| Title | कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट (Mud Brick)Rare Kaccī miṭṭī kī īnṭ Mud Brick |
|---|---|
| Description | *Kachchi Mitti ki Eent* (कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट), or unfired mud brick, is a composite material integral to Indic heritage architecture [1]. Its composition includes clay, silt, sand, and organic binders like straw (*bhusa*), sourced from alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and riverbeds across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab. Processing involves mixing, molding, and sun-drying (*dhoop mein sukhai eent*). Historically, *kacchi eent* (कच्ची ईंट) was extensively used during the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE) and the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE). The Gupta period also saw its widespread application. Compressive strength ranges from 0.5-7 MPa, with a density of 1400-2000 kg/m³ [2]. High water absorption (15-35%) necessitates careful conservation. Thermal conductivity is 0.4-0.8 W/mK, contributing to high thermal mass. Porosity ranges from 20-35%. *Mrittikashila* (मृत्तिकाशिला) finds use in wall construction, infill, and vaulting. Conservation efforts address erosion and water damage, requiring traditional knowledge of soil composition (*mitti*) [3]. Restoration of heritage sites demands compatible *gada ki inta* (गाद की ईंट) variants. |
| Also Known As | Mud Brick Kaccī miṭṭī kī īnṭ Mud Brick Adobe Brick Unfired Brick Sun-dried Brick कच्ची ईंट धूप में सुखाई ईंट मिट्टी की ईंट गाद की ईंट कच्ची मिट्टी की ईंट कच्चा ईंट |
| Tags | कच्चा इष्टिका Kacchā Ishtikā Mud Brick Adobe Sun-Dried Earthen Clay Unfired मृत्तिका इष्टिका Mrittika Ishtika मृत्तिका Mrittika Mud Brick Unfired Clay Earthen Architecture Earthen Construction Thermal Insulation मृत्तिकाशिला Mrittikāshilā Erosion |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-882049797-20-11-25-MI |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/mud-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/mud-brick |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Earthen Material Unfired Clay Brick Composite Material |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Gujarat Punjab Haryana Uttar Pradesh Indo-Gangetic Plain Tajikistan |
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| Time Periods | Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Empire Early Historic Period Early Medieval Period Gupta Empire Medieval Period |
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| Dynasties | Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Kushan Dynasty Indo-Greek Kingdom Rajput Dynasty |
| Sources | Local clay deposits Agricultural fields Riverbanks Alluvial plains Alluvial soil deposits Riverbeds Local clay pits Local soil deposits |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 0.5-7 MPa Water absorption: 15-35% Density: 1400-2000 kg/m³ Thermal conductivity: 0.4-0.8 W/mK Porosity: 20-35% High thermal mass |
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| Uses | Wall construction Infill material Rural housing Vaulting Partition walls Roofing (with adequate support) Paving (limited applications) Foundation in arid climates |
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| Materials | गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) मिट्टी - Mitti (Mud Plaster) लकड़ी - Lakadee (Wood) भूसा - Bhusa (Straw) तृण - Trina (Straw) कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Binders) |
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| Styles | Vernacular architecture Rural architecture Indus Valley Civilization architecture Indo-Greek architecture |
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| Categories | Village Rural Settlement Residential Agricultural Residential Buildings Village Structures Domestic architecture Agricultural structures Boundary Walls Fortifications Stupas Granaries Monastery |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Earthen Architecture Conservation | Book | Conservation techniques for mud brick structures |
| Traditional Mud Architecture of India | Book | Construction techniques and material properties |
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Mud brick construction techniques |
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Composition and use of mud bricks |
| Ancient Building Materials of the Indus Valley Civilization | Academic Paper | Composition and properties of mud bricks |
| Traditional Indian Building Materials and Techniques | Book | Mud brick manufacturing and application |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurmala Stupa Termez Uzbekistan | Primary | 100% |