Question 1

What is मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिकालेप – Mrittikalepa (Mud Mortar) is an earthen material [1] extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan Dynasty (3rd century BCE) to the 17th century CE. This composite material, known as *मिट्टी का गारा* (Hindi) or *మట్టి మోర్టార్* (Telugu), comprises clay, silt, and organic matter sourced from local quarries and riverbeds across regions like Rajasthan, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. Its chemical composition varies based on geological origin. Processing involves mixing with water to achieve high plasticity. Mrittikalepa exhibits compressive strength of 0.5-2 MPa, porosity of 20-40%, and shrinkage of 5-15% upon drying. Thermal conductivity ranges from 0.4-1.2 W/mK. Historically, it served as a binding agent for bricks in non-load-bearing walls, foundation bedding, and plastering. *गाद लेप* (Hindi) was used for sealing roofs and joints. Conservation requires addressing its low water resistance. Restoration involves sourcing compatible *कच्ची मिट्टी का गारा* (Hindi) and employing traditional techniques.

Question 2

What type of material is मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar)?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) is classified as Earthen Material, Mortar, Binding Agent, Composite Material. Key properties include Compressive strength: 0.5-2 MPa, Porosity: 20-40%, Shrinkage: 5-15% (upon drying).

Question 3

Where is मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) used?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) is commonly used in Sikkim, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh. It is sourced from Local soil deposits, Riverbeds, Local clay deposits.

Question 4

How is मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) is used for Non-load-bearing walls, Plastering, Sealing gaps, Bonding bricks and stones in non-load-bearing walls, Foundation bedding, Sealing joints, Chinking between timbers, Adhesive for bricks, Sealing roofs, Non-load-bearing construction in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) requires attention to Highly susceptible to erosion and water damage and Requires regular re-plastering. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Mṛttikā gārā Mud Mortar 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	मृत्तिकालेप – Mrittikalepa (Mud Mortar) is an earthen material [1] extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan Dynasty (3rd century BCE) to the 17th century CE. This composite material, known as मिट्टी का गारा (Hindi) or మట్టి మోర్టార్ (Telugu), comprises clay, silt, and organic matter sourced from local quarries and riverbeds across regions like Rajasthan, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. Its chemical composition varies based on geological origin. Processing involves mixing with water to achieve high plasticity. Mrittikalepa exhibits compressive strength of 0.5-2 MPa, porosity of 20-40%, and shrinkage of 5-15% upon drying. Thermal conductivity ranges from 0.4-1.2 W/mK. Historically, it served as a binding agent for bricks in non-load-bearing walls, foundation bedding, and plastering. गाद लेप (Hindi) was used for sealing roofs and joints. Conservation requires addressing its low water resistance. Restoration involves sourcing compatible कच्ची मिट्टी का गारा (Hindi) and employing traditional techniques.
Also Known As	Mud Mortar Mṛttikā gārā Mud Mortar Clay Mortar Earthen Mortar मिट्टी का गारा मृत्तिका लेप गाद लेप कच्ची मिट्टी का गारा ಚೆಂಡು ಗಾರೆ (Kannada) మట్టి మోర్టార్ (Telugu) மண் சாந்து (Tamil)
Tags	Mud Mortar Earthen Plaster Clay Soil Mud Mortar Earthen Earthen Construction Vernacular architecture Clay Mortar Binding Agent Vernacular
Material ID	`INHFMAT-302514065-20-11-25-MT`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/mud-mortar
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/mud-mortar`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period 17th Century CE 3rd Century BCE Early Medieval Period
Dynasties	Namgyal Dynasty Qutb Shahi Dynasty Mauryan Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Kullu Kingdom

Title	Type	Notes
Traditional Indian Building Techniques	Book	Mud mortar composition and application
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Chapter on earthen construction
Traditional Building Techniques of the Himalayas	Book	Mud mortar recipes
Traditional Building Techniques of India	Book	Mud mortar composition and application
Traditional Indian Building Techniques	Book	Mortar composition
Traditional Indian Mortars	Technical Report	Analysis of mud mortar composition

मृत्तिका गारा (Mud Mortar)

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