Summary
Nanakshahi bricks (Punjabi: ਨਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਇੱਟ; meaning "belonging to the reign of Guru Nanak"[1]), also known as Lakhuri bricks,[2] were decorative bricks used for structural walls during the Mughal era.[3] They were employed for constructing historical Sikh architecture, such as at the Golden Temple complex.[1] The British colonists also made use of the bricks in Punjab.[4]
Uses edit
This variety of brick tiles were of moderate dimensions and could be used for reinforcing lime concretes in the structural walls and other thick components. But, as they made moldings, cornices, plasters, etc. easy to work into a variety of shapes, they were more often used as cladding or decorative material. In the present-day, the bricks are sometimes used to give a "historical" look to settings, such as when the surrounding of the Golden Temple complex was heavily renovated in the 2010s.[5]
General specifications edit
More often than not, the structures on which they were used, especially the Sikh temples (Gurudwaras),[6] were a combination of two systems: trabeated and post-and-lintel, or based on arches. The surfaces were treated with lime or gypsum plaster which was molded into cornices, pilasters, and other structural as well as non-structural embellishments.[7] Brick and lime mortar as well as lime or gypsum plaster, and lime concrete were the most favoured building materials, although stone (such as red stone and white marble) were also used in a number of shrines.[8] Many fortresses were built using these bricks.[9] They come in 4”x4” and 4”x6’’ sizes.[5]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b Bhatti, SS (2013). Golden temple : marvel of sikh architecture. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. pp. 31–32. ISBN 978-1-4349-8964-2. OCLC 1031039993.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Hāṇḍā, Omacanda (2000). Wood handicraft : a study of its origin and development in Saharanpur. Madhu, Dr Jain. New Delhi: Indus Pub. Co. p. 45. ISBN 81-7387-103-5. OCLC 43905003.
- ^ Academy of Punjab in North America
- ^ Jain, Shikha (2016). Conserving Fortified Heritage : the Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Fortifications and World Heritage, New Delhi, 2015. Rima Hooja. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. p. 84. ISBN 978-1-4438-9637-5. OCLC 960702249.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ a b Bagga, Neeraj (22 August 2016). "Nanakshahi bricks to spruce up road to Golden Temple". The Tribune.
- ^ Punjab Portal
- ^ Ajit Weekly
- ^ Historical Clue at Chamauker Bastion
- ^ Fort at Mani Majra near Chandigarh's Fun Republic
External links edit
- Nanak Shahi Bricks
- Ancient Home of Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna,(of Ghadar Party fame) in trouble
- Viraasat Haveli frozen in Time