| Title | जैविक निर्माण सामग्री (Organic Construction Materials)Rare Jaivik Nirmāṇ Sāmagrī Organic Construction Materials |
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| Description | जैविक सामग्री (Jaivik Sāmagrī), or organic materials, encompass plant and animal-derived substances used in Indic construction since the Indus Valley Civilization [1]. These *prākṛtik nirmāṇ sāmagrī* (natural construction materials) include *tṛṇa* (straw), *vetasa* (reeds), *karpāsa* (cotton), and animal fibers, sourced from forests and agricultural lands across the Indian subcontinent. Their chemical composition is primarily carbon-based [1]. Traditionally employed as binders in *mṛttikā lepa* (mud plaster) and reinforcement in *mṛttikā iṣṭakā* (mud bricks), they enhance tensile strength and reduce cracking [2]. These materials exhibit variable tensile strength, are biodegradable, and hygroscopic, influencing moisture content within structures [1]. Their low thermal conductivity provides insulation. Durability is limited, necessitating regular maintenance and conservation. Restoration of heritage sites requires careful material analysis and sourcing of compatible *jaivik bhavan nirmāṇ sāmagrī* (organic building materials) to maintain structural integrity and authenticity. Conservation efforts must address biodegradation and pest infestation [3]. |
| Also Known As | Organic Construction Materials Jaivik Nirmāṇ Sāmagrī Natural Building Materials Bio-based Construction Materials Plant-based Construction Materials Sustainable Construction Materials प्राकृतिक निर्माण सामग्री कार्बनिक निर्माण सामग्री जैविक भवन निर्माण सामग्री वनस्पति आधारित निर्माण सामग्री |
| Tags | जैविक Jaivik Organic Straw Reeds Cotton Fiber Natural Sustainable |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-666082065-20-11-25-JI |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/organic-materials |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/organic-materials |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Plant Fiber Animal Fiber Plant-based Material |
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| Regions | South Asia India |
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| Time Periods | Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE) Early Historic Period (600 BCE - 600 CE) |
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| Dynasties | All |
| Sources | Agricultural Fields Local Vegetation |
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| Properties | Variable Tensile Strength Biodegradable Hygroscopic (Variable Moisture Content) Low Thermal Conductivity Renewable |
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| Uses | Binder in Mud Plaster Reinforcement in Mud Bricks Roofing Material Insulation Thatching Wattle and Daub Construction |
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| Materials | मृत्तिका (Mud) चूना (Lime) Gomaya (Cow Dung) Wood Bamboo |
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| Styles | Vernacular Architecture Traditional Architecture |
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| Categories | Residential buildings Rural structures |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Indian Building Materials | Book | Details on the use of organic materials in construction |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anau Neolithic Bronze Age Site Ahal Turkmenistan | Primary | 100% |