Question 1

What is कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))?

Accepted Answer

कंकड़ (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].

Question 2

What type of material is कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))?

Accepted Answer

कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) is classified as Raw Material, Lime Source, Aggregate. Key properties include Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) content: 60-80%, Clay content: 10-20%, Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5.

Question 3

Where is कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) used?

Accepted Answer

कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) is commonly used in Indo-Gangetic Plain, Deccan Plateau. It is sourced from Alluvial Deposits, Riverbeds.

Question 4

How is कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) is used for Lime Production, Aggregate for Construction, Road Paving (Historical) in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules)) requires attention to Requires careful selection and processing to remove impurities and Lime produced may be less pure than that from limestone. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

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)
Description	कंकड़ (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`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lime-nodules
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lime-nodules`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval
Dynasties	Various Local Dynasties (India)

कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))

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Heritage Sites (1)

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