Question 1

What is कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका (Mrittikā, Mud) [1], a ubiquitous construction material in the Indian subcontinent, comprises soil, clay (चिकनी मिट्टी), silt (गाद), and organic matter (पंक). Its geological origin stems from alluvial deposits and weathered rock formations across diverse terrains, including riverbanks and forests. The plasticity, crucial for workability, varies with clay content. Traditional processing involves manual mixing with water and sometimes straw for reinforcement. Mrittikā's compressive strength ranges from 0.5-2 MPa [2]. Historically, dynasties like the Mauryas and Guptas utilized it extensively for adobe (कच्चा) construction, walling, and plastering. Heritage sites such as Nalanda University and numerous rural dwellings exemplify its use. Conservation requires careful assessment of moisture content and stabilization techniques to mitigate erosion and cracking due to shrinkage. Durability depends on proper compaction and protection from water damage. Traditional knowledge systems (शिल्प शास्त्र) guided material selection and construction techniques. [3]

Question 2

What type of material is कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud)?

Accepted Answer

कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) is classified as Soil, Clay, Silt, Loam, Earthen Material. Key properties include Plasticity varies with composition, Shrinkage upon drying, Compressive strength: 0.5-2 MPa (unreinforced).

Question 3

Where is कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) used?

Accepted Answer

कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) is commonly used in India, Arunachal Pradesh. It is sourced from Local soil deposits.

Question 4

How is कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) is used for Adobe construction, Wall construction, Plaster, Roofing, Floor covering in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) requires attention to Susceptible to erosion and Requires regular maintenance and replastering. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Kaccī miṭṭī Raw Mud 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	मृत्तिका (Mrittikā, Mud) [1], a ubiquitous construction material in the Indian subcontinent, comprises soil, clay (चिकनी मिट्टी), silt (गाद), and organic matter (पंक). Its geological origin stems from alluvial deposits and weathered rock formations across diverse terrains, including riverbanks and forests. The plasticity, crucial for workability, varies with clay content. Traditional processing involves manual mixing with water and sometimes straw for reinforcement. Mrittikā's compressive strength ranges from 0.5-2 MPa [2]. Historically, dynasties like the Mauryas and Guptas utilized it extensively for adobe (कच्चा) construction, walling, and plastering. Heritage sites such as Nalanda University and numerous rural dwellings exemplify its use. Conservation requires careful assessment of moisture content and stabilization techniques to mitigate erosion and cracking due to shrinkage. Durability depends on proper compaction and protection from water damage. Traditional knowledge systems (शिल्प शास्त्र) guided material selection and construction techniques. [3]
Also Known As	Raw Mud Kaccī miṭṭī Raw Mud Mud Clay Silt Unprocessed Earth मृत्तिका गाद चिकनी मिट्टी पंक சேறு (Tamil) బురద (Telugu) ಮಣ್ಣು (Kannada) ചെളി (Malayalam)
Tags	मृत्तिका Mrittikā Mud Clay Earth Soil Adobe Plaster
Material ID	`INHFMAT-912071101-20-11-25-MI`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/mud
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/mud`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Urgelling Monastery Tawang	Primary		100%
Moghalmari Monastery	Secondary		100%

कच्ची मिट्टी (Raw Mud)

External References

Material Types

Regions

Historical Context

Geographic Sources

Properties

Common Uses

Related Materials

Related Styles

Related Categories

Conservation Notes

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (2)

Frequently Asked Questions