| Title | खपरा (Khaprail (Tile))Uncommon Khaparā Khaprail (Tile) |
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| Description | खपरैल (Khaprail), or छत टाइल (Chhat Tile), are traditional fired clay roofing tiles extensively used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly in regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. These ग्राम्या टाइल (Gramya Tile) are primarily terracotta, derived from clay deposits sourced from riverbeds and quarries across the Indian subcontinent. The chemical composition is dominated by silica, alumina, and iron oxides. Processing involves shaping, drying, and firing at temperatures between 800-1100°C, imparting compressive strength (15-30 MPa) and reducing water absorption (5-25%). Historically, the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire utilized these tiles [2]. Physical properties include a density of 1800-2200 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity of 0.8-1.2 W/mK. Durability is affected by freeze-thaw cycles and biological growth. Conservation requires careful cleaning and replacement with tiles of similar composition and firing characteristics. कौलू (Kaulu) and नरिया (Nariya) are regional names. Restoration employs tools like tile nippers [1]. |
| Also Known As | Khaprail (Tile) Khaparā Khaprail Roof Tile Terracotta Tile Clay Roof Tile खपरैल कौलू नरिया ग्राम्या टाइल छत टाइल |
| Tags | Tile Terracotta Roofing Ceramic Clay Khaprail Mangalore Tile |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-843520549-20-11-25-KA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/tile |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/tile |
| Total Sites | 13 |
| Primary Sites | 13 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Terracotta Fired Clay Tile Roofing Tile |
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| Regions | Karnataka Kerala Tamil Nadu West Bengal Goa Coastal India Southern India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period Colonial Period Modern Era |
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| Dynasties | Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire Travancore Kingdom Nayaka Dynasty Portuguese Colonial Rule British Empire |
| Sources | Local kilns Tile factories Local clay deposits Regional tile manufacturing centers |
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| Properties | Water absorption: 5-25% Firing temperature: 800-1100°C Flexural strength: 5-30 MPa Thermal conductivity: 0.8-1.2 W/mK Density: 1800-2200 kg/m³ Compressive strength: 15-30 MPa |
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| Uses | Roofing Wall cladding Paving |
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| Materials | Wood battens Lime Mortar Mud mortar Timber Bamboo |
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| Styles | Kerala architecture Mangalore tile roof style Bengal architecture Goan architecture Dravidian architecture Colonial architecture |
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| Categories | House Temple Public Building Residential buildings Temples Churches Residential building Public building Farmhouses Residential Buildings Church Public buildings Residential Architecture Residential Building |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Building Materials of India | Book | Tile manufacturing and usage |
| Traditional Roofing Systems of India | Book | Tile types and installation techniques |
| Traditional Roofing Systems in India | Article | Details on tile manufacturing and application |
| Traditional Roofing Systems in South India | Article | Tile manufacturing and installation |
| Traditional Roofing Systems of South India | Report | Technical details on tile types and construction |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple Dharmasthala | Primary | 100% | |
| Guangxiao Temple Guangzhou China | Primary | 100% | |
| Kollur Mookambika Temple Udupi | Primary | 100% | |
| Lingyin Temple Hangzhou Zhejiang China | Primary | 100% | |
| Mount Wutai Monasteries Shanxi China | Primary | 100% | |
| Nanhua Temple Shaoguan Guangdong China | Primary | 100% | |
| Putuo Zongcheng Temple Chengde Hebei China | Primary | 100% | |
| Qingyuan Temple Jiuhuashan Anhui China | Primary | 100% | |
| Shree Shyam Rai Temple Imphal | Primary | 100% | |
| Temple of the Six Banyan Trees Guangzhou China | Primary | 100% | |
| Ujjayanta Palace Agartala | Primary | 100% | |
| West Lake Cultural Landscape Hangzhou Zhejiang China | Primary | 100% | |
| Zhenru Temple Shanghai China | Primary | 100% |