Question 1

What is पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

Pakva Mrittikā Phalaka (पक्व मृत्तिका फलक), or terracotta tiles, are ceramic building materials extensively used in Indic architecture [1]. These *mrittikā patti* (मृत्तिका पट्टिका) are primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits across the Indian subcontinent. Firing temperatures range from 800-1100°C, influencing the final product's porosity (15-25%) and water absorption (8-25%). Density typically falls between 1800-2200 kg/m³, with a thermal conductivity of 1.1-1.5 W/mK.

Historically, terracotta tiles were prominent during the Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, and Chola dynasties, serving as roofing, flooring, and decorative elements. Examples are found in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Traditional construction methods involved hand-molding and firing in kilns. Conservation efforts address weathering, erosion, and biological growth. Restoration requires careful matching of clay composition and firing techniques to maintain the *mrnmaya phalak* (मृण्मय फलक)'s original characteristics. Flexural strength ranges from 5-15 MPa.

Question 2

What type of material is पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) is classified as Ceramic, Clay Product, Fired Clay, Roofing Material, Wall Cladding Material, Flooring Material. Key properties include Water absorption: 8-25%, Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³, Thermal conductivity: 1.1-1.5 W/mK.

Question 3

Where is पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) used?

Accepted Answer

पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) is commonly used in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, Bengal. It is sourced from Local clay deposits, Tile factories (Bengal region), Clay deposits near riverbeds.

Question 4

How is पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) is used for Roofing, Flooring, Wall cladding, Decorative elements, Drainage systems in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) requires attention to Susceptible to frost damage and Requires periodic sealing. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Pakva Mṛttikā Phalaka Terracotta Tiles 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	Pakva Mrittikā Phalaka (पक्व मृत्तिका फलक), or terracotta tiles, are ceramic building materials extensively used in Indic architecture [1]. These mrittikā patti (मृत्तिका पट्टिका) are primarily composed of clay minerals sourced from riverbeds and alluvial deposits across the Indian subcontinent. Firing temperatures range from 800-1100°C, influencing the final product's porosity (15-25%) and water absorption (8-25%). Density typically falls between 1800-2200 kg/m³, with a thermal conductivity of 1.1-1.5 W/mK. Historically, terracotta tiles were prominent during the Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, and Chola dynasties, serving as roofing, flooring, and decorative elements. Examples are found in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Traditional construction methods involved hand-molding and firing in kilns. Conservation efforts address weathering, erosion, and biological growth. Restoration requires careful matching of clay composition and firing techniques to maintain the mrnmaya phalak (मृण्मय फलक)'s original characteristics. Flexural strength ranges from 5-15 MPa.
Also Known As	Terracotta Tiles Pakva Mṛttikā Phalaka Terracotta Tiles Baked Clay Tiles Earthenware Tiles Fired Clay Tiles टेराकोटा टाइल्स पक्की मिट्टी की टाइलें मृत्तिका पट्टिका मृण्मय फलक भूषित मृत्तिका फलक
Tags	Terracotta Tiles Clay Roofing Clay Tiles Mrittikā Khaprail Fired Clay
Material ID	`INHFMAT-705193032-20-11-25-PR`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/terracotta-tiles
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/terracotta-tiles`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Colonial Period
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Chola Dynasty Sunga Dynasty Regional Dynasties

Title	Type	Notes
Terracotta Art of Bengal	Book	Technical aspects of terracotta production
Terracotta Art of Bengal	Book	Manufacturing and application

पक्व मृत्तिका फलक (Terracotta Tiles)

External References

Material Types

Regions

Historical Context

Geographic Sources

Properties

Common Uses

Related Materials

Related Styles

Related Categories

Conservation Notes

Recommended Sources

Heritage Sites (1)

Frequently Asked Questions