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  3. रंगित काँच (Stained Glass)
Title

रंगित काँच (Stained Glass)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Raṃgita Kāñca

Stained Glass

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionरंगीन 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/stained-glass
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/stained-glass
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Glass
Composite Material
Silicate Glass

Regions

Regions
Europe
North America
India
Maharashtra
Goa

Historical Context

Time Periods
Medieval Period
19th Century
20th Century

Geographic Sources

Sources
Glass factories
Artisan workshops
Imported from Europe

Properties

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

Common Uses

Uses
Decorative windows
Religious art
Architectural accents
Skylights
Decorative panels

Related Materials

Materials
Lead cames
Glass paint
Epoxy resin
सीसा - Seesa (Lead)
लोहा - Lohā (Iron)

Related Styles

Styles
Gothic
Art Nouveau
Victorian
Art Deco

Related Categories

Categories
Religious Buildings
Residential Buildings
Church
Cathedral
Museum

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to chemical weathering
  • Requires careful cleaning
  • Prone to cracking and breakage
  • Vulnerable to chemical attack

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Corpus Vitrearum Medii AeviScholarly PublicationDocumentation of stained glass
Stained Glass ConservationBookConservation techniques

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
ISKCON Toronto Hare Krishna Temple
Secondary
Walls100%

Frequently Asked Questions