Question 1

What is ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt)?

Accepted Answer

बेसाल्ट - Bēsālṭa (Basalt), also known as *krishna pashana* (कृष्ण पाषाण - black stone) [2], is a fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock prevalent across the Deccan Plateau, originating from the Deccan Traps volcanic activity [3]. Chemically, it comprises plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, exhibiting a density of 2.7-3.3 g/cm³ and compressive strength of 100-300 MPa [4]. Historically, dynasties like the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas extensively utilized basalt for structural elements in temples, forts (*durga*), and hydraulic structures (*jala-rachana*) [5]. Traditional quarries (*khadana*) in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh supplied this *agni-janya shila* (अग्निजन्य शिला - fire-born rock) [6]. Its durability stems from low porosity (0.1-3%) and water absorption (0.1-0.5%) [7]. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora necessitate careful consideration of basalt's thermal expansion coefficient (5-10 x 10⁻⁶ /°C) and weathering resistance [8]. Traditional *sthapati* (architects) employed techniques to enhance its longevity [9].

References:
[2] Indic name from regional language sources.
[3] Geological Survey of India records on Deccan Traps.
[4] Engineering properties from standard material science textbooks.
[5] Archaeological Survey of India reports on Deccan architecture.
[6] Sanskrit lexicon definitions.
[7] Laboratory testing data on basalt samples.
[8] Conservation reports on Ajanta and Ellora caves.
[9] Traditional Indian architectural texts (e.g., *Manasara*).

Question 2

What type of material is ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt)?

Accepted Answer

ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) is classified as Igneous Rock, Extrusive Igneous Rock, Volcanic Rock. Key properties include Compressive strength: 100-300 MPa, Density: 2.7-3.3 g/cm³, Porosity: 0.1-3%.

Question 3

Where is ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) used?

Accepted Answer

ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) is commonly used in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana. It is sourced from Deccan Traps, Volcanic rock quarries, Basalt quarries in Maharashtra.

Question 4

How is ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) is used for Foundation stones, Load-bearing walls, Paving stones, Structural elements, Retaining walls, Sculptures, Fortification walls, Hydraulic structures in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) requires attention to Resistant to weathering and Susceptible to alkali-silica reaction. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Jvālāmuḳhī śilā Basalt 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	बेसाल्ट - Bēsālṭa (Basalt), also known as krishna pashana (कृष्ण पाषाण - black stone) [2], is a fine-grained, extrusive igneous rock prevalent across the Deccan Plateau, originating from the Deccan Traps volcanic activity [3]. Chemically, it comprises plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, exhibiting a density of 2.7-3.3 g/cm³ and compressive strength of 100-300 MPa [4]. Historically, dynasties like the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas extensively utilized basalt for structural elements in temples, forts (durga), and hydraulic structures (jala-rachana) [5]. Traditional quarries (khadana) in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh supplied this agni-janya shila (अग्निजन्य शिला - fire-born rock) [6]. Its durability stems from low porosity (0.1-3%) and water absorption (0.1-0.5%) [7]. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora necessitate careful consideration of basalt's thermal expansion coefficient (5-10 x 10⁻⁶ /°C) and weathering resistance [8]. Traditional sthapati (architects) employed techniques to enhance its longevity [9]. References: [2] Indic name from regional language sources. [3] Geological Survey of India records on Deccan Traps. [4] Engineering properties from standard material science textbooks. [5] Archaeological Survey of India reports on Deccan architecture. [6] Sanskrit lexicon definitions. [7] Laboratory testing data on basalt samples. [8] Conservation reports on Ajanta and Ellora caves. [9] Traditional Indian architectural texts (e.g., Manasara).
Also Known As	Basalt Jvālāmuḳhī śilā Basalt Volcanic Rock Extrusive Igneous Rock बेसाल्ट कृष्ण पाषाण अग्निजन्य शिला ज्वालामुखी पत्थर கருங்கல் (Karungal) నల్లరాయి (Nallarāyi) ಕಪ್ಪು ಶಿಲೆ (Kappu shile) ബസാൾട്ട് (Basāḷṭṭ) बसाल्ट
Tags	Basalt Volcanic rock Deccan Traps Igneous rock Krishna Shila Black Stone Durable Dense Sculpture High Strength Paving Fortification Structural
Material ID	`INHFMAT-105773927-20-11-25-BA`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/basalt
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/basalt`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Maratha Period Satavahana Period Chalukya Period Rashtrakuta Period Deccan Traps Formation (Cretaceous-Paleogene)
Dynasties	Yadava Dynasty Maratha Empire Chalukya Dynasty Rashtrakuta Dynasty Satavahana Dynasty Qutb Shahi Dynasty Mughal Dynasty

Title	Type	Notes
Deccan Trap Geology	Geological Survey	Basalt composition and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Basalt characterization
Deccan Trap Basalts	Geological Study	Composition and weathering
Deccan Trap Basalts	Geological Survey	Petrology and engineering properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Basalt characterization
Deccan Trap Geology Reports	Geological Survey	Basalt composition and formation
ASI Archaeological Reports	Technical Report	Basalt usage in Deccan temples
Deccan Trap Geology	Geological Survey	Basalt composition and properties
Deccan Traps: Geology and Utilisation	Geological Survey Report	Basalt properties and uses
Deccan Traps Geological Studies	Geological Report	Basalt composition and formation
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis of Deccan basalt
Deccan Geology	Geological Survey	Basalt composition and weathering
Geology of Maharashtra	Geological Survey	Basalt formations
Deccan Trap Basalts	Geological Survey	Composition and properties
Archaeological Survey of India Reports	Technical Report	Material analysis of Deccan monuments
Deccan Trap Basalts	Geological Survey	Composition and properties
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Petrographic analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Basalt composition and properties
Engineering Geology	Textbook	Basalt properties and applications
Deccan Trap Basalts	Geological Study	Composition and weathering characteristics
ASI Technical Bulletin	Technical Report	Material analysis
Geological Survey of India Reports	Geological Survey	Basalt formations in India
Deccan Traps Geological Studies	Research Paper	Basalt properties and weathering patterns

ज्वालामुखी शिला (Basalt)

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