| Title | बालू (Sand)Rare Bālū Sand |
|---|---|
| Description | रेती (Retī), also known as सिकता (Sikatā) or वालुका (Vālukā) in Sanskrit, and மணல் (Maṇal) in Tamil, is a crucial construction material in the Indian subcontinent, documented extensively in heritage architecture [1]. Primarily composed of quartz (SiO2), typically exceeding 85% silica content, its geological origin is sedimentary, sourced from riverbeds, coastal regions, and quarries [2]. Grain size ranges from 0.0625-2 mm, with a specific gravity of approximately 2.65 g/cm³. Traditional construction, employed by dynasties like the Cholas, Rajputs, and Mughals, utilized रेती as a vital aggregate in lime mortar (चूना मसाला, Chuna Masala) and plaster [3]. Its angular to sub-angular particle shape and well-graded distribution are preferred for optimal binding. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful consideration of रेती's original source and properties to maintain structural integrity. Durability is influenced by mineral composition and moisture content (<5%), ensuring inertness within the binding matrix. Traditional processing involved sieving and washing. |
| Also Known As | Sand Bālū Sand Construction Sand Silica Sand रेती सिकता वालुका மணல் (Maṇal) ఇసుక (Isuka) ಮರಳು (Maraḷu) മണൽ (Maṇal) ବାଲି (Bāli) বালি (Bāli) वाळू (Vāḷū) |
| Tags | बालू Bālū Silica Aggregate Mortar Plaster रेत Ret Sand Concrete रेती Reti Retī |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-284929175-20-11-25-RN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/sand |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/sand |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Sedimentary Material Aggregate Sediment Filler Mineral Aggregate |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | India Haryana Rajasthan Kerala Coastal India Riverbeds of India |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Colonial Modern |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Chauhan Dynasty Rajput Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Riverbeds Coastal sand deposits Sand pits Sand quarries Sand mines Sand dunes Riverbeds (Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra) Coastal regions Riverbeds near Nellore |
|---|
Properties
| Properties | Grain size: 0.0625-2 mm Specific gravity: 2.65 g/cm³ Porosity: Varies with packing Silica content: Typically > 85% Bulking: Varies with moisture content Grading: Well-graded preferred Density: 2.65 g/cm³ Shape: Angular to sub-angular Bulk density: 1500-1700 kg/m³ Particle size distribution varies Composition: Primarily quartz Moisture content: <5% Inertness |
|---|
Common Uses
| Uses | Mortar aggregate Plaster aggregate Concrete aggregate Foundation bedding Filler in lime mortar Filler in lime plaster Filter material |
|---|
Related Materials
| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) Cement पानी - Pānī (Water) मृत्तिका - Mrittika (Mud) Īnt (Bricks) Shilā (Stone) |
|---|
Related Styles
| Styles | Indian Architecture Rajput architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Vernacular architecture Dravidian architecture Nagara architecture |
|---|
Related Categories
| Categories | All building types All categories Fort All heritage categories Havelis Forts Temples Wells All building categories Palaces Residential Buildings Temple Residential |
|---|
Conservation Notes
| Notes |
|
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IS 383: Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete | Standard | Sand grading and quality |
| Indian Standards for Aggregates | Standard | Sand specifications and testing |
| IS 383: Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete | Standard | Indian standard for sand quality |
| Indian Standard Specifications for Sand | Standard | Grading and quality requirements for sand |
| Grading of Sand for Mortar | Technical Standard | Sand specifications |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Material analysis |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranganatha Temple Nellore | Primary | 100% |