| Title | श्याम शिला (Dark Stone)Rare Śyāma śilā Dark Stone |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Types | Igneous Rock Extrusive Rock Basalt Trap Rock |
|---|
| Regions | Maharashtra Gujarat Madhya Pradesh Karnataka |
|---|
| Time Periods | Medieval Period Early Modern Period Historical |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Chalukya Dynasty Maratha Empire |
| Sources | Deccan Traps Trap Rock Quarries |
|---|
| Properties | Compressive Strength: 150-300 MPa Water Absorption: <1% Density: 2.8-3.0 g/cm³ Shear Strength: 20-30 MPa Porosity: 1-3% High Abrasion Resistance Weather Resistant |
|---|
| Uses | Retaining Walls Foundation Courses Road Paving Embankments Aggregate in Concrete Foundation Construction Fort Construction Dam Construction |
|---|
| Materials | Chunā (Lime Mortar) Badarpurī (River Sand) सीमेंट (Cement) सुरखी (Brick Dust) |
|---|
| Styles | Deccan Architecture Maratha Architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Forts Dams Infrastructure Buildings |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Stones of India | Book | Trap Rock properties and uses |
| Geology of the Deccan Traps | Geological Survey | Rock composition |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chitradurga Fort Chitradurga | Primary | 100% |