Question 1

What is श्याम शिला (Dark Stone)?

Accepted Answer

श्याम शैल, also known as *श्याम शिला* (Shyama Shila) or *कृष्ण पाषाण* (Krishna Pashana) in Sanskrit, and regionally as *Karungal*, *Nalla rāyi*, *Kappu kallu*, and *Karuttha kallu*, is a dark-colored, fine-grained extrusive igneous rock, primarily basalt or dolerite, extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from Deccan Traps formations, its geological origin influences its material properties [2]. Possessing high compressive strength (150-300 MPa), density (2.8-3.0 g/cm³), low porosity (1-3%), and water absorption (<1%), it exhibits exceptional durability [3]. Traditional quarries across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka provided this *असितोपल* (Asitopala) for construction.

The Chalukya Dynasty and the Maratha Empire utilized *श्याम शैल* in fort construction, dam construction, foundation courses, and retaining walls. Traditional processing involved quarrying and shaping using tools, including *stone burins* [1]. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing consolidation techniques to preserve historical structures. Its high abrasion resistance made it suitable for road paving and embankments.

Question 2

What type of material is श्याम शिला (Dark Stone)?

Accepted Answer

श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) is classified as Igneous Rock, Extrusive Rock, Basalt, Trap Rock. Key properties include Compressive Strength: 150-300 MPa, Water Absorption: <1%, Density: 2.8-3.0 g/cm³.

Question 3

Where is श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) used?

Accepted Answer

श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) is commonly used in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka. It is sourced from Deccan Traps, Trap Rock Quarries.

Question 4

How is श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) is used for Retaining Walls, Foundation Courses, Road Paving, Embankments, Aggregate in Concrete, Foundation Construction, Fort Construction, Dam Construction in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for श्याम शिला (Dark Stone)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) requires attention to Susceptible to Alkali-Silica Reaction and Requires Proper Drainage. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	श्याम शिला (Dark Stone) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Śyāma śilā Dark Stone 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	श्याम शैल, also known as श्याम शिला (Shyama Shila) or कृष्ण पाषाण (Krishna Pashana) in Sanskrit, and regionally as Karungal, Nalla rāyi, Kappu kallu, and Karuttha kallu, is a dark-colored, fine-grained extrusive igneous rock, primarily basalt or dolerite, extensively used in Indic heritage architecture. Originating from Deccan Traps formations, its geological origin influences its material properties [2]. Possessing high compressive strength (150-300 MPa), density (2.8-3.0 g/cm³), low porosity (1-3%), and water absorption (<1%), it exhibits exceptional durability [3]. Traditional quarries across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka provided this असितोपल (Asitopala) for construction. The Chalukya Dynasty and the Maratha Empire utilized श्याम शैल in fort construction, dam construction, foundation courses, and retaining walls. Traditional processing involved quarrying and shaping using tools, including stone burins [1]. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing consolidation techniques to preserve historical structures. Its high abrasion resistance made it suitable for road paving and embankments.
Also Known As	Dark Stone Śyāma śilā Dark Stone Black Stone Dark Rock श्याम शिला कृष्ण पाषाण असितोपल கருங்கல் (Karungal) నల్ల రాయి (Nalla rāyi) ಕಪ್ಪು ಕಲ್ಲು (Kappu kallu) കറുത്ത കല്ല് (Karuttha kallu)
Tags	Trap Rock Deccan Traps Basalt Quarry Igneous Rock Construction Material Black Stone
Material ID	`INHFMAT-063694495-20-11-25-RR`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/trap-rock
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/trap-rock`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Medieval Period Early Modern Period Historical
Dynasties	Chalukya Dynasty Maratha Empire

Title	Type	Notes
Building Stones of India	Book	Trap Rock properties and uses
Geology of the Deccan Traps	Geological Survey	Rock composition

श्याम शिला (Dark Stone)

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