| Title | पक्की ईंट (Fired Brick)Uncommon Pakkī īnṭ Fired Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | पक्की ईंट (Pakka Īnt), also known as आग में पकाई ईंट (Āg mein pakāī īnt) or ईष्टिका (Ishtika), is a ceramic masonry unit crucial to Indic architecture. Originating from alluvial clay deposits across the Indian subcontinent [2], its composition includes silica, alumina, lime, iron oxide, and magnesia. Firing at 800-1100°C yields compressive strengths of 10-70 MPa, densities of 1600-2200 kg/m³, and water absorption rates of 5-20% [3]. Traditional kilns (भट्ठे) utilized locally sourced fuel. The Maurya, Gupta, Kushan, and Mughal dynasties extensively employed these bricks in structures like stupas, temples, and fortifications [1]. Heritage sites in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat showcase diverse applications, including load-bearing walls, vaults, and ornamental brickwork. Conservation necessitates understanding the brick's porosity (5-25%) and thermal conductivity (0.6-1.0 W/mK) to mitigate weathering. Restoration employs compatible clay mortars and brick hammers [1] for repairs, preserving the integrity of तप्त ईंट (Tapt Īnt) structures. |
| Also Known As | Fired Brick Pakkī īnṭ Fired Brick Burnt Brick Kiln-fired Brick पक्की ईंट आग में पकाई ईंट भट्ठे की ईंट ईष्टिका तप्त ईंट |
| Tags | इष्टिका Ishtika Brick Clay Kiln Masonry Terracotta Fired Brick Firing Fired Clay Ceramic Burnt Brick Clay Brick Salt Efflorescence |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-357376810-20-11-25-PB |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/fired-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/fired-brick |
| Total Sites | 5 |
| Primary Sites | 4 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Clay Product Construction Material Masonry Unit |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Punjab Gujarat Bihar Tamil Nadu Haryana Karnataka Central Asia Afghanistan Tajikistan Uzbekistan |
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| Time Periods | Ancient History Medieval Period Gupta Period Mauryan Period Delhi Sultanate Mughal Period Indus Valley Civilization Kushan Empire |
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| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Delhi Sultanate Kushan Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Pala Dynasty Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Greco-Bactrian Kingdom |
| Sources | Brick kilns near riverbeds Alluvial plains Local clay pits Brick kilns near settlements Alluvial clay deposits Brick kilns Ganga River basin clay deposits Indus Valley clay deposits Local clay deposits Riverbanks Clay quarries Clay deposits |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 10-70 MPa Water absorption: 5-20% Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK Porosity: 5-25% Firing temperature: 800-1100°C |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Vaults Paving Facing Arches Linings Drainage systems Foundations Wall construction Stupa construction Ornamental brickwork |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules) मृत्तिका - Mrittikā (Clay) बालू - Bālū (Sand) बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate) लोहा - Lohā (Iron) जल - Jala (Water) गाारा - Gāra (Mud Mortar) |
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| Styles | Bengal architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Gandhara architecture Early Buddhist architecture Indus Valley architecture Gupta architecture Classical Indian architecture Temple architecture Vijayanagara architecture Colonial architecture Buddhist architecture Mauryan architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Fort Stupa Residential building Palace Mosque Tomb Stepwell Monastery Public bath Public infrastructure Bridge Archaeological Site Fortification Pavement Religious structure |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Brick manufacturing techniques |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Brick analysis and conservation |
| Terracotta Art of Bengal | Book | Brickwork details and analysis |
| Brick and Tile Industries in India | Technical Report | Manufacturing process |
| Bricks and Tiles in Ancient India | Journal Article | Manufacturing techniques and applications |
| Brick Technology in Ancient India | Journal Article | Firing techniques and brick properties |
| Brick and Tile Industries in Ancient India | Academic Paper | Manufacturing techniques |
| Brick and Tile Manufacture | Technical Manual | Firing process and properties |
| Brick Manufacturing in Ancient India | Historical Study | Kiln technology and brick types |
| Traditional Brick Making Techniques in India | Technical Report | Firing process and quality control |
| Brick Manufacturing and Properties | Technical Report | Brick types and characteristics |
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Detailed analysis of brick manufacturing and properties |
| Traditional Brick Making in India | Technical Report | Firing techniques and clay composition |
| Brick and Tile Industries | Technical Report | Manufacturing and properties |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalverzin Tepe Surxondaryo Uzbekistan | Primary | 100% | |
| Hisor Fortress Complex Hisor Tajikistan | Primary | 100% | |
| Mes Aynak Archaeological Site Logar Afghanistan | Primary | 100% | |
| Naulakhi Kotal Temple Baghlan Afghanistan | Primary | 100% | |
| Niya Ruins Minfeng Xinjiang China | Secondary | 100% |