What is सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood)?

सागौन (Sagwan), also known as शाक (Shaka) or सागौन काष्ठ (Sagwan Kashta), is a prized hardwood timber (Tectona grandis) extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from forests across Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, its density ranges from 0.6-0.7 g/cm³ [1]. The high natural oil content contributes to exceptional durability and insect resistance, crucial for longevity in tropical climates. Traditional processing involved felling during specific lunar cycles to optimize moisture content (12-15%) and minimize shrinkage (2-3%). Historically, dynasties like the Marathas and the rulers of Mysore utilized Sagwan for structural beams, doors, window frames, and रथ (Ratha) construction. Its bending strength (80-110 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (10-12 GPa) made it ideal for load-bearing elements. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of existing Sagwan elements, employing compatible repair techniques and sourcing sustainable timber for replacements. Traditional joinery methods, often involving wooden collars [1], are crucial for maintaining structural integrity during restoration.

What type of material is सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood)?

सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) is classified as Wood, Hardwood, Timber. Key properties include Density: 0.6-0.7 g/cm³, Moisture content: 12-15%, Bending strength: 80-110 MPa.

Where is सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) used?

सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) is commonly used in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh. It is sourced from Western Ghats forests, Central Indian forests.

How is सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) used in heritage architecture?

सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) is used for Doors, Window frames, Roof beams, Carvings, Ratha (Chariots), Windows, Roofing, Decorative elements, Structural beams, Furniture in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation

Name: सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood)
Rating: 4.5 (1 reviews)
Author: Inheritage Foundation

Title	सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Sāgaun kī lakaṛī Teak Wood 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	सागौन (Sagwan), also known as शाक (Shaka) or सागौन काष्ठ (Sagwan Kashta), is a prized hardwood timber (Tectona grandis) extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from forests across Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, its density ranges from 0.6-0.7 g/cm³ [1]. The high natural oil content contributes to exceptional durability and insect resistance, crucial for longevity in tropical climates. Traditional processing involved felling during specific lunar cycles to optimize moisture content (12-15%) and minimize shrinkage (2-3%). Historically, dynasties like the Marathas and the rulers of Mysore utilized Sagwan for structural beams, doors, window frames, and रथ (Ratha) construction. Its bending strength (80-110 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (10-12 GPa) made it ideal for load-bearing elements. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of existing Sagwan elements, employing compatible repair techniques and sourcing sustainable timber for replacements. Traditional joinery methods, often involving wooden collars [1], are crucial for maintaining structural integrity during restoration.
Also Known As	Teak Wood Sāgaun kī lakaṛī Teak Teak Wood Burmese Teak Tectona grandis सागवान सागौन काष्ठ शाक शाकवृक्ष தேக்கு மரம் (Tekku maram) టేకు చెక్క (Ṭēku cekka) ತೇಗ ಮರ (Tēga mara) തേക്ക് മരം (Tēkk maram)
Tags	Teak Wood Sāgaun Timber Hardwood सागौन Sagwan
Material ID	`INHFMAT-097299070-20-11-25-SN`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/teak
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/teak`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types	Wood Hardwood Timber

Regions

Regions	Maharashtra Kerala Karnataka Madhya Pradesh

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Colonial Period Modern Period
Dynasties	Maratha Dynasty Mysore Dynasty

Geographic Sources

Sources	Western Ghats forests Central Indian forests

Properties

Properties	Density: 0.6-0.7 g/cm³ Moisture content: 12-15% Bending strength: 80-110 MPa High natural oil content Modulus of elasticity: 10-12 GPa Shrinkage: 2-3% Durability: High Insect resistance: Excellent Modulus of Rupture: ~100 MPa

Common Uses

Uses	Doors Window frames Roof beams Carvings Ratha (Chariots) Windows Roofing Decorative elements Structural beams Furniture

Related Materials

Materials	लाख - Lākh (Lac) तेल - Tela (Oil) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) लकड़ी का तेल - Lakadi Ka Tel (Wood Oil) वार्निश - Varnish (Varnish) लकड़ी का गोंद - Lakdi Ka Gond (Wood Glue)

Related Styles

Styles	Kerala architecture Maratha architecture Colonial architecture Traditional Indian architecture

Related Categories

Categories	Temple House Palace Temples Residences Palaces

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to fungal attack in humid conditions Requires regular oiling Avoid synthetic varnishes Susceptible to termite attack Protection from direct sunlight Susceptible to surface erosion Avoid harsh chemical cleaners Susceptible to fungal decay if not properly seasoned Requires regular oiling to maintain water resistance Insect infestation

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Indian Forest Research Institute Reports	Technical Report	Wood properties and preservation
Indian Forest Records	Forestry Report	Teak wood properties
Indian Forest Records	Journal	Teak properties and uses
Indian Forest Records	Report	Teak properties and uses

Heritage Sites (1)

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Sharjah Sabha Mandir)	Secondary		100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Title	सागौन की लकड़ी (Teak Wood) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Sāgaun kī lakaṛī Teak Wood 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	सागौन (Sagwan), also known as शाक (Shaka) or सागौन काष्ठ (Sagwan Kashta), is a prized hardwood timber (Tectona grandis) extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from forests across Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, its density ranges from 0.6-0.7 g/cm³ [1]. The high natural oil content contributes to exceptional durability and insect resistance, crucial for longevity in tropical climates. Traditional processing involved felling during specific lunar cycles to optimize moisture content (12-15%) and minimize shrinkage (2-3%). Historically, dynasties like the Marathas and the rulers of Mysore utilized Sagwan for structural beams, doors, window frames, and रथ (Ratha) construction. Its bending strength (80-110 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (10-12 GPa) made it ideal for load-bearing elements. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of existing Sagwan elements, employing compatible repair techniques and sourcing sustainable timber for replacements. Traditional joinery methods, often involving wooden collars [1], are crucial for maintaining structural integrity during restoration.
Also Known As	Teak Wood Sāgaun kī lakaṛī Teak Teak Wood Burmese Teak Tectona grandis सागवान सागौन काष्ठ शाक शाकवृक्ष தேக்கு மரம் (Tekku maram) టేకు చెక్క (Ṭēku cekka) ತೇಗ ಮರ (Tēga mara) തേക്ക് മരം (Tēkk maram)
Tags	Teak Wood Sāgaun Timber Hardwood सागौन Sagwan
Material ID	`INHFMAT-097299070-20-11-25-SN`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/teak
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/teak`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025