| Title | चित्रित पलस्तर (Painted Stucco)Rare Citrit Palastar Painted Stucco |
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| Description | चित्रित प्लास्टर (Chitrit Plāstar), or painted stucco, is a traditional Indic construction material used extensively in heritage architecture for wall and ceiling decoration [1]. Typically a lime-based plaster (चूना पलस्तर, Chūnā Palastar), it comprises lime (calcium hydroxide), sand (silica), and water, sometimes incorporating aggregates like brick dust (सुरखी, Surkhi) for improved hydraulic properties [2]. The lime, often sourced from limestone quarries across Rajasthan and Gujarat, acts as a binder. Applied in multiple layers (लेप, Lepa), ranging from 5-20 mm thick, it provides a surface for intricate painted murals and decorative moldings. Its porosity (20-30%) allows for high water vapor permeability, crucial for building breathability. Compressive strength ranges from 2-5 MPa, with a density of 1400-1600 kg/m³. Mughal, Rajput, and Nayaka dynasties utilized this material extensively. Conservation involves careful cleaning and repair using compatible lime-based mortars to maintain its integrity [3]. Durability is affected by water absorption (15-25%) and environmental factors. Adhesion strength is typically 0.3-0.5 MPa. |
| Also Known As | Painted Stucco Citrit Palastar Painted Stucco Decorated Plaster Painted Plaster Ornamental Stucco चित्रित पलस्तर रंगित पलस्तर लेपित पलस्तर चित्रित भित्तिलेप |
| Tags | चित्रित Chitrit Painted Plaster Stucco Lime Pigment चित्रित प्लास्टर Chitrit Plastar Finish |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-553962749-20-11-25-CP |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/painted-stucco |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/painted-stucco |
| Total Sites | 3 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Plaster Stucco Lime Plaster Coating Wall Finish |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Gujarat Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Mughal Period Rajput Period Nayaka Period Colonial Period Medieval Period Modern Period |
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| Dynasties | Mughal Dynasty Rajput Dynasty Nayaka Dynasty |
| Sources | Lime kilns Sand quarries Natural pigments Local pigment sources Pigment suppliers |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa Water absorption: 15-25% Thermal conductivity: 0.4-1.2 W/mK Porosity: 20-30% Water vapor permeability: High Thickness: 5-20 mm Density: 1400-1600 kg/m³ Adhesion strength: 0.3-0.5 MPa |
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| Uses | Wall decoration Ceiling decoration Creating murals Exterior finishes Creating textured surfaces Protecting underlying substrates Decorative finish Exterior cladding Interior finish Decorative moldings Ceiling finish |
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| Materials | चूना - Chunā (Lime) सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust) गेरू - Geru (Red Ochre) प्राकृतिक रंग - Prakritik Rang (Natural Pigments) रेती - Retī (Sand) रंग - Rang (Paint) Pigments Sand |
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| Styles | Mughal architecture Rajput architecture Colonial architecture |
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| Categories | Temples Palaces Haveli Temple interiors Temple Residential buildings Havelis |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Indian Plasters | Article | Composition and application of traditional plasters |
| Traditional Plasters of Rajasthan | Report | Technical analysis of traditional plaster compositions |
| Traditional Plasters of India | Technical Report | Lime plaster formulations |
| ASI Guidelines for Plaster Conservation | Guideline | Best practices for stucco repair |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Plaster analysis and conservation |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar Koil South Maclean | Primary | Roof | 100% |
| Canberra Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir Mawson | Secondary | 100% | |
| Sri Mandir Auburn | Secondary | Roof | 100% |