| Title | टेराकोटा टाइल (Terracotta Tile)Rare Ṭerākoṭā Ṭāil Terracotta Tile |
|---|---|
| Description | टेराकोटा टाइल (Ṭerākoṭā Ṭāil), or "पक्की मिट्टी की टाइल" (pakkī miṭṭī kī ṭāil) [fired earth tile], is a ceramic construction material prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Derived from iron-rich clay sourced from riverbeds and alluvial plains across the Indian subcontinent, including regions like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, its geological origin influences its reddish-brown hue ("गेरू टाइल" [gerū ṭāil]). Processing involves shaping, drying, and firing at 900-1200°C, imparting characteristic porosity (15-25%) and water absorption (10-15%). Compressive strength ranges from 20-40 MPa, with a thermal conductivity of approximately 1.0 W/m·K. Historically, टेराकोटा टाइल was extensively used during the Gupta and Pala periods for temple ornamentation and roofing. Examples include the intricate panels of Bengal temples [1]. In South India, "சுடுமண் ஓடு" (Cuṭumaṇ ōṭu) [burnt clay tile] was favored by the Chola dynasty. Durability is affected by weathering and biological growth. Conservation necessitates careful cleaning and consolidation, employing compatible "मृत्तिका" (mṛttikā) [clay] based mortars. Restoration projects at heritage sites require sourcing clay from similar geological origins to maintain material consistency. |
| Also Known As | Terracotta Tile Ṭerākoṭā Ṭāil Terracotta Tile Baked Earth Tile Clay Tile पक्की मिट्टी की टाइल मृत्तिका टाइल गेरू टाइल சுடுமண் ஓடு (Cuṭumaṇ ōṭu) టెర్రకోట పలక (Ṭerrākōṭa palaka) ಟೆರಾಕೋಟಾ ಟೈಲ್ (Ṭerākōṭā ṭail) ടെറാക്കോട്ട ടൈൽ (ṭeṟākkoṭṭa ṭail) |
| Tags | टेराकोटा Terākota Tile Clay Mrittikā Terra Cotta Ceramic टेराकोटा टाइल Ṭerākoṭā Ṭāil Roofing |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-524379924-20-11-25-ER |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/terra-cotta-tile |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/terra-cotta-tile |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Ceramic Tile |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | West Bengal Tamil Nadu Gujarat Kerala |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Gupta Pala Chola |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Clay pits Tile factories |
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Properties
| Properties | Porosity: 15-25% Water absorption: 10-15% Firing temperature: 900-1200°C Compressive strength: 20-40 MPa Thermal conductivity: 1.0 W/m·K |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Roofing Flooring Wall cladding Decorative panels Decorative elements |
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Related Materials
| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
|---|
Related Styles
| Styles | Bengal terracotta architecture Vernacular architecture Tamil architecture style Kerala architecture style |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Temple House Residential Buildings Roofing |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute Publications | Technical Report | Ceramic tile properties and manufacturing |
| Traditional Building Techniques of India | Book | Tile manufacturing |
Heritage Sites (2)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu Temple Greater Chicago Lemont | Secondary | 100% | |
| Malibu Hindu Temple Calabasas | Secondary | Walls | 100% |