Question 1

What is काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists)?

Accepted Answer

Kāshtha (काष्ठ - Timber Joists) are structural elements traditionally used in Indic architecture, particularly for roof and floor framing. Predominantly sourced from forests across the Western Ghats, Himalayan region, and Central India, preferred species include teak (सागौन - Sāgaun) and sal (साल - Sāl) due to their inherent strength and resistance to decay [1]. Density ranges from 500-800 kg/m³ (0.5-0.8 g/cm³), with tensile strength between 50-150 MPa. Moisture content, typically 12-18%, significantly impacts structural integrity.

Historically, Kāshtha was extensively employed during the Vedic and Medieval periods, notably by the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire. These joists, known as काष्ठ शहतीर, लकड़ी का शहतीर, or दारु स्तम्भ, served as column supports and lintels. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of decay mechanisms, often involving fungal degradation. Restoration practices prioritize using sustainably sourced timber and traditional joinery techniques to maintain authenticity. Thermal conductivity is around 0.1-0.2 W/mK.

Question 2

What type of material is काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists)?

Accepted Answer

काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) is classified as Wood, Natural Material, Structural Material. Key properties include Density: 500-800 kg/m³ (0.5-0.8 g/cm³), Tensile Strength: 50-150 MPa, Moisture Content: 12-18%.

Question 3

Where is काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) used?

Accepted Answer

काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) is commonly used in Western Ghats, Himalayan Region, Central India. It is sourced from Karnataka Forests, Kerala Forests, Maharashtra Forests.

Question 4

How is काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) is used for Roof Framing, Floor Framing, Column Supports, Lintels, Decorative Elements in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) requires attention to Susceptible to fungal decay and insect infestation and Requires preservative treatment (e.g., oiling, coating). Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Kāṣṭha śahatīra Timber Joists 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Kāshtha (काष्ठ - Timber Joists) are structural elements traditionally used in Indic architecture, particularly for roof and floor framing. Predominantly sourced from forests across the Western Ghats, Himalayan region, and Central India, preferred species include teak (सागौन - Sāgaun) and sal (साल - Sāl) due to their inherent strength and resistance to decay [1]. Density ranges from 500-800 kg/m³ (0.5-0.8 g/cm³), with tensile strength between 50-150 MPa. Moisture content, typically 12-18%, significantly impacts structural integrity. Historically, Kāshtha was extensively employed during the Vedic and Medieval periods, notably by the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire. These joists, known as काष्ठ शहतीर, लकड़ी का शहतीर, or दारु स्तम्भ, served as column supports and lintels. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of decay mechanisms, often involving fungal degradation. Restoration practices prioritize using sustainably sourced timber and traditional joinery techniques to maintain authenticity. Thermal conductivity is around 0.1-0.2 W/mK.
Also Known As	Timber Joists Kāṣṭha śahatīra Timber Joists Wooden Joists Wood Beams Structural Timber काष्ठ शहतीर लकड़ी का शहतीर शहतुती लकड़ी दारु स्तम्भ மரம் விட்டங்கள் (Maram viṭṭaṅkaḷ) చెక్క దూలాలు (Chekka dūlālu) ಮರದ ಜಾಯಿಷ್ಟುಗಳು (Marada jāyiṣṭugaḷu) തടി കഴുക്കോലുകൾ (Taṭi kaḻukkoḷukaḷ)
Tags	Kāshtha Timber Wood Joist Beam Teak Sal Deodar Shisham
Material ID	`INHFMAT-522844056-20-11-25-KJ`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/timber-joists
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/timber-joists`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Vedic Period Medieval Period
Dynasties	Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire

काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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