| Title | रंगित काँच (Stained Glass)Rare Raṃgita Kāñca Stained Glass |
|---|---|
| Description | रंगीन काँच (Rangeen Kanch), or stained glass, is a composite material primarily composed of silicate glass (silica, soda, lime) with added metallic oxides for coloration. Density ranges from 2.4-2.8 g/cm³, with a refractive index of 1.5-1.9 [1]. Traditional Indic production likely utilized silica sourced from riverbeds and mineral deposits within the subcontinent. Metal oxides, crucial for creating *varna* (color), were derived from local mines. While less prevalent than in European cathedrals, evidence suggests its use in Mughal and Rajput architecture, particularly in *jharokhas* (enclosed balconies) and decorative panels. Durability is affected by weathering and atmospheric pollutants, leading to degradation of the glass matrix. Conservation involves careful cleaning and stabilization, sometimes requiring replacement with compatible glass compositions. Restoration efforts must consider the original *shilpa shastra* (craft traditions) and material sources to maintain authenticity. Thermal expansion (8-10 x 10⁻⁶ /°C) and hardness (5-7 Mohs) influence long-term stability. |
| Also Known As | Stained Glass Raṃgita Kāñca Stained Glass Colored Glass Art Glass रंगीन काँच चित्रित काँच वर्णित काँच रंग काँच வர்ணம் பூசப்பட்ட கண்ணாடி (Varṇam pūcappaṭṭa kaṇṇāṭi) రంగుల అద్దం (Raṃgula addaṃ) ಬಣ್ಣದ ಗಾಜು (Baṇṇada gāju) |
| Tags | Stained Glass Glass Color Art Window रंगीन कांच Rangeen Kanch |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-261652221-20-11-25-RS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/stained-glass |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/stained-glass |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Glass Composite Material Silicate Glass |
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| Regions | Europe North America India Maharashtra Goa |
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| Time Periods | Medieval Period 19th Century 20th Century |
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| Sources | Glass factories Artisan workshops Imported from Europe |
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| Properties | Density: 2.4-2.8 g/cm³ Refractive Index: 1.5-1.9 Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 8-10 x 10⁻⁶ /°C Hardness: 5-7 Mohs Light transmission varies with color |
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| Uses | Decorative windows Religious art Architectural accents Skylights Decorative panels |
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| Materials | Lead cames Glass paint Epoxy resin सीसा - Seesa (Lead) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) |
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| Styles | Gothic Art Nouveau Victorian Art Deco |
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| Categories | Religious Buildings Residential Buildings Church Cathedral Museum |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi | Scholarly Publication | Documentation of stained glass |
| Stained Glass Conservation | Book | Conservation techniques |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISKCON Toronto Hare Krishna Temple | Secondary | Walls | 100% |