Question 1

What is क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions)?

Accepted Answer

कषाय (Kashāya), meaning herbal concoctions or decoctions [1], served as crucial organic additives in traditional Indic construction, particularly during the medieval period under dynasties like the Chera and Chola. These औषधीय क्वाथ (medicinal decoctions) were incorporated into lime mortar (चूना) and plaster mixes to enhance their physical and chemical properties. Sourced from regional forests across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, specific वनस्पतिक क्वाथ (plant decoctions) varied, often including neem (Azadirachta indica) for its insecticidal properties, turmeric (Curcuma longa) for its antimicrobial effects, and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) for binding.

The addition of कषाय improved the workability, water resistance, and overall durability of the mortar. Chemically, the organic compounds within the Kashāya reacted with the lime (calcium hydroxide), creating a more robust matrix. In heritage conservation, understanding the original Kashāya composition is vital for selecting compatible consolidation agents and repair mortars. Analyzing residual organic matter helps replicate traditional recipes for authentic restoration of heritage sites.

Question 2

What type of material is क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions)?

Accepted Answer

क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) is classified as Additive, Organic Binder. Key properties include Improves Lime Mortar Durability, Enhances Water Resistance, Insect Repellent.

Question 3

Where is क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) used?

Accepted Answer

क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) is commonly used in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. It is sourced from Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Ayurvedic Texts, Local Herbalists.

Question 4

How is क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) is used for Lime Mortar Additive, Plaster Additive, Wood Surface Treatment, Consolidation Agent in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) requires attention to Preparation Method Critical and Potential Color Alteration of Mortar/Plaster. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Kvātha Herbal Concoctions 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	कषाय (Kashāya), meaning herbal concoctions or decoctions [1], served as crucial organic additives in traditional Indic construction, particularly during the medieval period under dynasties like the Chera and Chola. These औषधीय क्वाथ (medicinal decoctions) were incorporated into lime mortar (चूना) and plaster mixes to enhance their physical and chemical properties. Sourced from regional forests across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, specific वनस्पतिक क्वाथ (plant decoctions) varied, often including neem (Azadirachta indica) for its insecticidal properties, turmeric (Curcuma longa) for its antimicrobial effects, and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) for binding. The addition of कषाय improved the workability, water resistance, and overall durability of the mortar. Chemically, the organic compounds within the Kashāya reacted with the lime (calcium hydroxide), creating a more robust matrix. In heritage conservation, understanding the original Kashāya composition is vital for selecting compatible consolidation agents and repair mortars. Analyzing residual organic matter helps replicate traditional recipes for authentic restoration of heritage sites.
Also Known As	Herbal Concoctions Kvātha Herbal Decoction Herbal Extract Medicinal Infusion Kashaya कषाय औषधीय क्वाथ वनस्पतिक क्वाथ काढ़ा कषायम (Tamil) కషాయం (Telugu) ಕಷಾಯ (Kannada) കഷായം (Malayalam)
Tags	Kashaya Herbal Decoction Lime Mortar Durability Insect Repellent Water Resistance Traditional Construction Ayurveda
Material ID	`INHFMAT-506543230-20-11-25-KC`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/herbal-concoctions
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/herbal-concoctions`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Medieval Period
Dynasties	Chera Chola

Title	क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Kvātha Herbal Concoctions 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	कषाय (Kashāya), meaning herbal concoctions or decoctions [1], served as crucial organic additives in traditional Indic construction, particularly during the medieval period under dynasties like the Chera and Chola. These औषधीय क्वाथ (medicinal decoctions) were incorporated into lime mortar (चूना) and plaster mixes to enhance their physical and chemical properties. Sourced from regional forests across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, specific वनस्पतिक क्वाथ (plant decoctions) varied, often including neem (Azadirachta indica) for its insecticidal properties, turmeric (Curcuma longa) for its antimicrobial effects, and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) for binding. The addition of कषाय improved the workability, water resistance, and overall durability of the mortar. Chemically, the organic compounds within the Kashāya reacted with the lime (calcium hydroxide), creating a more robust matrix. In heritage conservation, understanding the original Kashāya composition is vital for selecting compatible consolidation agents and repair mortars. Analyzing residual organic matter helps replicate traditional recipes for authentic restoration of heritage sites.
Also Known As	Herbal Concoctions Kvātha Herbal Decoction Herbal Extract Medicinal Infusion Kashaya कषाय औषधीय क्वाथ वनस्पतिक क्वाथ काढ़ा कषायम (Tamil) కషాయం (Telugu) ಕಷಾಯ (Kannada) കഷായം (Malayalam)
Tags	Kashaya Herbal Decoction Lime Mortar Durability Insect Repellent Water Resistance Traditional Construction Ayurveda
Material ID	`INHFMAT-506543230-20-11-25-KC`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/herbal-concoctions
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/herbal-concoctions`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Medieval Period
Dynasties	Chera Chola

क्वाथ (Herbal Concoctions)

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