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  3. पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)
Title

पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Pakva Mṛttikā Phalaka

Terracotta Tiles

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionPakva Mrittikā Phalaka (पक्व मृत्तिका फलक), or terracotta tiles, are ceramic building materials extensively used in Indic architecture [1]. These *mrittikā patti* (मृत्तिका पट्टिका) are primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits across the Indian subcontinent. Firing temperatures range from 800-1100°C, influencing the final product's porosity (15-25%) and water absorption (8-25%). Density typically falls between 1800-2200 kg/m³, with a thermal conductivity of 1.1-1.5 W/mK. Historically, terracotta tiles were prominent during the Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, and Chola dynasties, serving as roofing, flooring, and decorative elements. Examples are found in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Traditional construction methods involved hand-molding and firing in kilns. Conservation efforts address weathering, erosion, and biological growth. Restoration requires careful matching of clay composition and firing techniques to maintain the *mrnmaya phalak* (मृण्मय फलक)'s original characteristics. Flexural strength ranges from 5-15 MPa.
Also Known As
Terracotta Tiles
Pakva Mṛttikā Phalaka
Terracotta Tiles
Baked Clay Tiles
Earthenware Tiles
Fired Clay Tiles
टेराकोटा टाइल्स
पक्की मिट्टी की टाइलें
मृत्तिका पट्टिका
मृण्मय फलक
भूषित मृत्तिका फलक
Tags
Terracotta
Tiles
Clay
Roofing
Clay Tiles
Mrittikā
Khaprail
Fired Clay
Material ID
INHFMAT-705193032-20-11-25-PR
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/terracotta-tiles
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/terracotta-tiles
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Ceramic
Clay Product
Fired Clay
Roofing Material
Wall Cladding Material
Flooring Material

Regions

Regions
West Bengal
Tamil Nadu
Gujarat
Kerala
Odisha
Bengal

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient Period
Medieval Period
Colonial Period
Dynasties
Maurya Dynasty
Gupta Dynasty
Chola Dynasty
Sunga Dynasty
Regional Dynasties

Geographic Sources

Sources
Local clay deposits
Tile factories (Bengal region)
Clay deposits near riverbeds
Specific kilns in tile-producing villages

Properties

Properties
Water absorption: 8-25%
Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³
Thermal conductivity: 1.1-1.5 W/mK
Firing temperature: 800-1100°C
Porosity: 15-25%
Flexural strength: 5-15 MPa

Common Uses

Uses
Roofing
Flooring
Wall cladding
Decorative elements
Drainage systems

Related Materials

Materials
Chunā (Lime Mortar)
Lakadee/Kāshtha (Wood)
Bamboo

Related Styles

Styles
Bengal Architecture
South Indian Temple Architecture
Kerala Roof Architecture
Vernacular Architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Residential Buildings
Residential buildings
Public buildings

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to frost damage
  • Requires periodic sealing
  • Protection from physical impact
  • Prone to cracking from thermal stress
  • Biological growth (moss, lichen)
  • Salt crystallization

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Terracotta Art of BengalBookTechnical aspects of terracotta production
Terracotta Art of BengalBookManufacturing and application

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Maa Tara Tarini Temple Ganjam
Primary
100%

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