Question 1

What is नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick)?

Accepted Answer

नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Īnt), also known as सिख ईंट (Sikh Īnt), are terracotta bricks prevalent during the Sikh Empire (18th-19th centuries CE) in the Punjab region. These ceramic materials, derived from alluvial clay deposits – *mrittika* (मृतिका) in Sanskrit – underwent firing processes at temperatures typically between 950-1050°C. Their composition primarily consists of silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Physical properties include a compressive strength of 4-10 MPa, water absorption of 15-22%, porosity of 20-25%, and a density of 1600-1800 kg/m³. Nanakshahi bricks, often larger than लखौरी ईंट (Lakhauri Īnt), were employed in wall construction, fortifications, paving, vaulting, and decorative facades. Traditional brick hammers [1], *ghana* (घन), were used in their production. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like forts and *gurudwaras* (गुरुद्वारा) require careful matching of brick size, color, and composition. Durability is affected by weathering and salt efflorescence, necessitating appropriate restoration techniques. Understanding the *dravya* (द्रव्य) or substance, and its *guna* (गुण) or properties, is crucial for preservation.

Question 2

What type of material is नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick)?

Accepted Answer

नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) is classified as Ceramic, Clay Brick, Terracotta. Key properties include Compressive strength: 4-10 MPa, Water absorption: 15-22%, Porosity: 20-25%.

Question 3

Where is नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) used?

Accepted Answer

नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) is commonly used in Punjab. It is sourced from Brick kilns in Punjab during the Sikh period, Local kilns in Punjab region.

Question 4

How is नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) is used for Wall construction, Fortifications, Construction of buildings during the Sikh Empire, Paving, Vaulting, Decorative facades in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) requires attention to Similar conservation challenges to Lakhauri bricks and Requires careful matching of mortar for repairs. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Nānakaśāhī Īnṭ Nanakshahi Brick 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Īnt), also known as सिख ईंट (Sikh Īnt), are terracotta bricks prevalent during the Sikh Empire (18th-19th centuries CE) in the Punjab region. These ceramic materials, derived from alluvial clay deposits – mrittika (मृतिका) in Sanskrit – underwent firing processes at temperatures typically between 950-1050°C. Their composition primarily consists of silica, alumina, iron oxide, and lime. Physical properties include a compressive strength of 4-10 MPa, water absorption of 15-22%, porosity of 20-25%, and a density of 1600-1800 kg/m³. Nanakshahi bricks, often larger than लखौरी ईंट (Lakhauri Īnt), were employed in wall construction, fortifications, paving, vaulting, and decorative facades. Traditional brick hammers [1], ghana (घन), were used in their production. Conservation efforts at heritage sites like forts and gurudwaras (गुरुद्वारा) require careful matching of brick size, color, and composition. Durability is affected by weathering and salt efflorescence, necessitating appropriate restoration techniques. Understanding the dravya (द्रव्य) or substance, and its guna (गुण) or properties, is crucial for preservation.
Also Known As	Nanakshahi Brick Nānakaśāhī Īnṭ Nanakshahi Brick Lakhori Brick Sikh Brick नानकशाही ईंट सिख ईंट लखौरी ईंट
Tags	नानकशाही ईंट Nanakshahi Īnt Nanakshahi Brick Sikh Brick Punjab Brick Sikh Architecture Thin Brick
Material ID	`INHFMAT-265716247-20-11-25-NA`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/nanakshahi-brick
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/nanakshahi-brick`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	2
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	18th Century CE 19th Century CE
Dynasties	Sikh Empire

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Gobindgarh Fort Amritsar	Primary		100%
Kali Mata Mandir Patiala	Primary		100%

नानकशाही ईंट (Nanakshahi Brick)

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