| Title | टेराकोटा ईंट (Terracotta Brick)Rare Ṭerākoṭā īnṭ Terracotta Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | ईंट (Terracotta Brick), or *pakva mrittika int* (पक्व मृत्तिका ईंट, fired clay brick), is a clay-based ceramic construction material extensively used in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. Predominantly composed of clay minerals, silica, and iron oxides, its characteristic reddish-brown hue arises from iron oxidation during firing at temperatures between 900-1100°C [1]. Physical properties include compressive strength (15-30 MPa), water absorption (10-20%), and density (1800-2000 kg/m³) [2]. Sourced from alluvial clay deposits (*geru mitti*, गेरू मिट्टी) across regions like West Bengal and Bihar, ईंट was crucial during the Maurya, Gupta, and Pala dynasties for constructing structural walls, paving, and vaulting. Traditional *bhatta* (भट्टा, kiln) firing techniques influenced durability. Conservation of heritage sites like ancient Buddhist *stupas* and temples necessitates careful consideration of ईंट's porosity and thermal conductivity (0.6-0.8 W/m·K) [3]. Restoration involves compatible clay sourcing and firing methods to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic coherence [1]. |
| Also Known As | Terracotta Brick Ṭerākoṭā īnṭ Terracotta Brick Fired Clay Brick Baked Clay Brick Terracotta Facing Brick पक्की मिट्टी की ईंट भूनी हुई मिट्टी की ईंट गेरू मिट्टी की ईंट ईंट पक्व मृत्तिका ईंट |
| Tags | Ishtika Terracotta Brick Burnt Clay Brick Clay Kiln-fired Structural Clay Brick |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-227367671-20-11-25-IT |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/terracotta-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/terracotta-brick |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Clay-based Construction Material Structural Material Brick |
|---|
| Regions | West Bengal Tripura Bihar |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient History Medieval History |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Pala Dynasty |
| Sources | Local clay deposits Brick kilns |
|---|
| Properties | Compressive strength: 15-30 MPa Water absorption: 10-20% Density: 1800-2000 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.6-0.8 W/m·K |
|---|
| Uses | Wall construction Paving Roofing Foundation construction Vaulting Ornamental Facades |
|---|
| Materials | Lime Mortar Surkhi (Brick Dust) Wood |
|---|
| Styles | Bengal Architecture Temple Architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Temples Residential Buildings Fortifications Water Management Systems |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Technical analysis of brick composition and manufacturing techniques in ancient India. |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamalasagar Kali Temple Kasba | Primary | 100% |