| Title | खपरैल (Roof Tile (Khaprail))Rare Khaprail Roof Tile (Khaprail) |
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| Description | Khaprail, or *छादनफलकम्* (Chhadanaphalakam, Sanskrit for "covering slab"), are traditional roofing tiles prevalent across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. These tiles, often terracotta or ceramic, are integral to Indic heritage architecture, dating back to various dynasties. The primary raw material is clay, sourced from local quarries and riverbeds, undergoing processing involving shaping, drying, and firing at temperatures between 800-950°C [2]. The resulting tiles exhibit a density of 1.8-2.0 g/cm³ and water absorption rates of 10-15%, providing weather protection and thermal insulation. Flexural strength typically ranges from 5-10 MPa. Conservation efforts for heritage structures necessitate careful matching of original *खप्पर* (Khappar) tiles, considering variations in clay composition and firing techniques. Traditional tile nippers [1] (*ग्राम्यावर्तिका*) were used for precise shaping. Durability is affected by weathering, biological growth, and seismic activity. Restoration often involves sourcing clay from similar geological origins to ensure compatibility and aesthetic consistency. The tiles are also known as *कौलू*, *ஓடு* (Odu), *పెంకు* (Penku), and *ಹೆಂಚು* (Henchu) in different regional languages. [3] |
| Also Known As | Roof Tile (Khaprail) Khaprail Roof Tile Khaprail Tile Terracotta Roof Tile Clay Roof Tile खपरैल खप्पर कौलू ग्राम्यावर्तिका छादनफलकम् ஓடு (Odu) పెంకు (Penku) ಹೆಂಚು (Henchu) |
| Tags | खपरैल Khaprail Roof Tile Clay Roofing Tile Terracotta |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-218092891-20-11-25-KO |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/roof-tile |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/roof-tile |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Terracotta Ceramic Clay Product |
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| Regions | Jharkhand West Bengal Odisha |
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| Time Periods | Traditional |
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| Sources | Local tile factories |
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| Properties | Water absorption: 10-15% Flexural strength: 5-10 MPa Firing temperature: 800-950°C Density: 1.8-2.0 g/cm³ |
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| Uses | Roofing Weather protection Thermal insulation Heritage building roofing |
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| Materials | लकड़ी - Lakdi (Wood) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) |
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| Styles | Vernacular architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Residential |
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| Notes |
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| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basukinath Dham Deoghar | Primary | 100% |