| Title | साबणशिले - Sābaṇaśile (Soapstone)साबणशिले Sābaṇaśile |
|---|---|
| Description | साबणशिले - Sābaṇaśile (Soapstone), also known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite, magnesite, and amphibole. It is known for its softness, workability, and heat resistance, making it suitable for intricate carvings. |
| Tags | Soapstone Sābaṇa Shilā Talc Carving Sculpture साबण शिळा Sābaṇa Shiḷā Steatite Soft Stone साबणशिले Sābaṇaśile Hoysala |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-863487837-20-11-25-SO |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/soapstone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/soapstone |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 20, 2025 |
| Types | Metamorphic Rock Talc Schist |
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| Regions | Karnataka Rajasthan Jharkhand Tamil Nadu Madhya Pradesh Andhra Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Hoysala period Chalukya period Medieval Period CE Hoysala period (10th-14th century CE) Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) |
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| Dynasties | Hoysala Chalukya Vijayanagara |
| Sources | Karnataka soapstone quarries Rajasthan soapstone mines Quarries in Karnataka Specific geological surveys Specific quarries in Karnataka (e.g., near Belur and Halebidu) Rajasthan mines Holenarasipura quarries (Karnataka) Namakkal (Tamil Nadu) Hassan district quarries specific geographic sources |
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| Properties | Mohs hardness: 1-3 Density: 2.5-2.8 g/cm³ Low porosity High thermal resistance Mohs hardness: 1-2.5 Porosity: 1-5% Thermal conductivity: Low Mohs hardness: 1-2 Porosity: 1-4% Low thermal conductivity Hardness: 1-2 Mohs Thermal conductivity: 3-6 W/mK Porosity: Low Mohs Hardness: 1-2.5 High heat resistance |
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| Uses | Intricate carvings Sculptures Panels Inlays Decorative carvings Intricate sculptures Lintels Decorative panels Lathe-turned pillars Intricate details |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood) Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding Lohā (Iron) tools Kāshtha (Timber) Metal fasteners कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Dyes) Kāshtha (Wood) |
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| Styles | Hoysala architecture style Chalukya architecture style Hoysala architecture Vijayanagara architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Sculpture Relief |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hoysala Temple Architecture | Architectural Study | Use of soapstone |
| Archaeological Survey of India Reports | Archaeological Report | Material usage in Hoysala art |
| Hoysala Art and Architecture | Art History Book | Use of soapstone in carvings |
| Hoysala Architecture: A Comprehensive Study | Book | Material usage in Hoysala temples |
| Archaeological Survey of India Reports | Technical Report | Material analysis of Hoysala temples |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennakesava Temple Belur | Primary | 100% | |
| Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu | Secondary | 100% |