| Title | आथंगुडी टाइल (Athangudi Tiles)Rare Āthaṅguḍī ṭāil Athangudi Tiles |
|---|---|
| Description | Āthangudi Ṭā'ils (आथंगुडी टाइल), or Āthangudi tiles, are handmade cement tiles originating from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, India. These *pāramparika ṭā'il* (पारंपरिक टाइल, traditional tiles) are typically 20-25 mm thick, exhibiting a compressive strength of 15-25 MPa, water absorption of 8-12%, and a density of 2.0-2.2 g/cm³. The *nirmāṇa vidhi* (निर्माण विधि, construction method) involves locally sourced materials: river sand (*nadī vālukā*, नदी वालुका), cement, and natural oxide pigments derived from regional quarries and possibly laterite mines. Used extensively in 20th-century Chettinad architecture, these *farśī* (फरशी, floor tiles) are found in interior flooring and verandas. Conservation efforts in heritage sites necessitate careful matching of original colors and tile patterns. Restoration often requires specialized tools like tile nippers [1]. The tiles reflect the *sthāpatya śāstra* (स्थापत्य शास्त्र, science of architecture) principles adapted to local resources. Their durability is affected by weathering and salt efflorescence, requiring periodic maintenance. |
| Also Known As | Athangudi Tiles Āthaṅguḍī ṭāil Athangudi Tiles Handmade Tiles Traditional Tiles Cement Tiles आथंगुडी टाइल पारंपरिक टाइल हस्तनिर्मित टाइल आथंगुडी फरशी ஆத்தங்குடி டைல்ஸ் ఆథంగుడి టైల్స్ ಆಥಂಗುಡಿ ಟೈಲ್ಸ್ |
| Tags | Athangudi Tiles Handmade Cement Tiles Chettinad Tiles Traditional Indian Tiles Floor Tiles |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-505653747-20-11-25-TL |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/athangudi-tiles |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/athangudi-tiles |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Cement Tile Handmade Tile Floor Tile |
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| Regions | Tamil Nadu Chettinad |
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| Time Periods | 20th Century |
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| Sources | Athangudi village, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, India |
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| Properties | Thickness: 20-25 mm Compressive Strength: 15-25 MPa Water Absorption: 8-12% Density: 2.0-2.2 g/cm³ |
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| Uses | Interior flooring Veranda flooring Decorative panels in heritage buildings |
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| Materials | Cement Sand Natural Pigments (Iron Oxides) |
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| Styles | Chettinad Architecture |
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| Categories | Palace Mansion |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Artisan Documentation | Document | Manufacturing process and materials |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chettinad Palace Karaikudi | Secondary | 100% |