| Title | पक्की मिट्टी की टाइल (Terracotta Tile)Rare Pakkī miṭṭī kī ṭāil Terracotta Tile |
|---|---|
| Description | पक्की मिट्टी की टाइल - Pakkee Mittee Kee Tile (Terracotta Tile) is a ceramic material, predominantly composed of *mrittika* (clay), utilized extensively in Indic architecture for roofing, flooring, and cladding. The raw material, sourced from riverbeds and *khanij* (mines) across the subcontinent, undergoes firing at 900-1100°C, yielding a porous structure (15-25%) [1]. Chemical composition primarily includes silica, alumina, and iron oxide, imparting the characteristic *geru* (red ochre) hue. Compressive strength ranges from 15-40 MPa, with water absorption between 5-20%. Density varies from 1800-2400 kg/m³. Historically, terracotta tiles were prominent during the Maurya, Gupta, and Bengal Sultanate periods, evident in temple architecture and domestic structures. Conservation necessitates careful assessment of *ksharan* (deterioration) due to weathering and biological growth. Restoration employs compatible clay mixtures and traditional *sthapatya shastra* (architectural science) principles to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic value. The tiles' thermal conductivity is 0.8-1.5 W/mK. |
| Also Known As | Terracotta Tile Pakkī miṭṭī kī ṭāil Terracotta Tile Baked Clay Tile Earthenware Tile Red Clay Tile टेराकोटा टाइल मृत्तिका टाइल पक्की मिट्टी की फलक भुनी हुई मिट्टी की टाइल गेरू मिट्टी की टाइल |
| Tags | Terracotta Tile Clay Mruttikā Phalak Brick Roofing टेराकोटा Fired Ceramic Flooring Clay Tile पक्की मिट्टी की टाइल Pakkee Mittee Kee Tile |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-793104342-20-11-25-PE |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/terracotta-tile |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/terracotta-tile |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Clay Product Tile |
|---|
| Regions | West Bengal Tamil Nadu Kerala Gujarat Bengal |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern Gupta Period Bengal Sultanate Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Gupta Bengal Sultanate Maurya Chola Vijayanagara |
| Sources | Clay pits Tile factories Local clay deposits Brick kilns Tile kilns |
|---|
| Properties | Porosity: 15-25% Firing temperature: 900-1100°C Compressive strength: 15-40 MPa Water absorption: 5-20% Density: 1800-2400 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.5 W/mK Flexural strength: 15-30 MPa |
|---|
| Uses | Roofing Flooring Cladding Decorative elements Wall cladding Decorative panels Drainage pipes Sculptural elements |
|---|
| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) रेती - Retī (Sand) मिट्टी - Mitti (Clay) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) Laterite लकड़ी - Lakadee (Wood) |
|---|
| Styles | Bengal architecture Kerala architecture South Indian temple architecture Traditional Indian architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Temple Residential buildings House Roof Residential Buildings Public Buildings Temples Public buildings Roofing Temple roofs Courtyards |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Terracotta tile production |
| Terracotta Art of Bengal | Book | Techniques and conservation |
| Traditional Roofing Materials of India | Technical Report | Terracotta tile specifications |
| Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Publications | Research Paper | Terracotta tile manufacturing and properties |
| Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute publications | Technical Report | Terracotta tile properties and manufacturing |
| Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute Publications | Technical Report | Terracotta properties and manufacturing |
| Terracotta Art of Bengal | Book | Details on terracotta tile production and use in Bengal |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple The Basin | Secondary | 100% |