Title

काष्ठ द्वार (Timber Door)

Rare

Kāṣṭha Dvāra

Timber Door

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionKāshtha Dwār (Timber Door) represents a significant element in Indic heritage architecture, utilizing wood (Kāshtha) like Sāgwan (Teak), Shisham (Rosewood), and Shal (Sal) [1]. These doors, historically prevalent from the Mauryan to Mughal periods, showcase sophisticated joinery techniques. Materially, wood's density varies (e.g., Teak ~650 kg/m³), impacting its structural integrity. Moisture content fluctuations affect dimensional stability, while inherent susceptibility to biological degradation (fungi, insects) necessitates preservation. Traditional construction employed locally sourced timber from forests across the Indian subcontinent. Durability depends on species and treatments like oiling with *taila* (oil). Conservation involves addressing decay with appropriate biocides and reinforcing weakened sections. Restoration of Kāshtha Dwār in heritage sites requires careful species identification and matching, utilizing traditional *sūtra* (thread) based measurements and joinery methods. Understanding wood's anisotropic properties is crucial for long-term preservation [2]. The Getty AAT classifies related components as "wooden collars" [3].
Also Known As
Timber Door
Kāṣṭha Dvāra
Timber Door
Wooden Door
Wood Door
लकड़ी का दरवाज़ा
दारु द्वार
काष्ठमय द्वार
मरु द्वार
மர கதவு (Mara kathavu)
చెక్క తలుపు (Chekka talupu)
ಮರದ ಬಾಗಿಲು (Marada bagilu)
Tags
काष्ठ द्वार
Kāshtha Dwār
Wood
Door
Timber
Wooden Door
Architectural Element
Material ID
INHFMAT-649756736-20-11-25-KH
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/timber-door
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/timber-door
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Wood
Timber

Regions

Regions
South Asia
India

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Early Modern
Modern

Geographic Sources

Sources
Forests
Timber mills

Properties

Properties
Density: Varies by species (e.g., Teak: ~650 kg/m³)
Moisture content: Varies with humidity
Durability: Varies by species and treatment
Thermal conductivity: Low
Susceptible to biological degradation (fungi, insects)

Common Uses

Uses
Door construction
Window construction
Gate construction
Shutter construction

Related Materials

Materials
लोहा - Lohā (Iron) (for hinges, handles, and reinforcement)
वार्निश - Varnish (for protection and aesthetics)
Lime plaster (for surrounding walls)
Stone (for surrounding walls)

Related Styles

Styles
Traditional Indian architecture
Colonial architecture
Vernacular architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
House
Gate

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Protect from moisture to prevent decay
  • Implement pest control measures to prevent insect damage
  • Apply preservatives regularly
  • Monitor for cracking and warping due to humidity fluctuations
  • Ensure proper ventilation to minimize moisture buildup

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Indian Forest Research Institute PublicationsTechnical ReportWood properties and preservation

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Malibu Hindu Temple Calabasas
Primary
Walls100%

Frequently Asked Questions