| Title | ढलवाँ लोहे का सामान (Cast Iron Hardware)Rare Ḍhalavā̃ lohe kā sāmān Cast Iron Hardware |
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| Description | Ḍhalavāṁ Lohā (ढलवाँ लोहा), or cast iron, is a ferrous alloy with a high carbon content (2-4%) [1], traditionally used in Indic architecture for hardware like hinges, latches, and decorative elements. Density ranges from 7.0-7.3 g/cm³, with tensile strength between 150-250 MPa and compressive strength from 600-1000 MPa. Historically, iron ore (लौह अयस्क) was sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent. Processing involved smelting and casting (पिघला लोहा) into desired forms. The material's durability, while considerable, is susceptible to corrosion if unprotected. Conservation efforts at heritage sites such as those from the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal periods require careful rust removal and protective coatings. Traditional construction (वास्तुशास्त्र) often incorporated cast iron for structural components like railings. Restoration necessitates understanding the original alloy composition and casting techniques. The term *kaccha loha* (कच्चा लोहा) refers to pig iron, a precursor to cast iron. [2] |
| Also Known As | Cast Iron Hardware Ḍhalavā̃ lohe kā sāmān Cast Iron Pig Iron Foundry Iron Cast Iron Hardware ढलवाँ लोहा कच्चा लोहा पिघला लोहा வார்ப்பிரும்பு (Tamil) పోత ఇనుము (Telugu) ಬಾಸ್ಟ್ ಐರನ್ (Kannada) അലൂമിനിയം (Malayalam) ओतल लोखंड (Marathi) ঢালাই লোহা (Bengali) |
| Tags | Cast Iron Iron Hardware Metal Corrosion Ferrous Alloy Architectural Element |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-028541404-20-11-25-HL |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/cast-iron-hardware |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/cast-iron-hardware |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Ferrous Alloy |
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| Regions | Global |
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| Time Periods | 18th Century 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century |
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| Sources | Iron ore mines Foundries |
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| Properties | Density: 7.0-7.3 g/cm³ Tensile Strength: 150-250 MPa Compressive Strength: 600-1000 MPa Hardness: 150-200 BHN |
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| Uses | Hinges Latches Door handles Decorative elements Pipes Railings Structural components |
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| Materials | Iron Steel Wrought Iron Protective coatings (paints, varnishes) |
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| Styles | Victorian Industrial Gothic Revival |
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| Categories | Residential Buildings Temples |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASM Handbook, Volume 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys | Technical Handbook | Material properties |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vedanta Society Old Temple San Francisco | Secondary | 100% |