Question 1

What is ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol)?

Accepted Answer

ग्रेनाइट मूर्ति (Grenait Murti), or पाषाण देवमूर्ति (Pāṣāṇa Devamūrti), denotes idols carved from granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock [1]. Predominantly composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite exhibits compressive strength between 100-250 MPa and density of 2600-2800 kg/m³ [2]. Sourced from quarries across the Indian subcontinent, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (கருங்கல் சிலை - Karungal silai), and Andhra Pradesh (గ్రానైట్ విగ్రహం - Granaiṭ vigrahaṁ), granite was extensively used during the Chola (9th-13th century CE) and Hoysala (10th-14th century CE) periods. These dynasties employed traditional stone carving techniques (शिलाकर्म – Śilākarma) for temple iconography. Granite's low porosity (0.1-1%) contributes to its durability and weather resistance. Conservation efforts address weathering, biological growth, and structural damage. Restoration often involves cleaning, consolidation, and repair using compatible materials to preserve the integrity of these heritage objects [3]. Thermal expansion coefficient is ~5-9 x 10^-6 /°C [2].

Question 2

What type of material is ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol)?

Accepted Answer

ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) is classified as Igneous Rock, Granite, Natural Stone. Key properties include Compressive strength: 100-250 MPa, Density: 2600-2800 kg/m³, Porosity: 0.1-1%.

Question 3

Where is ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) used?

Accepted Answer

ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) is commonly used in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. It is sourced from Aihole quarries (Karnataka), Kuppam quarries (Andhra Pradesh).

Question 4

How is ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) is used for Deity representation in temples, Temple iconography, Decorative sculpture in religious contexts, Architectural elements in temples in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) requires attention to Resistant to weathering but susceptible to staining and Requires gentle cleaning with non-abrasive materials. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Grenāiṭ pāṣāṇa mūrti Granite Idol 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	ग्रेनाइट मूर्ति (Grenait Murti), or पाषाण देवमूर्ति (Pāṣāṇa Devamūrti), denotes idols carved from granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock [1]. Predominantly composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite exhibits compressive strength between 100-250 MPa and density of 2600-2800 kg/m³ [2]. Sourced from quarries across the Indian subcontinent, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (கருங்கல் சிலை - Karungal silai), and Andhra Pradesh (గ్రానైట్ విగ్రహం - Granaiṭ vigrahaṁ), granite was extensively used during the Chola (9th-13th century CE) and Hoysala (10th-14th century CE) periods. These dynasties employed traditional stone carving techniques (शिलाकर्म – Śilākarma) for temple iconography. Granite's low porosity (0.1-1%) contributes to its durability and weather resistance. Conservation efforts address weathering, biological growth, and structural damage. Restoration often involves cleaning, consolidation, and repair using compatible materials to preserve the integrity of these heritage objects [3]. Thermal expansion coefficient is ~5-9 x 10^-6 /°C [2].
Also Known As	Granite Idol Grenāiṭ pāṣāṇa mūrti Granite Statue Granite Figure Granite Sculpture ग्रेनाइट प्रतिमा कृष्ण पाषाण मूर्ति पाषाण देवमूर्ति கருங்கல் சிலை (Karungal silai) గ్రానైట్ విగ్రహం (Granaiṭ vigrahaṁ) ಗ್ರಾನೈಟ್ ವಿಗ್ರಹ (Grānaiṭ vigraha) ഗ്രാനൈറ്റ് വിഗ്രഹം (Grānaiṟṟ viṟahaṁ)
Tags	Granite Idol Granite Statue Granite Sculpture Temple Sculpture Hindu Idol Stone Sculpture Religious Art South Indian Art
Material ID	`INHFMAT-453765394-20-11-25-GL`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/granite-idol
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/granite-idol`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Chola Period (9th-13th century CE) Hoysala Period (10th-14th century CE)
Dynasties	Chola Dynasty Hoysala Dynasty

ग्रेनाइट पाषाण मूर्ति (Granite Idol)

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