Title

काष्ठ (Timber)

Uncommon

Kāṣṭha

Timber

4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites)
DescriptionLakḍī (लकड़ी), or timber, encompasses various tree species utilized in Indic architecture as *kāṣṭha* (काष्ठ), *dāru* (दारु), and *imāratī lakaṛī* (इमारती लकड़ी) [1]. Sourced from forests across the Indian subcontinent, including the Western Ghats, Himalayan region, and Central India, timber's selection depends on desired properties. Teak (*Tectona grandis*) exhibits density of 600-750 kg/m³ and bending strength of 80-120 MPa, favored for its durability [2]. Sal (*Shorea robusta*) offers similar strength. Shisham (*Dalbergia sissoo*) also sees use. Traditional processing involves seasoning to reduce moisture content (12-18%) minimizing warping. Timber served as structural supports, roof beams, door frames, and decorative carvings in Mauryan, Gupta, and Vijayanagara architecture [3]. Conservation of heritage structures requires careful assessment of decay and appropriate wood preservatives. Understanding timber's material properties is crucial for restoration.
Also Known As
Timber
Kāṣṭha
Timber
Wood
Lumber
Construction Timber
काष्ठ
लकड़ी
दारु
इमारती लकड़ी
மரக்கட்டை (Marakkaṭṭai)
కలప (Kalapa)
ಮರ (Mara)
തടി (Taṭi)
Tags
काष्ठ
Kāshtha
Timber
Wood
Teak
Sal
Deodar
Forest
Carpentry
Door
Window
Decay
Shisham
Beam
Column
Mughal
Himalayan Cedar
Seasoning
Preservation
Sagwan
Himalayan Fir
Wood Preservation
Udayagiri
Rosewood
Kāṣṭha
Termite Resistance
लकड़ी
Lakadee
Roof
Lakadi
Organic
Lakḍī
Kashtha
Sagaun
Material ID
INHFMAT-476127236-20-11-25-LR
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/timber
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/timber
Total Sites5
Primary Sites3
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Wood
Hardwood
Softwood
Natural Material
Organic Material
Natural Wood
Shisham
Teak
Seasoned Timber
Structural Material
Coniferous Wood
Seasoned Wood
Cellulosic Material

Regions

Regions
Western Ghats
Himalayan region
Central India
Arunachal Pradesh
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Kerala
West Bengal
Haryana
Punjab
Himachal Pradesh
Assam
Northeast India
Madhya Pradesh
Himalayan Region
Deccan Plateau
Gangetic Plains
Manipur
Terai region
Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Sikkim
Uttarakhand
Kerala (Teak)
Maharashtra (Teak)
Madhya Pradesh (Sal)
Himalayan region (Deodar)
various forest regions
Gujarat

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient times
Medieval Period CE
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE)
British Colonial Period (1757-1947)
Ancient Period
Vedic Period
Mughal Period
Colonial Period
Mughal Period (1526-1857)
Mughal Period (16th-18th century CE)
14th century CE
19th century CE
Ancient Period BCE
Medieval Period
Modern Period CE
Colonial Era
Vijayanagara Period CE
Ancient times - Present
Modern times
17th century CE
14th-17th century CE
Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)
Qutb Shahi Dynasty
Ancient Times
Dynasties
Maurya
Gupta
Vijayanagara Empire
Vijayanagara
Chera
Chola
Kadamba
Rajput
Mughal
Mauryan
Tughlaq Dynasty
Ghurid Dynasty
Khilji Dynasty
Ahom dynasty
Ningthoukhongjamba dynasty
Rana Dynasty
Mauryan Dynasty
Gupta Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty
Reddy Dynasty
Maratha
Ahom
Meitei
Hoysala
Various
Namgyal Dynasty
Gajapati dynasty
Qutb Shahi dynasty
Qutb Shahi
Chalukya

Geographic Sources

Sources
Forests in Western Ghats
Himalayan forests
Specific forest reserves
Local forests in West Siang district
Western Ghats forests
Central Indian forests
Forests of West Bengal
Teak forests of South India
Forests
Plantations
Local forests near Kurukshetra (historically)
Timber markets
Teak plantations
Local forests in Dibang Valley (Sal, Teak, other hardwoods)
Forests near Chanderi
Teak plantations in Madhya Pradesh
Forests of Western Ghats
Forests of Western Ghats (Teak)
Himalayan forests (Deodar)
Central Indian forests (Sal)
Forests in the Western Ghats
Teak plantations in South India
Forests across India
Specific timber trade routes
Local forests
Riverine forests along the Yamuna
Forests in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Manipur forests
Assam forests
specific local forests
specific geographic sources
Local forests in Terai region
Local forests and plantations
Local forests near Kondapalli
Local forests near Bhalukpong
Forests of Central India
Specific forest concessions in Sikkim
Western Ghats
Specific timber yards
specific forest regions
Forests (various locations)
Timber mills
Forests (e.g., Western Ghats, Himalayan forests)
Government auctions
Teak forests (Maharashtra)
Sal forests (Madhya Pradesh)
Deodar forests (Himalayas)
Teak plantations in Gujarat
Local forests near Tashiding
Local forests near Udayagiri
Local forests in the Western Ghats
Forests in the Deccan region
Teak forests of Maharashtra and Karnataka
Northeast India forests
Teak forests of Maharashtra
Sal forests of Madhya Pradesh
Teak forests (Maharashtra, Kerala)
Sal forests (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
Deodar forests (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)
Specific tree species

Properties

Properties
Density: 600-750 kg/m³ (Teak)
Tensile strength: 80-120 MPa (Teak)
Moisture content: 12-15%
Durability: High (Teak)
Density: 550-800 kg/m³
Modulus of elasticity: 8-12 GPa
Moisture content: 12-18% (seasoned)
Thermal conductivity: 0.12-0.18 W/mK
Density: 600-850 kg/m³
Bending strength: 80-120 MPa
Durability: High
Compressive strength: 40-70 MPa
Moisture content: 12-18%
Thermal conductivity: 0.14-0.18 W/mK
Density: 0.3-0.9 g/cm³ (species dependent)
Bending strength: 40-150 MPa (species dependent)
Moisture content: Varies
Thermal conductivity: 0.1-0.2 W/mK
Density (Shisham): 770 kg/m³
Bending strength (Shisham): 104 MPa
Moisture content: Varies with seasoning
Density: 400-900 kg/m³
Tensile strength: 50-150 MPa
Compressive strength: 30-70 MPa
Density: 600-1000 kg/m³ (depending on species)
Bending strength: 50-150 MPa (depending on species)
Density: 0.6-0.8 g/cm³
Bending strength: 70-100 MPa
Density: 400-800 kg/m³ (species dependent)
Compressive strength: 30-70 MPa (species dependent)
Density: 350-800 kg/m³
Tensile strength: 40-120 MPa
Moisture content: Varies with species and seasoning
Density: 500-1000 kg/m³ (depending on species)
Bending strength: 60-120 MPa
Density: 0.4-0.9 g/cm³ (species dependent)
Compressive strength: 40-70 MPa (species dependent)
Moisture content: Variable
Thermal conductivity: Low
Shisham: Density: 770 kg/m³, Bending strength: 105 MPa, Modulus of elasticity: 12.3 GPa
Teak: Density: 650 kg/m³, Bending strength: 100 MPa, Modulus of elasticity: 10 GPa
Density: 0.6-0.9 g/cm³
Modulus of elasticity: 10-14 GPa
Bending strength: 50-120 MPa
Thermal conductivity: 0.14 W/mK
Sal: Density: 0.83 g/cm³, Bending strength: 90-120 MPa, Moisture content: 12-15%
Teak: Density: 0.65 g/cm³, Bending strength: 70-100 MPa, Natural oil content: High
Tensile strength: 50-100 MPa
Density: 600-800 kg/m³
Thermal expansion coefficient: 3-6 x 10^-6 /°C
Density: 0.6-0.8 g/cm³ (Teak)
Bending strength: 80-120 MPa (Teak)
Moisture content: 12-15% (Teak)
Density: 550-800 kg/m³ (Teak), 650-900 kg/m³ (Sal), 450-600 kg/m³ (Deodar)
Bending strength: 70-120 MPa (Teak)
Durability: High (Teak, Sal), Moderate (Deodar)
Density: 0.5-0.8 g/cm³
Bending strength: 50-100 MPa
Density: 0.6-0.8 g/cm³ (Sal)
Density: 0.65-0.97 g/cm³ (Teak)
Modulus of elasticity: 10-14 GPa (Sal)
Modulus of elasticity: 9-12 GPa (Teak)
Moisture content: 12-15% (seasoned)
Density: 400-800 kg/m³
Density: 500-580 kg/m³
Modulus of Rupture: 70-80 MPa
Moisture Content: 12-15%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.11 W/mK
Tensile strength (along grain): 40-100 MPa
Density: 0.3-0.9 g/cm³ (varies by species)
Bending strength: 40-120 MPa (varies by species)
Density: 0.5-0.8 g/cm³ (Teak)
Thermal conductivity: 0.17 W/mK (Teak)
Density: 0.5-0.8 g/cm³ (varies by species)
Compressive strength: 40-70 MPa (varies by species)
Thermal conductivity: 0.12-0.15 W/mK
Density: 500-900 kg/m³ (depending on species)
Tensile strength: 80-150 MPa
Density: 0.3-0.9 g/cm³
Compressive strength: 20-70 MPa
Density (Teak): 600-750 kg/m³
Density (Sal): 800-1000 kg/m³
Bending strength: High
Density: 350-540 kg/m³ (Himalayan Fir)
Modulus of Elasticity: 8-12 GPa (Himalayan Fir)
Moisture content: 12-15% (air-dried)
Thermal conductivity: 0.11 W/mK
Density: 500-800 kg/m³ (depending on species)
Tensile strength: 50-100 MPa (depending on species)
Modulus of elasticity: 10-14 GPa (Teak)
Density: 0.5-0.9 g/cm³ (depending on species)
Tensile strength: Varies widely
Moisture content: Varies with humidity
High tensile strength
Good termite resistance
Susceptible to fungal decay if untreated
Compressive strength: 40-70 MPa (depending on species)
Density: 0.4-0.9 g/cm³ (varies by species)
Bending strength: 50-150 MPa (varies by species)
Density: 0.3-0.9 g/cm³ (depending on species)
Bending strength: 80-130 MPa
Tensile strength: 40-120 MPa (depending on species)
Thermal conductivity: 0.1-0.2 W/m.K
Density: 600-900 kg/m³
Density: 0.5-0.8 g/cm³ (depending on species)
Durability: Varies

Common Uses

Uses
Roof beams
Door frames
Window frames
Carvings
Structural supports
Roofing structure
Beams
Columns
Door and window frames
Doors
Windows
Structural elements
Roofing
Doors and windows
Scaffolding
Decorative elements
Roof framing
Decorative carvings
Roof structures
Structural beams
Rafters
Ceiling panels
Roofing structures
Roof structure
Structural framing
Lintels
Brackets
Wall cladding
Structural support
Roof rafters
Flooring
Furniture
Roof trusses

Related Materials

Materials
लोहा - Lohā (Iron)
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
तेल - Tel (Oil)
बांस - Bāns (Bamboo)
रस्सी - Rassī (Rope)
वार्निश - Vārniś (Varnish)
ईंट - Īnt (Brick)
Lohā (Iron)
सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
बांस - Bānsa (Bamboo)
लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for joinery)
Tile (for roofing)
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) for jointing
Lohā (Iron) for fasteners
ईंट - Īnt (Bricks)
Shilā (Stone)
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) for plastering
धातु - Dhātu (Metal) for joinery
तेल - Tela (Oil) for preservation
लाक्षा - Lākshā (Lac)
तेल - Tela (Oil)
राल - Rāla (Resin) (for waterproofing)
मिट्टी - Mitti (Clay)
चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) (for joinery)
लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for fasteners)
वार्निश - Varnish
लाख - Lakh (Lac)
Thatch
शिला - Shilā (Stone)
चूना - Chunā (Lime)
लाख - Lākh (Lac)
Lohā (Iron) fasteners
Stone
ईंट - Īṇṭa (Brick)
धातु की कील - Dhātu Kee Keel (Metal Nails)
रोगन - Rogan (Varnish)
पत्थर - Patthar (Stone)
धातु की कील - Dhātu kī kīl (Metal Nails)

Related Styles

Styles
Kerala architecture style
Gujarati architecture style
All Indic architectural styles
Bengal architecture
Kerala architecture
Colonial architecture
Nagara architecture style
Himachali Kath-Kuni architecture
Vernacular architecture of Northeast India
Indo-Islamic architecture style
Rajput architecture style
Nepali pagoda architecture
Vernacular architecture
Himalayan architecture style
Temple architecture
Mughal architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture
Vernacular architecture style
Nepali architecture
Indo-Nepalese architecture
Mughal architecture style
Kakatiya architecture style
Vijayanagara architecture style
Himalayan architecture
Tibetan architecture style
Gujarati architecture
Kashmiri architecture
Traditional Indian architecture
Tibetan Buddhist architecture
Hoysala architecture
Vijayanagara architecture
Deccan architecture
Deccan architecture style
Nepali architecture style
Hoysala architecture style
Himachali architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Residential Buildings
Palace
Residential
Fort
Public Buildings
House
Chariot
Residential buildings
Temples
Ratha
Palaces
Forts
Roof
Door
Rathas
Monastery
Mandapa
Carriage
Window
Carriages
Pavilion
Pavilions

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to termite attack
  • Requires regular oiling
  • Prone to warping and cracking
  • Susceptible to insect infestation (termites, beetles)
  • Requires regular treatment with preservatives
  • Vulnerable to fungal decay in damp conditions
  • Requires seasoning
  • Prone to decay in damp conditions
  • Susceptible to fungal decay and insect infestation
  • Requires proper seasoning and preservation treatments
  • Vulnerable to fire damage
  • Susceptible to decay
  • Requires treatment with preservatives
  • Vulnerable to insect attack
  • Susceptible to insect infestation (termites)
  • Requires regular treatment with natural oils (linseed oil)
  • Monitor for fungal decay
  • Susceptible to insect attack
  • Protection from moisture
  • Susceptible to insect attack (termites, beetles)
  • Vulnerable to fungal decay
  • Prone to moisture damage
  • Decay due to moisture
  • Susceptible to insect attack (termites, wood borers)
  • Requires regular treatment with natural oils (linseed oil, neem oil)
  • Susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay
  • Dimensional changes due to moisture fluctuations
  • Susceptible to insect infestation (termites, wood borers)
  • Vulnerable to decay due to moisture
  • Susceptible to termite infestation and fungal decay
  • Moisture control is crucial
  • Requires regular oiling and varnishing
  • Prone to fungal decay in humid conditions
  • Treatment with preservatives like coal tar or copper sulfate
  • Susceptible to fungal decay
  • Vulnerable to termite infestation
  • Use of traditional oil-based preservatives
  • Prone to warping and cracking due to moisture variations
  • Requires preservative treatments
  • Decay and rot
  • Dimensional changes due to moisture
  • Requires preservative treatment
  • Requires regular treatment with preservatives (e.g., neem oil)
  • Replacement of decayed sections
  • Requires proper seasoning
  • Prone to decay in humid conditions
  • Susceptible to insect infestation
  • Vulnerable to moisture damage
  • Susceptible to termite infestation
  • Insect infestation (termites)
  • Susceptible to insect attack (termites)
  • Monitor for fungal growth
  • Susceptible to decay and insect attack
  • Proper ventilation is essential
  • Termite attack is a major threat
  • Maintain proper ventilation
  • Requires treatment with borate-based preservatives
  • Vulnerable to moisture damage and rot
  • Replacement with compatible timber species
  • Requires proper seasoning and preservation
  • Treatment with natural oils or preservatives
  • Susceptible to termite attack and fungal decay
  • Dimensional stability issues
  • Susceptible to insect infestation and fungal decay
  • Maintain proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
  • Insect attack
  • Moisture damage
  • Susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack
  • Prone to decay
  • Vulnerable to fire
  • Protect from moisture
  • Maintaining proper ventilation is crucial

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesBookComprehensive guide to Indian timber species
Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportTimber properties
IS 883: Code of Practice for Use of Structural Timber in General Building ConstructionIndian StandardTimber construction guidelines
Indian Forest RecordsTechnical ReportWood properties
Indian Forest Research Institute PublicationsTechnical ReportTimber properties and preservation
Handbook on Timber EngineeringTechnical ManualTimber properties and usage
Handbook of Indian WoodsBookProperties and uses of Indian timber species
Forest Survey of India ReportsTechnical ReportTimber properties and usage
Handbook on Wood PreservationTechnical GuideWood preservation techniques
FRI Dehradun ReportsTechnical ReportTimber identification and preservation
Indian Forest ManagementForestry ReportTimber species and properties
Indian Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportTimber properties and preservation techniques
Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesBookTimber properties
Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportTimber properties
Indian Forest ManagementForestry ReportSustainable timber harvesting
FRI Dehradun ReportsResearch ReportTimber properties and preservation
Forest Research Institute PublicationsTechnical ReportTimber properties and preservation
Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering MaterialBookProperties and uses of timber
Forest Survey of India ReportsGovernment PublicationTimber resources
Indian Forest Research Institute PublicationsTechnical ReportTimber properties and preservation
Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesBookTimber species and their properties
Indian WoodsForestry ResearchProperties of Indian timber species
Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportTimber properties
Indian Forest Research Institute ReportsTechnical ReportDetailed information on Indian timber species and their properties

Frequently Asked Questions