| Title | काष्ठ शहतीर (Timber Joists)Rare Kāṣṭha śahatīra Timber Joists |
|---|---|
| Description | Kāshtha (काष्ठ - Timber Joists) are structural elements traditionally used in Indic architecture, particularly for roof and floor framing. Predominantly sourced from forests across the Western Ghats, Himalayan region, and Central India, preferred species include teak (सागौन - Sāgaun) and sal (साल - Sāl) due to their inherent strength and resistance to decay [1]. Density ranges from 500-800 kg/m³ (0.5-0.8 g/cm³), with tensile strength between 50-150 MPa. Moisture content, typically 12-18%, significantly impacts structural integrity. Historically, Kāshtha was extensively employed during the Vedic and Medieval periods, notably by the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire. These joists, known as काष्ठ शहतीर, लकड़ी का शहतीर, or दारु स्तम्भ, served as column supports and lintels. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful assessment of decay mechanisms, often involving fungal degradation. Restoration practices prioritize using sustainably sourced timber and traditional joinery techniques to maintain authenticity. Thermal conductivity is around 0.1-0.2 W/mK. |
| Also Known As | Timber Joists Kāṣṭha śahatīra Timber Joists Wooden Joists Wood Beams Structural Timber काष्ठ शहतीर लकड़ी का शहतीर शहतुती लकड़ी दारु स्तम्भ மரம் விட்டங்கள் (Maram viṭṭaṅkaḷ) చెక్క దూలాలు (Chekka dūlālu) ಮರದ ಜಾಯಿಷ್ಟುಗಳು (Marada jāyiṣṭugaḷu) തടി കഴുക്കോലുകൾ (Taṭi kaḻukkoḷukaḷ) |
| Tags | Kāshtha Timber Wood Joist Beam Teak Sal Deodar Shisham |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-522844056-20-11-25-KJ |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/timber-joists |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/timber-joists |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Wood Natural Material Structural Material |
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| Regions | Western Ghats Himalayan Region Central India |
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| Time Periods | Vedic Period Medieval Period |
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| Dynasties | Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire |
| Sources | Karnataka Forests Kerala Forests Maharashtra Forests |
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| Properties | Density: 500-800 kg/m³ (0.5-0.8 g/cm³) Tensile Strength: 50-150 MPa Moisture Content: 12-18% Thermal Conductivity: 0.1-0.2 W/mK |
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| Uses | Roof Framing Floor Framing Column Supports Lintels Decorative Elements |
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| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Lohā (Iron) Brick Stone |
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| Styles | Kerala Architecture Vernacular Architecture Temple Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Residential Buildings |
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| Notes |
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| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hare Krishna Temple Melbourne Albert Park | Primary | 100% |