Question 1

What is संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber)?

Accepted Answer

Polished timber, or *Pôlish Kī Huī Lakaṛī*, is a processed wood material extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. The base material, *Kāṣṭha* (wood), originates from diverse tree species across the Indian subcontinent, including Teak (*Sāgawāna*) [1]. Density ranges from 0.5-0.9 g/cm³ depending on the species, with moisture content typically between 12-15%. Traditional construction methods employed polished timber for door frames, window frames, and decorative panels. Tensile strength varies from 40-100 MPa, and thermal conductivity is approximately 0.14 W/mK.

Historically, polished timber was favored during the Medieval period across various dynasties. The polishing process, often involving natural resins and oils, enhances durability and aesthetic appeal. Conservation efforts for heritage sites require careful assessment of wood degradation and appropriate restoration techniques, including consolidation and surface treatments. *Chikkaṇa Kāṣṭha* (smooth wood) was often used for *wooden collars* [1] and other decorative elements. The material's biological origin necessitates consideration of fungal decay and insect infestation in conservation.

Question 2

What type of material is संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber)?

Accepted Answer

संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) is classified as Wood, Processed Wood. Key properties include Density: 0.5-0.9 g/cm³ (species dependent), Moisture content: 12-15%, Tensile strength: 40-100 MPa (species dependent).

Question 3

Where is संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) used?

Accepted Answer

संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) is commonly used in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra. It is sourced from Western Ghats forests, Teak plantations.

Question 4

How is संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) is used for Door frames, Window frames, Decorative panels, Roof beams, Carved elements, Furniture in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) requires attention to Susceptible to insect infestation and Susceptible to fungal decay. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Saṃskṛta kāṣṭha Polished Timber 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Polished timber, or Pôlish Kī Huī Lakaṛī, is a processed wood material extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. The base material, Kāṣṭha (wood), originates from diverse tree species across the Indian subcontinent, including Teak (Sāgawāna) [1]. Density ranges from 0.5-0.9 g/cm³ depending on the species, with moisture content typically between 12-15%. Traditional construction methods employed polished timber for door frames, window frames, and decorative panels. Tensile strength varies from 40-100 MPa, and thermal conductivity is approximately 0.14 W/mK. Historically, polished timber was favored during the Medieval period across various dynasties. The polishing process, often involving natural resins and oils, enhances durability and aesthetic appeal. Conservation efforts for heritage sites require careful assessment of wood degradation and appropriate restoration techniques, including consolidation and surface treatments. Chikkaṇa Kāṣṭha (smooth wood) was often used for wooden collars [1] and other decorative elements. The material's biological origin necessitates consideration of fungal decay and insect infestation in conservation.
Also Known As	Polished Timber Saṃskṛta kāṣṭha Polished Timber Finished Wood Glossy Wood संस्कृत काष्ठ चिक्कण काष्ठ पॉलिश किया हुआ काष्ठ चमकदार लकड़ी மெருகூட்டப்பட்ட மரம் (Merukūṭṭappaṭṭa maram) మెరుగుపెట్టిన కలప (Merugupettina kalapa) ಮೆರುಗು ಹಾಕಿದ ಮರ (Merugu hākida mara) മിനുക്കിയ മരം (Minukkiya maram)
Tags	Timber Wood Polished Wood Joinery Teak Wood Finishing
Material ID	`INHFMAT-670711068-20-11-25-PL`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/polished-timber
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/polished-timber`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Medieval
Dynasties	Various

संस्कृत काष्ठ (Polished Timber)

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