| Title | मृत्तिका खपरैल (Clay Tile)Rare Mr̥ttikā Khaparaila Clay Tile |
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| Description | Mr̥ttikā Khaparaila (Clay Tile), or मृण्मय खपरैल (Mr̥ṇmaya Khaparaila) in Sanskrit, are ceramic roofing elements prevalent across the Indian subcontinent [1]. These terracotta products, known as कौलू (Tamil) or ఓട് (Malayalam), derive from alluvial clays sourced from riverbeds and lateritic soils [2]. Firing temperatures between 900-1100 °C impart compressive strength (15-30 MPa) and reduce water absorption (5-15%) [3]. Traditional processing involves clay levigation (शोधन - śodhana), molding, sun-drying (आतपन - ātapan), and kiln firing (अग्नि-संस्कार - Agni-saṃskāra) [4]. The Chola Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, and Travancore Kingdom extensively utilized these tiles in temple architecture and domestic dwellings [5]. Density ranges from 1.8-2.2 g/cm³, with flexural strength between 5-20 MPa [6]. Conservation necessitates addressing bio-deterioration and salt efflorescence. Restoration involves replacing damaged tiles with those of similar composition and firing characteristics to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic coherence [7]. Durability depends on clay mineralogy and firing process [8]. |
| Also Known As | Clay Tile Mr̥ttikā Khaparaila Clay Tile Roof Tile Earthen Tile Terracotta Tile मिट्टी की खपरैल ग्राम्य खपरैल मृण्मय खपरैल खपरा कौलू (Tamil) పెంకు (Telugu) ಹೆಂಚು (Kannada) ഓട് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | Clay Tile Khaparaīla Roofing Ceramic Firing मिट्टी की खपरैल Khaprail Roof Terracotta मृतिका खपरैल Mritika Khaprail Roof Tile मृत्तिका खपरैल Mr̥ttikā Khaparaila Kerala |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-054520709-20-11-25-MA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/clay-tile |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/clay-tile |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Clay Product Roofing Material Earthenware Terracotta |
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| Regions | Kerala Tamil Nadu Goa Karnataka |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period Colonial Period |
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| Dynasties | Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Portuguese Empire Travancore Kingdom |
| Sources | Local clay deposits Tile factories Local clay pits Tile manufacturing units in Kerala |
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| Properties | Water absorption: 5-15% Flexural strength: 5-20 MPa Density: 1.8-2.2 g/cm³ Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.2 W/mK Thermal resistance: Moderate Compressive strength: 15-30 MPa Firing temperature: 900-1100 °C |
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| Uses | Roofing Flooring Cladding Paving |
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| Materials | काष्ठ - Kāṣṭha (Timber) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) |
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| Styles | Kerala architecture Goan architecture Mangalore tile roof |
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| Categories | House Temple Church Residential buildings Public buildings Temples Churches Residential Buildings Palaces |
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| Notes |
|
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Roofing Materials of India | Article | Clay tile production |
| Traditional Roofing Systems of South India | Technical Report | Tile types and installation |
| Traditional Roofing Materials of India | Technical Report | Performance characteristics |
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Clay tile manufacturing |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill Palace Tripunithura | Primary | 100% |