survey of India Reports on Kankar DepositsTechnical ReportDistribution and characteristics of Kankar deposits in India.

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Sringeri Sharadamba Temple Sringeri
Primary
100%

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