| Title | मुख ईंट (Facebrick)Rare Mukha īnṭ Facebrick |
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| Description | ईंट (Īnt), or facebrick, is a ceramic masonry unit predominantly composed of alluvial clay, historically sourced from riverbanks across the Indian subcontinent, including regions like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Its chemical composition primarily consists of silica, alumina, and iron oxides. Traditional processing involves molding, drying, and firing at temperatures between 900-1100°C, imparting compressive strengths of 10-35 MPa and water absorption rates of 10-20%. Density ranges from 1600-2200 kg/m³, with thermal conductivity between 0.6-1.0 W/mK. The Maurya Dynasty and Gupta Dynasty extensively utilized ईंट in structural applications, as evidenced in surviving architectural remains. The Vijayanagara Empire also employed सजावटी ईंट (sajāvatī īnt, decorative brick) for facade cladding and अलंकृत ईंट (alaṃkṛta īnt, ornamented brick) [1]. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful consideration of ईंट's material properties and compatibility with traditional lime mortars (चूना मसाला, cūnā masālā). Restoration often involves sourcing clay from similar geological origins to ensure color and texture matching. Durability is affected by weathering, salt attack, and biological growth, requiring periodic maintenance. |
| Also Known As | Facebrick Mukha īnṭ Facebrick Facing brick Decorative brick Veneer brick सजावटी ईंट सामने की ईंट अलंकृत ईंट दृश्य ईंट फलक ईंट |
| Tags | ईंट Īnt Brick Clay Kiln Masonry Facebrick |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-709727056-20-11-25-NC |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/facebrick |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/facebrick |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Clay Masonry Brick |
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| Regions | Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Tamil Nadu India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient India Medieval India |
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| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire |
| Sources | Local brick kilns Alluvial clay deposits |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 10-35 MPa Water absorption: 10-20% Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK |
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| Uses | Exterior wall construction Facade cladding Paving Load-bearing walls Vaulting |
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| Materials | Chuna (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) |
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| Styles | Bengal Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Architecture Residential Architecture Fort Architecture |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Technical analysis of brick types |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariamman Temple Cato Manor Durban | Primary | 100% |