| Title | कंकड़ (Kankar (Kankar))Rare Kaṅkaṛ Kankar (Kankar) |
|---|---|
| Description | कंकड़ पत्थर (Kankar), a nodular limestone [1], served as a crucial construction material across the Indic subcontinent, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Deccan Plateau. Its geological origin lies in sedimentary deposits, forming calcareous aggregates with 60-90% calcium carbonate and 10-20% clay impurities. Traditionally sourced from quarries and alluvial deposits, Kankar, known locally as कंकरीट, रोड़ी, बजरी, சல்லிக்கல் (Sallikkal), మెట్ట (Meṭṭa), and ಜಲ್ಲಿಕಲ್ಲು (Jallikallu), was extensively used from the ancient to early modern periods. Its moderate hardness (Density: 2.0-2.4 g/cm³) made it suitable for historical road construction and as aggregate in early forms of concrete. Calcination transformed Kankar into lime, a primary binder. The clay content imparted moderate pozzolanic activity, enhancing lime mortar durability. Heritage structures, including those from the Chauhan Dynasty, utilized Kankar in foundations and walls. Conservation efforts must address its susceptibility to weathering and salt attack, employing compatible lime-based mortars for restoration [2], [3]. |
| Also Known As | Kankar (Kankar) Kaṅkaṛ Kankar Calcareous Nodules Gravel Aggregate कंकड़ पत्थर कंकरीट रोड़ी बजरी சல்லிக்கல் (Sallikkal) మెట్ట (Meṭṭa) ಜಲ್ಲಿಕಲ್ಲು (Jallikallu) |
| Tags | Kankar Lime Nodules Calcium Carbonate Lime Pozzolan Aggregate Construction Material |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-675637504-20-11-25-KN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/kankar |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/kankar |
| Total Sites | 4 |
| Primary Sites | 4 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Calcareous Aggregate Lime Source Pozzolanic Material Sedimentary Rock Nodular Limestone Construction Aggregate |
|---|
| Regions | Haryana Punjab Uttar Pradesh Indo-Gangetic Plain Deccan Plateau |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period Early Modern Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Chauhan Dynasty |
| Sources | Alluvial soil deposits |
|---|
| Properties | Calcium carbonate content: 60-90% Clay content: 10-20% Nodule size: mm to cm Moderate Hardness Composition: Calcium carbonate with clay impurities Density: 2.0-2.4 g/cm³ Variable compressive strength Moderate pozzolanic activity |
|---|
| Uses | Lime production Historical road construction Historical aggregate for concrete Lime mortar additive Historical foundation material |
|---|
| Materials | Chuna (Lime) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Ret (Sand) |
|---|
| Styles | Rajput Architecture Traditional Indian Architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Forts Temples Residential Buildings |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lime and Lime Mortars | Book | Use of Kankar in lime mortars |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hansi Fort Prithviraj Chauhan | Primary | Walls | 100% |
| Mundeshwari Devi Temple Kaura | Primary | 100% | |
| Pemayangtse Monastery Pelling | Primary | 100% | |
| Polonnaruwa Ancient City North Central Province Sri Lanka | Primary | 100% |