Title

जैविक बंधक (Organic Binders)

Rare

Jaivik Bandhak

Organic Binders

4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Descriptionजैविक बंधन - Jaivik Bandhan (Organic Binders), or प्राकृतिक बंधक (natural binders), encompass materials of biological origin employed in traditional Indian construction. These कार्बनिक बंधक (organic binders) served as mortar additives, plaster additives, and adhesives, influencing the microstructure and performance of composite materials [1]. Sourced from forests and agricultural lands across the Indian subcontinent, examples include plant resins, gums (like gum arabic), animal glues, and extracts from fruits and vegetables. Their use is documented in heritage structures from the Maurya to Mughal periods, including temples, forts, and palaces. Jaivik Bandhan improved workability, adhesion to porous surfaces, and flexibility, while altering setting times and compressive strength. Durability is a key concern, as these materials are susceptible to biodegradation. Conservation efforts require careful analysis of the original binder composition and compatible restoration materials. Traditional knowledge systems (शिल्प शास्त्र - Shilpa Shastras) detail their preparation and application. The selection of specific जैविक संसंजन (organic cohesion) agents depended on local availability and desired material properties.
Also Known As
Organic Binders
Jaivik Bandhak
Organic Binders
Bio-based Binders
Natural Binders
प्राकृतिक बंधक
कार्बनिक बंधक
जैविक संसंजन
Tags
Jaivik Bandhan
Organic Binder
Natural Adhesive
Plant-based Binder
Animal-based Binder
Gum Arabic
Jaggery
Resin
Egg White
Material ID
INHFMAT-412047525-20-11-25-JA
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/organic-binders
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/organic-binders
Total Sites2
Primary Sites2
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Binder
Adhesive
Mortar Additive
Plaster Additive

Regions

Regions
Pan-India

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Pre-Colonial
Dynasties
Maurya
Gupta
Chola
Mughal
Vijayanagara
Regional Dynasties

Geographic Sources

Sources
Tree saps
Animal hides
Sugarcane molasses
Acacia gum (Gum Arabic)
Sugarcane (Jaggery)
Plant resins
Plant starches
Hen egg white
Animal products

Properties

Properties
Improved workability
Increased adhesion
Enhanced flexibility
Variable compressive strength
Altered setting time
Susceptible to biodegradation
Good adhesion to porous surfaces
Influences microstructure of mortar

Common Uses

Uses
Mortar additive
Plaster additive
Adhesive for decorative elements
Waterproofing agent
Paint binder
Adhesive for joining wood and stone
Stabilizer in plasters
Gilding adhesive
Pigment binder

Related Materials

Materials
Chuna (Lime Mortar)
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Ret (Sand)
Chuna (Lime)
Kashta (Wood)
Varna (Pigments)
Mitti (Clay)

Related Styles

Styles
Traditional Indian Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Traditional Indian Painting
Stucco Work
Polychrome Sculpture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Fort
House
Palace
Residential architecture
Residential Buildings
Painting

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to fungal and bacterial attack
  • Requires careful selection and application
  • May cause staining or discoloration
  • Susceptible to biodegradation
  • Potential for discoloration
  • May attract pests
  • Requires careful cleaning and consolidation
  • Use of compatible organic consolidants
  • Susceptible to microbial degradation

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Traditional Indian Building MaterialsBookUse of organic binders
Traditional Knowledge Systems of IndiaBookUse of organic binders
Traditional Indian Painting TechniquesBookUse of organic binders in murals and miniature paintings
Traditional Indian Painting TechniquesBookUse of organic binders in murals and miniature paintings
Studies in ConservationJournal ArticleAnalysis of organic binders in historic mortars

Heritage Sites (2)

Frequently Asked Questions