सुधालेप - Sudhālepa (Plaster) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Title	सुधालेप - Sudhālepa (Plaster) सुधालेप Sudhālepa
Description	सुधालेप - Sudhālepa (Plaster) is a coating applied to walls and ceilings, typically composed of चूना - Chunā (Lime), सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust), and रेत - Ret (Sand). It provides a smooth surface and protects the underlying masonry. Lime plaster has a density of 1400-1700 kg/m³ and compressive strength of 2-5 MPa.
Tags	पलस्तर Palastar Plaster Lime Gypsum Cement Coating Render Chunā Surkhi Sand Chuna Plastar Lime Plaster Mortar Kerala Rendering Mud Clay Munger प्लास्टर Plāstar Rajasthan लेप Lepa सुधालेप Sudhālepa
Material ID	`INHFMAT-437821182-20-11-25-SD`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/plaster
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/plaster`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 20, 2025

Material Types

Types	Coating Mortar Render Surface Coating Surface Finish Lime Plaster Gypsum Plaster Mud Plaster Cementitious Material Binding Material Clay Plaster Composite Material

Regions

Regions	Rajasthan Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Bihar Pan-India Pan India Tamil Nadu West Bengal Haryana Pan-Indian Regional variations in composition Kerala Karnataka Punjab Maharashtra Assam Tripura Bengal

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval Modern Medieval Period CE Ancient Times Modern Period Ancient times Modern times Mughal Period CE Rajput Period CE Ancient India Colonial Period Mughal Period 19th Century CE 20th Century CE Modern Era Ancient Period BCE Colonial Period CE Medieval Period British Colonial Period 18th Century CE Modern Period CE Sikh Empire Period CE Ancient Period 17th century CE Gupta Period (320-550 CE) Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)
Dynasties	Mughal Rajput Mauryan Empire Gupta Empire Mughal Empire All Maratha Maurya Gupta Cochin Royal Family Travancore Royal Family British Mughal Dynasty Sikh Ahom Dynasty Manikya dynasty

Time Periods

Ancient

Medieval

Modern

Medieval Period CE

Ancient Times

Modern Period

Ancient times

Modern times

Mughal Period CE

Rajput Period CE

Ancient India

Colonial Period

Mughal Period

19th Century CE

20th Century CE

Modern Era

Ancient Period BCE

Colonial Period CE

Medieval Period

British Colonial Period

18th Century CE

Modern Period CE

Sikh Empire Period CE

Ancient Period

17th century CE

Gupta Period (320-550 CE)

Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)

Dynasties

Mughal

Rajput

Mauryan Empire

Gupta Empire

Mughal Empire

All

Maratha

Maurya

Gupta

Cochin Royal Family

Travancore Royal Family

British

Mughal Dynasty

Sikh

Ahom Dynasty

Manikya dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources	Local lime kilns Gypsum mines Cement factories Local sources of lime and aggregates Sand quarries Brick kilns (for Surkhi) Lime kilns Sand deposits specific geographic sources River sand deposits Gypsum mines in Rajasthan Local suppliers Local sources of lime, clay, and sand Brick kilns for Surkhi Brick kilns Riverbeds (for sand) Clay deposits Local clay deposits Local lime sources Local lime and sand deposits Local limestone deposits Brick kilns near Guwahati

Sources

Local lime kilns

Gypsum mines

Cement factories

Local sources of lime and aggregates

Sand quarries

Brick kilns (for Surkhi)

Lime kilns

Sand deposits

specific geographic sources

River sand deposits

Gypsum mines in Rajasthan

Local suppliers

Local sources of lime, clay, and sand

Brick kilns for Surkhi

Brick kilns

Riverbeds (for sand)

Clay deposits

Local clay deposits

Local lime sources

Local lime and sand deposits

Local limestone deposits

Brick kilns near Guwahati

Properties

Properties	Compressive strength: varies with composition Adhesion strength: varies with substrate Porosity: varies with composition Thermal conductivity: varies with composition Thickness: 12-20 mm Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa Adhesion strength: 0.1-0.3 MPa Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.2 W/mK Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (lime plaster) Porosity: High (allows breathability) Adhesion: Good to masonry surfaces Composition: Lime, sand, Surkhi (optional) Variable compressive strength Porosity depends on composition Density depends on composition Thermal conductivity varies Density: 1.5-1.8 g/cm³ Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa Porosity: 20-40% Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/m.K Density: 1400-1800 kg/m³ Porosity: 20-30% Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Lime Plaster), 5-15 MPa (Cement Plaster) Density: 1400-1700 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.7-1.0 W/mK Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Lime Plaster) Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³ (Lime Plaster) Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/mK (Lime Plaster) Water permeability: High (Lime Plaster) Density: 900-1500 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.2-0.8 W/mK Water absorption: 10-20% Adhesion strength: 0.1-0.5 MPa Thermal conductivity: 0.5-0.8 W/mK Thickness: 10-20mm Adhesion strength: 0.5-1 MPa Composition: Lime:Sand ratio 1:2 or 1:3 Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on composition) Water absorption: Varies with binder Adhesion strength Lime plaster: Density: 1.2-1.5 g/cm³ Lime plaster: Breathable Gypsum plaster: Fast setting Cement plaster: High strength Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa Varies depending on composition Lime plaster: Breathable, lower strength Cement plaster: Higher strength, less breathable Water absorption: 15-25% Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/mK Thickness: 10-20 mm (multiple layers) Adhesion strength: Variable, depending on composition Thermal conductivity: Low Water permeability: Moderate Adhesion strength: 0.2-0.5 MPa Thermal resistance: Low Breathability: High (Lime Plaster) Thickness: 10-20 mm Thermal conductivity: 0.5-1.0 W/mK Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³ Adhesion strength: Varies Adhesion strength: Varies with composition Water permeability: Low Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa Workability Adhesion Compressive strength Breathability Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.1 W/mK Water permeability: High

Compressive strength: varies with composition

Adhesion strength: varies with substrate

Porosity: varies with composition

Thermal conductivity: varies with composition

Thickness: 12-20 mm

Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa

Adhesion strength: 0.1-0.3 MPa

Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.2 W/mK

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (lime plaster)

Porosity: High (allows breathability)

Adhesion: Good to masonry surfaces

Composition: Lime, sand, Surkhi (optional)

Variable compressive strength

Porosity depends on composition

Density depends on composition

Thermal conductivity varies

Density: 1.5-1.8 g/cm³

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa

Porosity: 20-40%

Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/m.K

Density: 1400-1800 kg/m³

Porosity: 20-30%

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Lime Plaster), 5-15 MPa (Cement Plaster)

Density: 1400-1700 kg/m³

Thermal conductivity: 0.7-1.0 W/mK

Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Lime Plaster)

Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³ (Lime Plaster)

Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/mK (Lime Plaster)

Water permeability: High (Lime Plaster)

Density: 900-1500 kg/m³

Thermal conductivity: 0.2-0.8 W/mK

Water absorption: 10-20%

Adhesion strength: 0.1-0.5 MPa

Thermal conductivity: 0.5-0.8 W/mK

Thickness: 10-20mm

Adhesion strength: 0.5-1 MPa

Composition: Lime:Sand ratio 1:2 or 1:3

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on composition)

Water absorption: Varies with binder

Adhesion strength

Lime plaster: Density: 1.2-1.5 g/cm³

Lime plaster: Breathable

Gypsum plaster: Fast setting

Cement plaster: High strength

Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa

Varies depending on composition

Lime plaster: Breathable, lower strength

Cement plaster: Higher strength, less breathable

Water absorption: 15-25%

Thermal conductivity: 0.8 W/mK

Thickness: 10-20 mm (multiple layers)

Adhesion strength: Variable, depending on composition

Thermal conductivity: Low

Water permeability: Moderate

Adhesion strength: 0.2-0.5 MPa

Thermal resistance: Low

Breathability: High (Lime Plaster)

Thickness: 10-20 mm

Thermal conductivity: 0.5-1.0 W/mK

Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³

Adhesion strength: Varies

Adhesion strength: Varies with composition

Water permeability: Low

Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa

Workability

Adhesion

Compressive strength

Breathability

Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.1 W/mK

Water permeability: High

Common Uses

Uses	Wall coating Ceiling coating Decorative moldings Creating smooth surfaces Protection from weather Surface finishing Protection from weathering Aesthetic enhancement Creating smooth surfaces for paintings Decorative finishes Waterproofing (with additives) Protection of masonry Surface protection Stucco work Rendering Protection of underlying masonry Protection of underlying materials Wall finishing Decorative coating Waterproofing Surface leveling Protection against weather Wall rendering Ceiling finish Protective coating Wall finish Ceiling finishing Creating smooth surfaces for painting Protection from the elements Wall plastering Ceiling plastering Protection of substrate

Uses

Wall coating

Ceiling coating

Decorative moldings

Creating smooth surfaces

Protection from weather

Surface finishing

Protection from weathering

Aesthetic enhancement

Creating smooth surfaces for paintings

Decorative finishes

Waterproofing (with additives)

Protection of masonry

Surface protection

Stucco work

Rendering

Protection of underlying masonry

Protection of underlying materials

Wall finishing

Decorative coating

Waterproofing

Surface leveling

Protection against weather

Wall rendering

Ceiling finish

Protective coating

Wall finish

Ceiling finishing

Creating smooth surfaces for painting

Protection from the elements

Wall plastering

Ceiling plastering

Protection of substrate

Related Materials

Materials	चूना - Chunā (Lime) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) जिप्सम - Jipsam (Gypsum) सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭ (Cement) पानी - Pānī (Water) रेत - Ret (Sand) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) Sand Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding Gypsum गोंद - Gond (Resin) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) बालू - Bālu (Sand) Guggulu (Resin) रेत - Reta (Sand) मिट्टी - Mitti (Mud) रेती - Retī (Sand) Bajri (Aggregate) कत्था - Kathā (Catechu) बेल - Bel (Wood Apple) गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung) मिट्टी - Mittī (Clay) गोबर - Gobar (Cow Dung) बजरी - Bajri (Sand) गुड़ - Gur (Jaggery) मेथी - Methi (Fenugreek seeds) गुग्गुल - Guggul (Resin)

Materials

चूना - Chunā (Lime)

सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)

जिप्सम - Jipsam (Gypsum)

सीमेंट - Sīmeṇṭ (Cement)

पानी - Pānī (Water)

रेत - Ret (Sand)

चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)

Sand

Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding

Gypsum

गोंद - Gond (Resin)

कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)

बालू - Bālu (Sand)

Guggulu (Resin)

रेत - Reta (Sand)

मिट्टी - Mitti (Mud)

रेती - Retī (Sand)

Bajri (Aggregate)

कत्था - Kathā (Catechu)

बेल - Bel (Wood Apple)

गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung)

मिट्टी - Mittī (Clay)

गोबर - Gobar (Cow Dung)

बजरी - Bajri (Sand)

गुड़ - Gur (Jaggery)

मेथी - Methi (Fenugreek seeds)

गुग्गुल - Guggul (Resin)

Related Styles

Styles	Mughal architecture Rajput architecture Colonial architecture Nagara architecture style All styles of Indian architecture All Mughal architecture style Rajput architecture style Vernacular architecture style Vernacular architecture Traditional architecture Modern architecture Traditional Indian architecture Traditional Indian Architecture Dravidian architecture style Traditional Indian architecture style Colonial architecture style Indo-Islamic architecture Kerala architecture style Indo-Portuguese architecture Bengal architecture Indo-Islamic architecture style Sikh architecture style Ahom architecture Temple architecture

Styles

Mughal architecture

Rajput architecture

Colonial architecture

Nagara architecture style

All styles of Indian architecture

All

Mughal architecture style

Rajput architecture style

Vernacular architecture style

Vernacular architecture

Traditional architecture

Modern architecture

Traditional Indian architecture

Traditional Indian Architecture

Dravidian architecture style

Traditional Indian architecture style

Colonial architecture style

Indo-Islamic architecture

Kerala architecture style

Indo-Portuguese architecture

Bengal architecture

Indo-Islamic architecture style

Sikh architecture style

Ahom architecture

Temple architecture

Related Categories

Categories	Palace Haveli Temple Residential Buildings Fortifications Water Structures All House Residential Residential buildings Public buildings Pond Platform Fort Residential Building Temples Forts Traditional Houses Mausoleum Havelis Kund Palaces Residential architecture

Conservation Notes

Notes	Cracking Delamination Salt efflorescence Requires breathable materials for historic structures Compatible repair mortars Prone to cracking and detachment due to moisture ingress. Requires regular inspection and repair. Use compatible lime-based repair mortars. Susceptible to cracking and detachment if applied improperly. Requires a well-prepared substrate. Lime plaster is breathable and compatible with historic masonry. Maintenance involves periodic re-application. Susceptible to cracking Requires compatible repair materials Breathability is important for historic structures Salt damage is a common problem Moisture damage Requires periodic re-application Vulnerable to water damage Lime plaster requires breathable paints Cement plaster can trap moisture Cracking and detachment due to substrate movement Susceptible to cracking due to substrate movement Requires breathable repair materials Lime plaster can be self-healing Lime plaster is susceptible to water damage Gypsum plaster is susceptible to humidity Susceptible to cracking and detachment Requires repair with compatible lime mortars Salt damage Requires proper surface preparation Compatible with lime-based paints Lime plaster is susceptible to erosion from acidic rain Gypsum plaster is vulnerable to moisture damage Cement plaster can crack due to thermal expansion Lime plaster is susceptible to acid rain Requires breathable materials Potential for salt efflorescence Lime plaster is compatible with historic structures Cement plaster can trap moisture and damage historic fabric Proper surface preparation is crucial Susceptible to cracking due to shrinkage Requires breathable paints Vulnerable to salt efflorescence Prone to detachment from substrate Requires breathable repair mortars Protect from moisture Requires breathable materials for repair Susceptible to cracking due to thermal expansion Requires regular maintenance and re-application Vulnerable to moisture damage Water damage Prone to detachment Cracking due to shrinkage Detachment from substrate Efflorescence Requires careful cleaning and consolidation Lime plaster should be used for repairs Requires breathable formulations Compatible with historic substrates Susceptible to cracking and detachment due to moisture ingress Requires breathable lime-based repairs Salt analysis is crucial before any intervention Requires breathable lime-based repair mortars Biological growth Salt contamination can cause deterioration

Notes

Cracking
Delamination
Salt efflorescence
Requires breathable materials for historic structures
Compatible repair mortars
Prone to cracking and detachment due to moisture ingress.
Requires regular inspection and repair.
Use compatible lime-based repair mortars.
Susceptible to cracking and detachment if applied improperly.
Requires a well-prepared substrate.
Lime plaster is breathable and compatible with historic masonry.
Maintenance involves periodic re-application.
Susceptible to cracking
Requires compatible repair materials
Breathability is important for historic structures
Salt damage is a common problem
Moisture damage
Requires periodic re-application
Vulnerable to water damage
Lime plaster requires breathable paints
Cement plaster can trap moisture
Cracking and detachment due to substrate movement
Susceptible to cracking due to substrate movement
Requires breathable repair materials
Lime plaster can be self-healing
Lime plaster is susceptible to water damage
Gypsum plaster is susceptible to humidity
Susceptible to cracking and detachment
Requires repair with compatible lime mortars
Salt damage
Requires proper surface preparation
Compatible with lime-based paints
Lime plaster is susceptible to erosion from acidic rain
Gypsum plaster is vulnerable to moisture damage
Cement plaster can crack due to thermal expansion
Lime plaster is susceptible to acid rain
Requires breathable materials
Potential for salt efflorescence
Lime plaster is compatible with historic structures
Cement plaster can trap moisture and damage historic fabric
Proper surface preparation is crucial
Susceptible to cracking due to shrinkage
Requires breathable paints
Vulnerable to salt efflorescence
Prone to detachment from substrate
Requires breathable repair mortars
Protect from moisture
Requires breathable materials for repair
Susceptible to cracking due to thermal expansion
Requires regular maintenance and re-application
Vulnerable to moisture damage
Water damage
Prone to detachment
Cracking due to shrinkage
Detachment from substrate
Efflorescence
Requires careful cleaning and consolidation
Lime plaster should be used for repairs
Requires breathable formulations
Compatible with historic substrates
Susceptible to cracking and detachment due to moisture ingress
Requires breathable lime-based repairs
Salt analysis is crucial before any intervention
Requires breathable lime-based repair mortars
Biological growth
Salt contamination can cause deterioration

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Building Materials Handbook	Book	Plaster properties and applications
Plasters in Historic Buildings	Conservation Guide	Composition and repair
Lime Technology and Conservation	Book	Plaster analysis
Traditional Plasters of India	Book	Composition and application techniques
Building Materials and Construction Handbook	Handbook	Plaster types and applications
Traditional Indian Plasters	Article	Composition and application techniques
Traditional Plastering Techniques in India	Article	Application methods
CPWD Specifications	Standard	Plastering specifications
Traditional Building Materials of India	Book	Lime-Surkhi plaster composition and application
Traditional Mortars: Characteristics and Conservation	Book	Detailed information on traditional mortars
Plasters and Renders: A Practical Guide	Book	Application and conservation of plasters
Plasters, renders and mortars, by Alan Oliver	Book	Technical guide on plaster materials and application
Traditional Indian Plasters: Composition and Application	Journal Article	Analysis of traditional plaster recipes
Lime Plasters for Historic Buildings	Book	Detailed analysis of lime plasters
Traditional Indian Plasters	Technical Report	Composition and application techniques

Heritage Sites (2)

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Gunabati Temples Udaipur Tripura	Primary		100%
Kamalasagar Kali Temple Kasba	Secondary		100%