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Title

सागौन काष्ठ (Teak Wood)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Sāgaun Kāṣṭha

Teak Wood

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionSāgaun Kāṣṭha (Teak Wood), or *Śāka Kāṣṭha* in Sanskrit, is a durable hardwood (density 650-750 kg/m³) extensively utilized in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from *Śākavṛkṣa* forests across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, its inherent oil content provides exceptional water resistance and decay prevention [2]. Traditional *sthapatis* (architects) employed it for *dvāra bandhana* (door frames), *vātaāyana bandhana* (window frames), and *chattra* (ceiling) beams [1]. The Maratha, Rajput, and Vijayanagara dynasties favored teak for structural elements and intricate carvings. Its modulus of elasticity ranges from 10-12 GPa, with bending strength between 80-120 MPa [3]. Conservation efforts at sites like Ajanta and Ellora necessitate careful restoration using sustainably sourced teak, mirroring traditional *vanaspati* (plant-based) preservation techniques. Historical processing involved manual sawing and adzing. Modern conservation addresses issues of fungal decay and insect infestation, employing compatible consolidants.
Also Known As
Teak Wood
Sāgaun Kāṣṭha
Teak Wood
Teak
Tectona grandis wood
सागवान लकड़ी
सागौन की लकड़ी
शाक
शाकवृक्ष काष्ठ
தேக்கு மரம் (Tēkku maram)
టేకు కలప (Ṭēku kalapa)
ತೇಗದ ಮರ (Tēgada mara)
തേക്ക് മരം (Tēkk maraṁ)
সেগুন কাঠ (Sēguna kāṭha)
সেগুন কাঠ (Segun kath)
Tags
सागौन
Sāgaun
Teak
Wood
Timber
Forest
Hardwood
Durability
Sagaun
सागौन काष्ठ
Sāgaun Kāshtha
Kāshtha
Material ID
INHFMAT-053597804-20-11-25-SA
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/teak-wood
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/teak-wood
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Hardwood
Timber

Regions

Regions
Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh
Karnataka
Kerala

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Colonial
Modern
Dynasties
Maratha
Rajput
Vijayanagara
Travancore
Chera

Geographic Sources

Sources
Western Ghats forests
Central Indian forests

Properties

Properties
Density: 650-750 kg/m³
Modulus of elasticity: 10-12 GPa
Moisture content: 12-15%
Natural oil content for water resistance
Bending strength: 80-120 MPa
Durability: High
Resistance to decay: High
Tensile strength: 70-100 MPa

Common Uses

Uses
Door frames
Window frames
Ceiling beams
Decorative panels
Carved elements
Doors
Windows
Structural beams
Carvings
Shipbuilding
Furniture
Roof rafters

Related Materials

Materials
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
लोहा - Lohā (Iron)
लकड़ी का तेल - Lakdi Kā Tel (Wood Oil)
Wood preservatives
Varnish
Nails
Screws
तेल - Tel (Oil)
लाख - Lākh (Lac)

Related Styles

Styles
Rajput architecture
Colonial architecture
Traditional Indian architecture
Kerala architecture
Vernacular architecture
Maratha architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Havelis
Palaces
Temples
Temple
Palace
Residential buildings
Residential
House
Haveli
Residential Buildings

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to fungal decay if not properly seasoned
  • Requires regular oiling to maintain water resistance
  • Insect infestation prevention
  • Susceptible to surface erosion from UV exposure
  • Vulnerable to termite attack if not properly treated
  • Proper seasoning is crucial to prevent warping
  • Susceptible to fungal decay in prolonged damp conditions
  • Vulnerable to termite attack if untreated
  • Insect infestation can be a problem
  • Surface weathering

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Indian Forest RecordsForestry ReportTeak wood properties
Forest Research Institute reportsTechnical ReportTeak wood properties and preservation
Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesBookTechnical data on teak wood
Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportTeak wood properties and preservation

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Hindu Temple Greater Chicago Lemont
Secondary
100%

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