https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-026-07378-1
Regular Article
Multi-analytical characterization of medieval Bharatpur bricks (8th–10th CE): firing regimes, organic additives, and durability implications
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 400076, Mumbai, India
2
Department of Tourism Administration, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, 431004, Aurangabad, India
3
Archaeological Survey of India, C.G.O. Complex, Salt Lake Sector 1, 700064, Kolkata, India
a
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Received:
15
September
2025
Accepted:
29
January
2026
Published online:
16
February
2026
Abstract
Excavated bricks from the Buddhist monastic complex at the Ancient Mound of Bharatpur, West Bengal (c. 8th–10th century CE), provide an opportunity to examine medieval brick-making technologies in eastern India. Six samples (STR1 to STR6) were investigated using thin-section petrography and loss-on-ignition (LOI) analysis, complemented by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The bricks are fine grained and mineral-rich, exhibiting high specific gravities (2.51–2.68) and low LOI values (0.6–1.75%), indicative of effective firing and limited volatile retention. Petrography reveals quartz-rich aluminosilicate matrices with semi-vitrified textures, hematite pigmentation, and feldspar and mica relics consistent with oxidizing firing conditions (~ 950–1050 °C). XRD confirms dominant quartz with hematite and minor high-alumina features, while FTIR and SEM–EDS document secondary carbonate and carbonaceous signatures attributed to post-depositional processes. Multivariate analysis distinguishes silicate-dense, iron-enriched, and carbonate-influenced fabrics within the assemblage. Collectively, the results characterize a regionally adapted ceramic production system that achieved dense, low-porosity bricks with high durability under humid tropical conditions, offering insights relevant to both heritage conservation and sustainable construction.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
