| Title | शिलाखंड (Stone Blocks)Rare Śilākhaṇḍa Stone Blocks |
|---|---|
| Description | Shilākhaṇḍa (शिलाखण्ड), or stone blocks, are fundamental construction materials in Indic heritage architecture. Their composition varies based on geological origin, encompassing igneous (granite, basalt), sedimentary (sandstone, limestone), and metamorphic rocks. Quarries across Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh provided these materials. Physical properties include compressive strength (40-200 MPa), density (2.5-3.0 g/cm³), porosity (0.5-5%), and water absorption (0.1-3%) [2]. Traditional processing involved quarrying, dressing (रूप), and shaping using tools like stone burins [1]. Shilākhaṇḍa were extensively used by the Maurya Dynasty, Chalukya Dynasty, and Maratha Empire for load-bearing walls (भित्ति), foundations (आधारशिला), paving (मार्ग), and fortifications (दुर्ग). Durability depends on stone type; however, conservation requires addressing weathering, biological growth, and structural instability. Restoration efforts prioritize using compatible materials and traditional techniques to preserve the integrity of heritage sites like temples (मंदिर), forts (दुर्ग), and stepwells (वाव) [3]. पाषाण खंड (pāṣāṇa khaṇḍa) provided structural support as lintels and beams. |
| Also Known As | Stone Blocks Śilākhaṇḍa Stone Blocks Stone Pieces Rock Blocks पत्थर के खंड पाषाण खंड शिला चट्टान खंड |
| Tags | शिलाखण्ड Shilākhaṇḍa Stone Blocks Ashlar Masonry Masonry Construction Quarry Stone Building Stone Architectural Stone |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-888351574-20-11-25-SN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/stone-blocks |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/stone-blocks |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Igneous Rock Sedimentary Rock Metamorphic Rock Granite Sandstone Limestone Basalt |
|---|
| Regions | Rajasthan Karnataka Maharashtra Chhattisgarh |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient India (3rd century BCE) Medieval India (6th-18th century CE) Maratha Period (17th-19th century CE) |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Chalukya Dynasty Maratha Empire |
| Sources | Aihole quarries, Karnataka Local quarries near Raigarh, Chhattisgarh Specific geographic sources (e.g., quarries near construction sites) |
|---|
| Properties | Compressive strength: 40-200 MPa (depending on stone type) Density: 2.5-3.0 g/cm³ (depending on stone type) Porosity: 0.5-5% (depending on stone type) Water absorption: 0.1-3% (depending on stone type) Thermal conductivity: Varies with mineral composition Durability: High resistance to weathering (depending on stone type) |
|---|
| Uses | Load-bearing walls in temples, forts, and palaces Foundation stones for structural stability Paving for pathways and courtyards Fortification walls for defense Construction of stepwells (wells with steps) Lintels and beams for structural support Pillars and columns for architectural design and support |
|---|
| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Surkhi (Brick Dust) Kāshtha (Wood) Lohā (Iron) Bajri (Gravel) Mud Mortar |
|---|
| Styles | Dravidian architecture Nagara architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Vesara architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Temple Fort Palace Stepwell |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Stone masonry techniques |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raigarh Fort Raigarh | Primary | 100% |