Building materials of ancient india
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Transcript of Building materials of ancient india
Edited by Dr. A. S. Nene
Buildinging Materials & Construction
Techniques of Ancient India
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Eight ancient Indian tools of a
Sthapati (Engineer/ Architect)
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Mud, bricks, lime, stones, wood, metals and precious stones should be used in construction of houses - Mayamat
Ancient Building Materials
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
1. Soil /Mud Techniques (Vidya) related to Veshma Shashtra
Vaso vidya-Huts (made of barks/skin)
Kutti vidya-Mud houses
Arts related to Kutti vidya
Mrutsadhan - Soil conditioning
TruNadyachhadan - Roofing with grass
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Definitions
Soil –It is an aggregate of inorganic and
organic grains which can be separated
by simple mechanical action such as
agitation in water or by sieving.
Clays: Clays are finest particles of soil
with a size smaller than 75 microns.
Mud – It is a workable mixture of clay
soil and water. Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
MANIFESTATIONS OF MUD
Cob Adobe / Sun- dried blocks
Rammed earth Wattle and DaubRamtek -7 Aug
2014
Advantages of Adobe material
• Adobe has relatively high thermal conductivity
• Adobe has sound insulation property.
• Mud construction is really cost-effective,
• Mud construction is a labor intensive mode
Disadvantages
• Mud construction has low strength compared
to brick or stone construction.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
SOIL STABILIZATION
Functions of soil plasticizers
• Increase the workability with minimum water content
• Increase the water repellent property • Increase the strength by increasing the density. • Impart glazing to pottery products.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Ancient plasticizers can be grouped as
Extracts of Herbs, Fruits and tree barksTrifala- Aamla, Hirda and Behada1
Wood apple2, Holy tree fruit3
Barks- Khadir4, Arjun trees
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Natural fibers
Cotton, coir, wool, silk cotton or jute
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Natural polymers
Cow Dung, Jaggaery, Coconut water, Eggs, Green Algae, rice husk, burnt coconut shell
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Idols - Mud plaster
This constancy is determined by rolling the clay mass on the palms. When the lines of palm are clearly impressed on the clay mass the constancy is proper.
Liquidity index for this consistency (Palm line limit) corresponds to 15 to 20 %
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
CASE STUDIES
A. Gadi soils –white soil
The main constituents are local soil, fine sand, cow dung, quick lime, extracts of Belphal , fibers of jute and water for mixing.
The mixture is allowed to mature for a minimum period of 30 days and kneaded everyday.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
2. Mud flooring.
The floors of were made
of a material that is unique
blend of burnt coconut
shells, quick lime, palm
toddy, the whites of eggs
and extracts of certain
barks of trees and nuts.
Padmanabhapurum palace (1601 A.D) in Kerala
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Laurie Baker & his work
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
2-Bricks & Roof Tiles
Mohenjodaro –2500 BC
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Origin of Bricks
Sanskrit word for brick is "Istika"
meaning comfort giving or well being.
On being burnt, the mud blocks of fire
place (Yadnya kund) turned into a baked
brick. Sage Angirus was an authority on
brick making. Ref. Shatapatha Brahman
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Bricks and Tiles making
1. Selection of suitable site and collection of soil
2. Wetting & Kneading the brick earth, Mixing of additives.
3. Hand molding of bricks4. Sun dying of bricks5. Kiln Preparation and firing the bricks6. Cooling and quenching of bricks7. Rejecting damaged or non standard bricks8. Testing of bricks9. Classification & qualities
Ref -Shilparatna, (c14, v48-51)
Various stages involved
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Class I II III IV
Color White Red Yellow Black
Suitability
Best Good Average
Worst
Ref -Vishnudharmottar Purana ,Vastu Vidya , Mayamat
Brick earth suitability based on color
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• Extracts of barks of milky trees
• Fine sand and ferrous soils
• Decoction of Trifala
Ref. Shilparatna and Mayamat
Additives for brick earth
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Moulds and Molding of bricks
As per Vastu Vidya Wooden moulds,
minimum thickness of 20 mm.
Measurements of moulds are specified
in Shulbsutra (Aapstamb)
Tamping of wet bricks after partial into
proper size & further drying. Some
special shaped bricks. Ref. Vastu Vidya
(c.19). Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Description of brick kilns
• Bricks or tiles were baked in closed Kilns. • The temperature of the Kiln was controlled; • Smoke-pipes were kept in the Kiln • Twigs of the trees like Pepal, Khadir Palash etc. • The bricks or tiles were allowed to bake for about ten to fifteen days.
Ref. -Shilparatna , Vastuvidya and Shilpadipak Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Cooling and quenching of bricks
• The fire should be extinguished after 15
days
• Bricks should be immersed in water for six to
twelve
months before these are used Bauddhayan Shalbsutra- measurement of
bricks used in constructing Holy pyre. The
description of Hansmukhi (pentagonal) and
Choukoni(four sided) bricks.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Brick Classification Masculine
• Bricks with the same width at the front and the
back• Having parallel edges• Best for a for buildings .
Feminine -Bricks • Lesser width at the front than at the back• Curved but parallel edges• Building temples of Goddesses.
Neuter- bricks • Greater width at the front• Curved but non parallel edges • Discarded but used for other purposes.
Ref – Shilparatna , Kashyap-Shilpam(and Ishan Shivgurudev paddhati Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Shapes& Sizes of Bricks
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Unsuitable bricks and the defects
• Non-specific dimensions• Non-uniformly baked• Different color inside and outside.• with broken corners,• containing pieces of stone pebbles and coal
Ref- Ishan Shivgurudev Paddhati, Hayashirsh, Panchratra, , Shatpath Brahman, and Baudhayan Shulbsutra.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Roof Tiles
Types and Sizes of roofing tiles
Neevraloshta , Urdhwaloshta, Turyakloshta
Kroorloshta , Dhwashraloshta, Keellloshta
Gartakonaloshta , Konaloshta , Putloshta
Ref.- Shilparatna, Vastuvidya and Vastu Vidya
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Name of Bond in the order of strength
Layers in which joints are exactly above First Layer
1.Toda or Patti Third
2.Mallaleel Fourth
3.Brahmraj Fifth
4.Panchparva Sixth
5.Poogparva Seventh
6.Devsandhi Ninths
6.Swana twelfth
7.Dandak Fourteenth
Brick bonds
Samarangana Stradhar (c10-v26.), Baudhayan Shulbsutra, Vasturatnakar
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1 - Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa CivilizationBrick Size - 10 x 20 x 40 cm
2 – Floating Bricks of Maharashtra during 10th to 17th centaury
Gora kumbhar (1267 to 1317 AD) – Floating Bricks at Tera doki (near Kurduwadi)
Sizes of bricks vary from 350x175x75 mm to 450x225x150mm. Properly fired Lighter by 2 to 10 times compared to modern bricks Contains micro pores partially
interconnected.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Written instructions by Swami Ramadas’s to Shiwaji , about bricks and brick construction.
• Bricks should be of uniform size and with square corners
• Size should be 9x7x3 tasu.(1 tasu = 37.5 mm)
• Brickearth should be prepared by proper mixing of red
clayey soil, ash, dung of cow or horse.
• Soil mixed with water should be kneaded frequently
• The soil should be free from gravels
• Wooden moulds should be used for casting bricks. Sides
should be fixed by driving nails.
• Bricks should be sun dried and then fired in kilns. The fire
wood should be dry and of medium size.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Bricks of Lothal -1500 BC
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Village Sirpur (Chhattisgarh) 5th century AD.
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Remains of Pravarapura, Mansar (MS)Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur -Chattisgarh
Lakshmana temple built by Queen Vasata, in 7th century
AD is world heritage structure
Brick temple stands on a high massive platform
This temple is one among the best examples of brick
temples of ancient India.Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Clay cart of MohenjodaroRamtek -7 Aug
2014
3. Lime and Lime Mortars
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1. Excavation of lime stone from underground mines
2. Calcinatation (Burning lime stones)
3. Quenching (cooling) with water to obtain a slaked
lime
4. Sieving of the material to remove stones and
other impurities.
5. Lime mortar preparation by mixing with sand
6. Pulverization by Lime mill to obtain the mortar.
Ref. -Bhrugu samhita
Process of preparation of lime mortar
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Five types of sands for lime mortars
1. Karal (size similar to hirda seeds)2. Mugdi (size similar to green gram seeds)3. Gulmash (medium size sand)4. Kalk (size similar to Bengal gram flour)5. ChikkaN (Fine silt)
Ref.Mayamat chp.18Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Briquettes of Surki (brick powder) and
lime are made and allowed to dry for 2 to 3
months.
These briquettes are fired and then finely
powdered to get cementing material called
Shyay.
Ancient Cement
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Classification of LimeGrade
First class Sets quickly even in water Second class Sets slowly in water Third class sets slowly in water Forth class which does not set
Genderlime Feminine lime powder Neutral
Age childhood First 8 days of preparation lime Old kept unused or unsuitable
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Lime Plasters
1. Wash and dry fine sand2. Sieve slaked lime to separate coarse materials.3. Cut cotton fibers into very fine pieces.4. Cook three food grains (Trijava) – Rice, Wheat and Barley (equal parts).5. Cook powdered banana.Mix all the above ingredients in the proportion given below
Fine sand 1 part
Slaked lime 1 partCooked grains half partCooked Banana powder
Half part
Cotton fibers Half part
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Lime Mortar
Grind ripe bananas, fibers of cotton
and pulp of cactus and mix in
slaked lime to make a good quality
lime mortar. Alternatively add
decoction of barks of trees( Pipal.
Amla,Kadamb) and paste of black
gram to the slaked lime.
Sudha - Molding Lime for sculpturing
Lime prepared by burning couches (Shankha) or
oysters (Shipi) is called Sudha. Fine sand,
decoction of moog, jiggery water and Banana
powder is added to lime.
The recommended proportions are, Lime - 4
parts, Fine sand- 2 parts, Banana powder – 1
part and jiggery -1 part. All ingredients are
mixed by rolling again and again.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Red lime: More popularly known as “Kankar
lime” is made from special type of clay. It is
unfertile soil(Saline/User) and is rich in iron. It
is also called kankar.
Red Lime
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Ingredient for Lime plasters1 Ash 9 Cow dung 17 Mahuwa flowers
2 Bark of Neem 10 Egg white 18 Milk, curd or ghee
3 Bark of Pakar tree 11 Flowers Silk cotton tree 19 Mustard cake
4 Bee wax 12 Green gram (Moog) 20 oil
5 Belgiri (aegle'pulp) 13 Guggul 21 Powder of Cattle horn
6 Black gram(Udad ) 14 Hemp fiber 22 Resin of Sal tree
7 Brick powder 15 Jaggery 23 Rice husk
8 Clay 16 Juice of Cactus 24 Saaf flower oil
Natural Polymers for Lime Mortar
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Case StudiesBrick Mortar
A Light House structure on the coast near Mul Dwarka
(Kodinar)
The possible date of this structure is 12th and the 15th
centuries AD.
As per SEM analysis lime mortar was used .
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Plaster and the techniques of wall preparation for paintings
• Very special material for the plaster used
on wall on which painting is to done.
• Vishnudharmottar Purana describes the
materials and technique for such
application.
• Plaster used on the wall of Ajanta caves,
Sirgiria caves and Bagh caves were created
using such techniques.
• In addition to plaster, the technique of
producing different color are elaborated.Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Cave Paintings
Caves Constituents of plasterAjanta caves Clay, cow dung, stone
powder, rise husk and lime.Sirgirea caves
Tempered clay, kaolin, rice husk, Coconut shell fibers and lime.
Bagh caves Red clay, green gram, lime and jute.
Ref. Mansoullas which recommends use of powder of conch "shankh", katha, pulses, molasses, and boiled bananas.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
4a-Sunla
Curd, milk, black gram paste, gud,
ghee, ripe bananas, coconut and
mango pulp are added to slake lime.
Plaster made of these materials is
non-shrinking and waterproof.
Waterproof lime mortar
Mix Ghee, coconut water, black
gram paste , extract of
barks(Pipal), milk, curd,
decoction of Trifala, and Pichhit,
in proportion of 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
and 11 parts to 100 parts of
slaked lime.
Fresco wall painting at Boscoreale Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
4. Building Stones
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Uses of Stones
Making sculptures
Building blocks for construction.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Sources of building stones
From hills From underground mines Riverbanks and forests
The stones obtained from barren land,
graveyard or those embedded in ground
are unsuitable.
Stones obtained from sites unsuitable
for habitation are also unsuitable.
Ref. Kashyapashilpa
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Classification of stones
By Color
WhiteMilk, Jaya flower, Buffalo’s eye, Conch, Moon, Pearl Crystal et
RedIndragop (insect), Rabbit’s blood or Pomegranate Flower etc.
Yellow Flowers like, Mallika or Korandi
BlackKajal (eye ointment), Blue lotus, Wasp, Vest part of peacock, black gram etc Ref. Kashyapashilpa
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Stones of first or third category are unsuitable
By Age
Child Sound produced as un-burnt bricks, long or flat in shape as a leaf
Young Long ringing sound like bell, soft in touch, with good smell, without pores
Old Non-ringing sound, highly porous, highly weathered
Ref. MayamatRamtek -7 Aug 2014
By Gender
Male Big, rounded, which produces sparks when hit with chisel- Suitable for columns
Female Medium size, soft in touch, broad at base –Suitable for beams
Neutral Small, broad at top, not sounding- Suitable as aggregates
Ref. Vishnudharmottar Purana Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
Defects in building stones
Lines • curvilinear (as thread),
• straight (as sun rays)
• parallel (as rains)
Spots size. lemon fruit (15-20 mm),
grape size (5-10 mm),
less than 5 mm.
Ref. Mayamat
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Detection Of Defects In Rocks
Microscopic defects in stones , which were
invisible to eyes, were detected by applying
some herbal paints so that the defects were
clearly visible.
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Selection of Building Stones
• The stones which are weathered, contains sand grains or disintegrates on immersion in water are termed unsuitable (Kashyapashilpa ,Shilpratna )
• Stones from unsuitable site, used stones, stones with inferior minerals are termed unsuitable (Mayamat , Vishnupuran)
• Stone with one side very long compared to other sides should not be used. (Shilpratna )
• Brittle or porous stones, non-uniform colored stones are unsuitable (Shilpratna, Vishnupuran)
• Stones with cavities inside or poisonous stones should not be used. The ancient texts describe methods to check such defects. (Mayamat , Shilpratna )
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Stone softening
The Incas employed certain methods to make
their stones fit perfectly. They knew a plant whose
juices rendered the surface of a block so soft that
the intricate fittings were accomplished.
Stone with 14 angles
Stone wall at Cuzco (Peru)
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Breaking of stone blocksHeating: The stone block is heated by make a
pyre of wooden logs of Palash or Tinduk trees.
The heating is continued till the color of wooden
logs becomes bright red or orange. Cooling: The fire is moved to adjacent area of
rock surface. The preheated surface is cooled
down
quickly by pouring certain types of liquids listed
below.• Solution of quick lime in cold water• Solution prepared by mixing buttermilk with rice paste, ripe
berries. • Solution prepared by boiling Neem leaves and some tree
barks.
Ref. Brihat Samhita Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Tempering or hardening of tools
1. heating the tool in fire until it becomes red hot. 2. application of paste of certain materials and / or dipping the red-hot tool in a specific solution. 3. sharpening the tools.
The Paste / solution used in step 2
Paste made of • excreta of pigeon and rat, • powder of horns of a buffalo • milk extract of a plant (Mandar) Solution of buttermilk and ash of banana plant
Ref. Brihat Samhita
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Suranga –A water tunnelSuranga is a tunnels bored horizontally on the slopes of hills to get clean drinking quality water. Found in many parts of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala ‘Quanat’ is a similar structure used in Iran and Iraq
QuanatSuranga
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Ashtabandha and Vajralepa
Special Mortars for Brick or Stone masonry
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Adamantine glues
A bonding agent mortar or glue was very essential
for fixing idols, in wall construction, when cement
and other modern materials were unknown.
Even now these glues, known as Astabandha, are
prepared in temple premises for fixing or re-fixing
images of gods.
Five prescriptions for such glues are described in
Shilpashastras
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Ancient Indian texts such as Brhatsamhita of
Varaha-Mihira and Mayamatam of Sage Maya (5-6th
century AD) describes the materials and methods
of cementing material in chapter Vajralepa.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
The ingredients are
1. Unripe fruits of Tinduka and Kapittaka,
2. Flowers of silk cotton
3. Seeds of Sallaki
4. barks of Dhanavana and Vacha
All these ingredients are boiled in 256 parts of
water till the decoction reduces to One-eighth of
its original volume (i.e.32 Parts). The sediments
are mixed with substances, such as.
First Variety
Explained in Brihatsamhita
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Shrivasak
a
Raktabola
(myrrh)
Guggulu Bhallataka
Kunduruk
a or tree
resin
Atasi Bilva) fruit
The resulting paste is termed as adamantine glue. It
was expected to last for a million years.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Second Variety –As per Mayamat
Lac Kunduru soot (lamp black)
Guggulu
wood-apple Manjiostha resin
Bilva kernel
fruits of Naga, neem,Tinduka , Madana , Madhuka,
myrrh and Ambalaka
The method of preparation is same as mentioned above.
Ingredients are
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Third Variety As per Brihatsamhita
This variety of glue known as Vajratala or VajralepaIngredients are
• horns of cows, buffalo and goats, • hairs of donkey, • buffalo hide, cow hide, • Neem fruits,wood-apples and myrrh.
This mixture too should be boiled in water and reduced to one-eight. In this glue some organic substances are also included
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Forth Variety by Maya
A compound of eight parts lead, two of Bell
metal, and one of iron rust, and is known as
Vajrasanghata ( Adamantine compound)
It may include other materials mentioned in
the previous versions as well ,
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Fifth Variety popular in Kerala
Preparing the mixture is a 41-day long
procedure and the eight ingredients are
# From the Bharatapuzha a river in Kerala, India
1.Finely powdered conch
2. gall-nut
3. sealing wax
4. resin of pinus dammar’
5. Cotton
6. Fruits of gooseberry
7. Small sized gravels #
8. Medium sized gravels #
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Mixture is hammered by four or five men alternatively.
During this process one turns it with an iron spatula.
only wooden hammers made of tamarind wood are used.
The weight of the hammer would be 8 to 10 kilos.
The lump is very soft and malleable.
It becomes hot during the hammering and becomes hard
like stone when the hammering is stopped.
An estimated 0.1 million hits of hammering are needed for
a kilogram of adhesive.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Musical Pillars at Hampi, Vijaynagar AP
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
A civil engineer has to use different building materials including
wood.
The quality and durability of the structure depends upon
the wood used.
The life of the structure is also affected by trees grown in
its vicinity.
Hence a civil engineer should have some basic
knowledge about botany.
5. Timber for Construction
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Environment means neighborhood of
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Indian Botanical Classification
Western Botanists divide trees into two classes viz.;
1) Endogenous or growing from inside and
2) Exogenous or growing from outside.
Ancient Indian Botanists divide trees into four classes viz.;
1. Nissar – Trees having no hard core
2. Antassar- Trees having hard core inside
3. Bahhissar – Trees having hard core outside
4. Sarvassar- Trees having core throughout their cross-section
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
1.Nissar trees are Pipal, Banyan and Holy fig.
However thick these trees grow they form no core.
Their flowers are closed. Fruits are bunch of flowers
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2.Bahhissar trees, Endogenous trees, as per
western Botanist, are Bamboo, Coconut or
Bettle nut and others of this class.
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3. Antassar trees or Exogenous trees, as per
western Botanist, are Mango, Jackfruit, Neem
tree and other trees.
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
4. Sarvassar trees are hard throughout the
cross-section. Tamarind, Babul, Shirish tree
and marking tree are the examples of this
class.
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Unsuitable trees
Pipal , Banyan , Holy fig, KadambaSaptaparn ,Tamarind Bilva Palash,Pilu ,Kutaj, Shlemantak, Lodhra ,Parijat, Kovider, Shirish, Plaksha,
Mahadroom
Nissar trees and Sarvassar trees are unsuitable construction
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Forbidden Trees
• Milky Trees: (with poisonous juices): milk bush
• Thorny Trees: Babul or Prickly pear
• Trees having hard through out: Tamarind or
Bunyan tree.
• Bushes: Which give shelter to small animals and
consequently serpents frequent them.
• Fruit bearing Trees: Mango, Guava etc. People are
tempted to throw stones.
• Other Trees (Trees without hard core)
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Tree Recommended near Habitat
High trees or fruit bearing trees may be
allowed, provided they cast no shadow at
noon or overtop the building. The distance of
tree from house should be twice the height
of tree.
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Trees permitted to grow near Habitat
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Confinement of trees (Vratabandha)
Some holy trees may be allowed to grow near buildings, but they should be confined to a certain area within a circular wall. Trees transgressing this boundary by breaking through it, should be pruned to avoid damage to the building.
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Classification of Trees
According to Gender
Gender: This subdivisions is based on the
direction of growth of the tree.
• Male trees : Trees strong vertically or in compression
• Female trees: Trees strong laterally or in tension
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Hard wood Trees
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According to Age
Classification of Trees
Age: This subdivisions is based on the five life spans
the tree: Child, Young, Adult, Aged and Dead
The trees in the middle three spans of life are to be used
for constructional purposes. The trees in the extreme two
spans (childhood and decay) of life should not be used. Ramtek -7 Aug
2014
To ascertain the stage of life of a tree, a bore through the stem, at two feet above ground is made. The age of the tree is indicated by 1) color of the core,2) hardness and 3) juice oozing from the bore.
If a tree is already cut, instead of juice, the sound produced by tamping with a heavy rod, will indicate the stage of age.
Formation test
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Directional suitability of Trees
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Selection of a Tree for Timber
• in the compound of religious place,
• struck by lightening ,
• scorched by fire,
• grown in covered area, in unhygienic conditions or
• grown along the roadside,
• broken by wind or animals or vehicles impact,
• entangled by other trees or wound by creepers,
• grown in anthills or supporting honey beehive,
• grown on cremation ground or which harbors vultures or
owls.
Do not Select a Tree, which is
Ramtek -7 Aug 2014
Knots in Wood
The wood should not be full of or devoid of knots.
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For seasoning of wood, it should be placed on sand
with bottom portion facing wind blowing from west or
south direction.
Seasoning of wood
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Before felling the tree, the branches of tree should be cut first to avoid unusual strains.
Felling the tree
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Preservation of Wood
The wood should be painted to avoid the
losses of oily substance. An oil coat should be
applied every year after rainy season.
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Frames and door shutters
Wood for frames and door shutters should be of same
type so that the action of weather may be same on
both. Unequal action produces unequal strains and it
is detrimental to architecture.
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Tree Extracts
For seats of balloons extracts of few trees
are specified in Agastsamhita.
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The juice of coreless trees contains water retarding
substances (lac) and hence the juice was used in
preparing silk cloth gas holders in ancient India.
Water retarding substances
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Woodwork Joints
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Rathakar - Maker of chariots
Badai - Carpenter Vidalkari - Women
bamboo workerNames of wood workers - Shatapatha Brahman (3.6-12)
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6.Colors and Paints
To enhance the aesthetics of any structure.
To improve the durability .
• Vishnudharmottara Purana
• Chitrasutra
• Abhilisharthachintamani
• Manosollas
Related ancient Indian texts
The main purpose of colors and paints
Basic ColorsWhite, yellow, red, black and blue are five basic (pure) colors. All other composite colors are made from these colors.
White color - White color is prepared from lime
made of shells or mother of pearls or from white
clay (pottery clay-Kaolin). White color is prepared
by mixing resins of Neem or wood apple tree with
white soil or lime. The mixture is pulverized and
dissolved in hot water.
Yellow color - Yellow color is prepared from pounding yellow wood trees (Haridra) and yellow soil (from hills or river banks) together. The mixture is poured in clear water for two hours. The top yellow solution is stored in earth pot till it dries. The dry powder is used for preparing yellow color.
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Red color - Red color is prepared from Sindur (Vermilion),
Gaierik (Red ochre), Hingul (Cinnabar) or Laksharus (Shellac) to get
light, medium, dark and very dark shades respectively. Red ochre is
finely pulverized and sieved through a muslin cloth. The powder is
cleaned by mixing with water. Vermillion is mixed in water and
stirred for 12 hours. Manashil is dry pulverized by pounding in
mortar with pestle. All these colors are mixed with resin of Neem.
Black color -Oil lamp is ignited in a mud pot. Inner surface of another mud pot is smeared with powder of dry cow dung. This pot is place on the first pot such that lamp black is coated inside the top pot. The lamp black is cleaned with water before application.
Blue color - Blue color is prepared by drying a mixture of blue minerals or indigo and resin of wood apple.
Golden color - Golden color is prepared from gold foil pulverized with fine sand. The mixture is poured in water and top suspension is separated and mixed with adamantine glue. The painted surface is polished with horn (of an ox or swine).
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Hide Glue
A hide glue. Hide glue (Sirus or Shirus) is prepared from
fresh skin of a buffalo cooked in water till it becomes soft
as butter. Water is allowed to evaporate. The material is cut
into small pieces are dried in sunlight. When needed the
dried piece is boiled in water. This is a substitute for resins of
tree. This glue is called Vajralep .
Brushes
Brushes (Kunchali) used for painting are of
three types, broad, medium and fine. These
three types of brushes are made from hairs of
ears of calf, stomach part of sheep or tail
of squirrel respectively. A set of three
brushes are required for each color. Ref. -
Abhilashitartha Chitamani
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Composite colors were made by mixing two or more basic (pure) colors.
Composite Colors
Table – Composite colorsBasic colors to be mixed Resulting composite
colorWhite + Red Gour light PinkWhite + Black +Yellow Shar colorWhite + Black Elephant skin colorRed+ Yellow Bakul flower color2 parts Red+1 part Yellow
flame color
Dark Red+Yellow Fire color2 parts Yellow +1 part white
gray color
2 parts Yellow +1 part black
aqua color
White +Yellow skin colorYellow +Blue parrot green colorShellac+Hingul Dark RedShellac+black Purple colorBlue+black Hair color
Paintings at Ajanta & Ellora Cave
This presentation is only a tip of huge iceberg i.e. Ancient Indian Shilpashastra.
The main purpose to acquaint the engineers and students about the glorious heritage of ancient India.
Many of the ancient techniques may have become irrelevant with the advent of modern materials and construction equipments. But one must admire the wisdom of ancient engineers of India.
The ancient Indian texts are not religious books compiled for people of a particular religion or caste. These are encyclopedias of all subjects.
If this presentation could inspire few research workers to look into other hidden aspects related to their profession, the purpose of this presentation will be more than fulfilled.
India’s Contribution to World
Mantra – Futuristic Invention
Ideas
Tantra –Technology
Yantra –Machines & Mechanisms
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AcknowledgementThis presentation is based on published and unpublished works of Late K.V.Vaze and G.G.Joshi
Late K.V. Vaze1869-1929
Late G.G. Joshi1912-1992
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Review the Past with modern perspective - Kautilya