| Title | कंकड़ (Kankar (Lime Nodules))Rare Kaṅkaṛ Kankar (Lime Nodules) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Types | Raw Material Lime Source Aggregate |
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| Regions | Indo-Gangetic Plain Deccan Plateau |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval |
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| Dynasties | Various Local Dynasties (India) |
| Sources | Alluvial Deposits Riverbeds |
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| Properties | Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) content: 60-80% Clay content: 10-20% Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.5 Variable Hardness |
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| Uses | Lime Production Aggregate for Construction Road Paving (Historical) |
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| Materials | Chuna (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
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| Styles | Rural Architecture Vernacular Architecture |
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| Categories | Wells Ponds Temples |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
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| Geological Survey of India Reports on Kankar Deposits | Technical Report | Distribution and characteristics of Kankar deposits in India. |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sringeri Sharadamba Temple Sringeri | Primary | 100% |