| Title | लाक्षा (Lacquer)Uncommon Lākṣā Lacquer |
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| Description | Lākh (लाख), also known as Lākshā Rasa (लाक्षा रस) or Krimija Rasa (कृमिज रस), is a natural resin of animal origin, secreted by the *Kerria lacca* insect [1]. Historically sourced from forests across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, it served as a crucial construction material. Its chemical composition primarily comprises resin acids, aleuritic acid, and wax. Lākh exhibits moderate hardness, good adhesion, and moderate water resistance. With a density ranging from 1.1-1.4 g/cm³, a softening point of 70-80°C, and a melting point of 75-85°C, it was processed through heating and molding for various applications. Used extensively from the Maurya period onwards, Lākh served as a decorative coating on wood and metal, an adhesive for intricate inlay work (especially during the Mughal period), and a protective finish [2]. Its excellent electrical insulation properties (dielectric strength: 15-25 kV/mm) also found utility. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like forts in Rajasthan require careful consideration of Lākh's solubility in alcohol and its susceptibility to degradation from prolonged exposure to moisture and UV radiation [3]. Traditional processing methods involved techniques documented in ancient texts, highlighting its significance in Indic heritage architecture. |
| Also Known As | Lacquer Lākṣā Lacquer Shellac Lac resin लाख लाक्षा रस कृमिज रस रक्तक |
| Tags | लाख Lākh Lacquer Resin Coating Inlay Adhesive Shellac |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-499018445-20-11-25-LQ |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lacquer |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lacquer |
| Total Sites | 5 |
| Primary Sites | 5 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Resin Coating Adhesive Natural Polymer Finish |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Bihar Jharkhand Chhattisgarh West Bengal Eastern India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period Mughal Period Sikh Period |
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| Dynasties | Maurya Gupta Rajput Mughal Sikh |
| Sources | Forests Cultivated lac farms Lac cultivation areas in Eastern India |
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| Properties | Hardness: Moderate Adhesion: Good Water resistance: Moderate Melting point: 75-85°C Density: 1.1-1.4 g/cm³ Dielectric strength: 15-25 kV/mm Softening point: 70-80°C Solubility: Alcohol Electrical insulator Electrical insulation: Excellent |
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| Uses | Decorative coating on wood and metal Adhesive for inlay work Protective finish Sealing wax Wood coating Metal coating Toy making Jewelry making |
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| Materials | लकड़ी - Lakdi (Wood) सोना - Sonā (Gold) चाँदी - Chandi (Silver) रंग - Rang (Pigments) कपूर - Karpūr (Camphor) राल - Rāl (Resin) तेल - Tel (Oil) गोंद - Gond (Resin) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Wood) रंग - Rang (Paint) |
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| Styles | Mughal decorative arts Rajput decorative arts Folk art Wood carving Traditional crafts Vernacular art |
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| Categories | Palace Furniture Artifacts Temple Artifact Toys Jewelry Decorative objects Woodwork Metalwork Paintings Fort |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lac Production in India | Industry Report | Extraction and processing |
| Traditional Indian Lacquer Work | Article | Production and application techniques |
| Indian Handicrafts | Book | Lacquer techniques |
| Handbook of Lac Production | Book | Lac cultivation and processing |
| Lac Production, Processing and Utilization | Book | Technical guide on lac properties and processing |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Fort Jaipur | Primary | 100% | |
| Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan | Primary | 100% | |
| City Palace Jaipur | Primary | 100% | |
| Govind Dev Temple Vrindavan | Primary | 100% | |
| Sheesh Mahal Patiala | Primary | 100% |