| Title | मिट्टी की छत खपरैल (Clay Roof Tile)Rare Miṭṭī kī chata khaparaila Clay Roof Tile |
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| Description | Miṭṭī kī chata ṭā'ila (Clay Roof Tile), also known as *mritika khaprail* (मृतिका खपरैल) in Sanskrit, are ceramic or terracotta roofing units prevalent across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These tiles, historically used from pre-colonial periods through the modern era, exhibit a density of 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ and water absorption of 10-20% [2]. Fabricated from locally sourced clay deposits – *gramya khaprail* (ग्राम्य खपरैल) reflecting rural origins – the raw material undergoes shaping and firing at 900-1100°C, imparting flexural strength of 15-30 MPa [2]. Traditional construction methods, often employing tile nippers [1] for precise fitting, are evident in heritage structures. Conservation efforts necessitate understanding the tile's composition and degradation mechanisms, including weathering and biological growth. Regional variations, such as Mangalore tiles, reflect localized clay sources and firing techniques. *Maṇ kūrai ōṭu* (மண் கூரை ஓடு), *Maṭṭi paikappu palaka* (మట్టి పైకప్పు పలక), *Maṇṇina chāvaṇi hen̄cu* (ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಛಾವಣಿ ಹೆಂಚು), *Maṇ mēlkūra ṭaiil* (മൺ മേൽക്കൂര ടൈൽ), *Māṭira chādēra ṭāli* (মাটির ছাদের টালি) are regional names [3]. |
| Also Known As | Clay Roof Tile Miṭṭī kī chata khaparaila Clay Roof Tile Roof Tile Terracotta Roof Tile Earthen Roof Tile खपरैल मिट्टी की खपरैल ग्राम्य खपरैल ग्राम्य टाइल छत टाइल मृतिका खपरैल மண் கூரை ஓடு (Maṇ kūrai ōṭu) మట్టి పైకప్పు పలక (Maṭṭi paikappu palaka) ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಛಾವಣಿ ಹೆಂಚು (Maṇṇina chāvaṇi hen̄cu) മൺ മേൽക്കൂര ടൈൽ (Maṇ mēlkūra ṭaiil) মাটির ছাদের টালি (Māṭira chādēra ṭāli) |
| Tags | Clay Tile Roof Ceramic Terracotta Mangalore |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-366214367-20-11-25-MA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-roof-tile |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-roof-tile |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Terracotta |
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| Regions | Karnataka Kerala Tamil Nadu |
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| Time Periods | Colonial Period Modern Period |
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| Sources | Local clay pits Mangalore tile factories Specific clay sources |
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| Properties | Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ Water absorption: 10-20% Firing temperature: 900-1100°C Flexural strength: 15-30 MPa |
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| Uses | Roofing in residential buildings Roofing in religious structures |
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| Materials | Timber Lime Mortar |
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| Styles | Kerala architecture Colonial architecture |
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| Categories | House Temple |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) Publications | Technical Report | Clay tile specifications |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shree Ayyappa Seva Sangam Temple Durban | Secondary | Roof | 100% |