| Title | प्लवमान ईंट (Floating Brick)Rare Plavamāna Īṇṭ Floating Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | तैराकी ईंट (Tairākī Īṇṭ), or "floating brick," a porous ceramic material, exhibits a density less than 1.0 g/cm³ and porosity exceeding 30%. Known by Indic terms like *plavamāna īṇṭ* (प्लवमान ईंट) and *jalataraṇa īṇṭ* (जलतरण ईंट), its lower compressive strength necessitates specialized applications. Traditional construction, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, utilized these bricks in wells, water tanks, and marshy foundations. The Kakatiya dynasty extensively employed them to reduce structural load. The chemical composition varies based on locally sourced materials, often incorporating rice husk ash or lightweight aggregates. Geological origins trace back to clay quarries and volcanic deposits within the Indian subcontinent. Processing involved traditional brick hammers [1] for shaping and firing techniques to induce porosity. Durability is a concern due to high water absorption. Conservation efforts require careful assessment of material degradation and compatible repair mortars. Restoration necessitates sourcing similar materials and employing traditional *sthāpatis* (architects) skilled in heritage construction. |
| Also Known As | Floating Brick Plavamāna Īṇṭ Floating Brick Buoyant Brick Lightweight Floating Brick प्लवमान ईंट तैराकी ईंट उत्तारी ईंट जलतरण ईंट तरण ईंट மிதக்கும் செங்கல் (Mithakkum Sengal) తేలియాడే ఇటుక (Tēliyādē Iṭuka) ತೇಲುವ ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Tēluva Iṭṭige) പൊങ്ങിക്കിടക്കുന്ന ഇഷ്ടിക (Poṅṅikkṭakkunna Iṣṭika) |
| Tags | तैराकी ईंट Tairākī Īṇṭ Floating Brick Lightweight Brick Porous Brick Kakatiya Buoyant Brick |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-722706905-20-11-25-TB |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/floating-bricks |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/floating-bricks |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Brick Lightweight Brick Porous Ceramic |
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| Regions | Telangana Andhra Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Medieval India |
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| Dynasties | Kakatiya Dynasty |
| Sources | Local clay deposits mixed with lightweight aggregates such as rice husk ash |
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| Properties | Density: <1.0 g/cm³ High porosity (typically >30%) Lower compressive strength compared to standard bricks High water absorption |
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| Uses | Construction of wells and water tanks Construction of specific parts of hydraulic structures Foundation construction in marshy areas Reducing the overall weight of structures |
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| Materials | Lime Mortar (चूना - Chunā) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Rice Husk Ash |
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| Styles | Kakatiya Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple tanks Wells Hydraulic structures |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kakatiya Heritage Trust Reports | Technical Report | Analysis of floating bricks in Kakatiya structures |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramappa Temple Palampet | Primary | 100% |