| Title | छप्पर तृण (Thatching Straw)Rare Chappar tṛṇa Thatching Straw |
|---|---|
| Description | तृण (Trina), or thatch, encompassing छप्पर घास, फूस, पुवाल, and regional variants like புல் கூரை (Pul kūrai) [1], is a bio-based construction material prevalent in Indic heritage architecture. Derived from locally sourced grasses, reeds, or straw, its geological/biological origin dictates its chemical composition, primarily cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Traditional processing involves drying and bundling, influencing its density (100-200 kg/m³) and thermal conductivity (0.05-0.08 W/mK). Historically used extensively during the Meitei Dynasty in Manipur and in Kerala and West Bengal, तृणमय छत सामग्री (thatched roofing material) provided insulation and weather protection. However, high water absorption and low fire resistance necessitate regular maintenance and replacement every 10-20 years. Conservation efforts for heritage sites incorporating तृण require skilled artisans employing traditional techniques. Durability is enhanced through proper thatching techniques and regular maintenance, crucial for preserving its historical significance. |
| Also Known As | Thatching Straw Chappar tṛṇa Thatch Thatching material Straw thatch Roofing straw छप्पर घास फूस तृण तृणमय छत सामग्री पुवाल புல் கூரை (Pul kūrai) గడ్డి కప్పు (Gaḍḍi kappu) ಹುಲ್ಲಿನ ಛಾವಣಿ (Hullina chāvaṇi) |
| Tags | तृण Trina Thatch Grass Roofing Insulation Flammability Maintenance Straw |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-605885070-20-11-25-TI |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/thatch |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/thatch |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 2 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Straw Reeds Grass |
|---|
| Regions | Manipur Kerala West Bengal |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Meitei Dynasty |
| Sources | Local grasslands Reed beds Rice paddies |
|---|
| Properties | Thermal Conductivity: 0.05-0.08 W/mK Density: 100-200 kg/m³ Water Absorption: High Lifespan: 10-20 years (with maintenance) Fire Resistance: Low (untreated) |
|---|
| Uses | Roofing Wall cladding Insulation |
|---|
| Materials | Bamboo Rope Mud बांस - Bānsa (Bamboo) काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Timber) मिट्टी - Mitti (Clay) |
|---|
| Styles | Vernacular Architecture Rural Housing |
|---|
| Categories | Residential Buildings Agricultural Structures Temporary Shelters Residential Agricultural |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Building Techniques in India | Book | Thatch roofing details |
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Thatch properties and uses |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanamahi Temple Imphal | Primary | 100% | |
| Sanamahi Temple Imphal | Primary | 100% |