Question 1

What is शिलाखंड (Rock)?

Accepted Answer

शैल (Shaila, Rock), encompassing चट्टान (cattān), पत्थर (patthar), पाषाण (pāṣāṇa), and शिला (śilā), denotes the primary geological source of building stones in the Indian subcontinent. These include igneous rocks like granite (ग्रेनाइट), metamorphic rocks like gneiss (नीस), and sedimentary rocks, each exhibiting variable compressive strength (50-200 MPa), porosity (0.1-5%), and density (2500-3000 kg/m³) [3]. Historically quarried across regions like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, शैल served as a fundamental building material from prehistoric times [1] through the ancient period.

Traditional construction methods utilized शैल as foundation material, building stone, and aggregate for mortar and concrete. Dynasties extensively employed शैल in monumental architecture, evidenced in heritage sites across India. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing techniques to consolidate and protect the पाषाण (pāṣāṇa) [2]. Understanding the mineralogical composition and geological origin is crucial for effective restoration.

Question 2

What type of material is शिलाखंड (Rock)?

Accepted Answer

शिलाखंड (Rock) is classified as Igneous Rock, Metamorphic Rock, Sedimentary Rock. Key properties include Compressive Strength: 50-200 MPa (Variable), Porosity: 0.1-5% (Variable), Density: 2500-3000 kg/m³ (Variable).

Question 3

Where is शिलाखंड (Rock) used?

Accepted Answer

शिलाखंड (Rock) is commonly used in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu. It is sourced from Quarries, Natural Outcrops.

Question 4

How is शिलाखंड (Rock) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

शिलाखंड (Rock) is used for Building Stone, Foundation Material, Aggregate for Mortar and Concrete, Sculptural Material in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for शिलाखंड (Rock)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of शिलाखंड (Rock) requires attention to Geological Weathering and Erosion. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	शिलाखंड (Rock) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Śilākhaṇḍa Rock 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	शैल (Shaila, Rock), encompassing चट्टान (cattān), पत्थर (patthar), पाषाण (pāṣāṇa), and शिला (śilā), denotes the primary geological source of building stones in the Indian subcontinent. These include igneous rocks like granite (ग्रेनाइट), metamorphic rocks like gneiss (नीस), and sedimentary rocks, each exhibiting variable compressive strength (50-200 MPa), porosity (0.1-5%), and density (2500-3000 kg/m³) [3]. Historically quarried across regions like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, शैल served as a fundamental building material from prehistoric times [1] through the ancient period. Traditional construction methods utilized शैल as foundation material, building stone, and aggregate for mortar and concrete. Dynasties extensively employed शैल in monumental architecture, evidenced in heritage sites across India. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing techniques to consolidate and protect the पाषाण (pāṣāṇa) [2]. Understanding the mineralogical composition and geological origin is crucial for effective restoration.
Also Known As	Rock Śilākhaṇḍa Rock Stone Boulder चट्टान पत्थर पाषाण शिला शैल
Tags	शैल Shaila Rock Stone Geology Granite Basalt Gneiss
Material ID	`INHFMAT-420461694-20-11-25-SA`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/rock
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/rock`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

शिलाखंड (Rock)

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Heritage Sites (1)

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