| Title | लाल मिट्टी की ईंट (Red Clay Brick)Rare Lāl miṭṭī kī īnṭ Red Clay Brick |
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| Description | लाल ईंट (Lāl Īnt), or रक्तवर्णी ईंट (Raktavarni Īnt), is a fired clay masonry unit integral to Indic heritage architecture. Composed primarily of clay minerals sourced from alluvial deposits across the subcontinent, including regions like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, its geological origin influences its properties. Processing involves shaping, drying, and firing at 900-1100°C, yielding a ceramic material with compressive strength ranging from 3.5-35 MPa [1]. Density falls between 1600-2200 kg/m³, with water absorption of 10-25%. Historically, लाल ईंट was extensively used from the Indus Valley Civilization through the Mauryan, Gupta, and Delhi Sultanate periods. Structures like those from the Vijayanagara Empire and Pala dynasty showcase its durability. Traditional brick hammers (ईंट हथौड़ा - Īnt Hathauṛā) were employed in construction [2]. Conservation necessitates understanding the material's degradation mechanisms in diverse climates. Restoration efforts require sourcing compatible clay and employing traditional firing techniques to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic coherence [3]. |
| Also Known As | Red Clay Brick Lāl miṭṭī kī īnṭ Red Brick Clay Brick Common Brick Building Brick लाल ईंट रक्तवर्णी ईंट मृत्तिका ईंट செங்கல் (Sengal) ఇటుక (Iṭuka) ಇಟ್ಟಿಗೆ (Iṭṭige) ചുടുകട്ട (Cuṭukaṭṭa) ৰঙা ইটা (Roṅā iṭā) লাল ইট (Lāl iṭa) ވިඩ (Viḍa) |
| Tags | Ishtika Red Brick Brick Masonry Kiln Brick Clay Terracotta Firing Masonry Īnt Lāl Īnt |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-368619096-20-11-25-LN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/red-brick |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/red-brick |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Ceramic Masonry Unit Clay Product Fired Clay Brick |
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| Regions | Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Punjab Tamil Nadu Rajasthan |
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| Time Periods | Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Empire Gupta Empire Medieval Period Vijayanagara Empire |
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| Dynasties | Maurya Gupta Delhi Sultanate Chola Pala Kushana |
| Sources | Alluvial clay deposits Brick kilns near riverbeds Alluvial plains of Ganga Riverbeds of Kaveri Local clay pits Brick kilns near settlements Gangetic plains clay deposits Local clay deposits near riverbeds Brick kilns in rural areas Specific geographic sources |
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| Properties | Compressive strength: 3.5-35 MPa Density: 1600-2200 kg/m³ Water absorption: 10-25% Thermal conductivity: 0.6-1.0 W/mK Firing temperature: 900-1100°C |
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| Uses | Load-bearing walls Paving Vaulted roofs Decorative facades Facing material Vaulting Ornamental brickwork Arches Foundation |
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| Materials | Chuna (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Kashta (Wood) |
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| Styles | Indo-Islamic architecture Bengal architecture Dravidian temple architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Fort Residential buildings Stupa Stepwell Water tanks |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bricks and Tiles in Ancient India | Journal Article | Manufacturing and use of bricks |
| Ancient Indian Bricks: A Study | Book | Technical analysis of brick types |
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Brick analysis |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champa Museum Da Nang Temple Relics Da Nang Vietnam | Primary | 100% |