Title

शिला पट्टिका (Stone Slab)

Rare

Śilā Paṭṭikā

Stone Slab

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionशिला पट्टिका - Shilā Paṭṭikā (Stone Slab), or प्रस्तर पट्टिका (Prastara Paṭṭikā) in Sanskrit, denotes a flat stone element crucial in Indic architecture. Primarily sourced from quarries across Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, these slabs are fashioned from sedimentary (sandstone), metamorphic (marble, slate), or igneous (granite) rocks. Density ranges from 2.2-2.7 g/cm³, with varying porosity and water absorption depending on the lithology. Traditional processing involved splitting, chiseling, and polishing using techniques documented since ancient times [1]. Rajput and Chalukya dynasties extensively employed Shilā Paṭṭikā for paving, roofing, wall cladding, and lintels. The material's flexural and compressive strength, though variable, provided structural integrity. Durability depends on mineral composition and environmental exposure. Conservation necessitates understanding the stone's petrology and employing compatible repair materials. Restoration of heritage sites like temples and forts requires careful assessment of deterioration mechanisms and appropriate consolidation techniques.
Also Known As
Stone Slab
Śilā Paṭṭikā
Stone Slab
Stone Plate
Rock Slab
पत्थर की पटिया
प्रस्तर पट्टिका
शिलाफलकम् (Sanskrit)
கல் பலகை (Tamil)
రాతి పలక (Telugu)
ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಚಪ್ಪಡಿ (Kannada)
കല്ല് പാളി (Malayalam)
Tags
शिला पट्टिका
Shila Pattika
Stone Slab
Paving Stone
Roofing Material
Cladding Material
Indian Architecture
Stone Construction
Material ID
INHFMAT-732208091-20-11-25-SS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/stone-slab
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/stone-slab
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Natural Stone
Cut Stone
Sedimentary Rock
Metamorphic Rock
Igneous Rock

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient Period
Medieval Period
Dynasties
Rajput Dynasty
Chalukya Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources
Quarries in Rajasthan
Quarries in Karnataka
Specific geographic quarries

Properties

Properties
Flexural strength: Varies with stone type
Thickness: 2-10 cm
Density: 2.2-2.7 g/cm³
Water absorption: Varies with stone type
Compressive Strength: Varies with stone type
Porosity: Varies with stone type

Common Uses

Uses
Paving
Roofing
Wall Cladding
Flooring
Lintels
Foundation Stones

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Sand
Aggregate
Brick
Wood

Related Styles

Styles
Nagara Architecture
Dravidian Architecture
Vesara Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Fort
Palace

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to cracking due to thermal stress
  • Requires proper support to prevent failure
  • Vulnerable to delamination due to weathering
  • Potential for biological growth (moss, lichen)
  • Salt efflorescence can cause surface damage

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Stone Masonry Techniques in IndiaBookSlab construction details

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Chausath Yogini Temple Morena
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions