Civil engineering applications of indian herbs
-
Upload
ashok-nene -
Category
Business
-
view
1.135 -
download
9
description
Transcript of Civil engineering applications of indian herbs
![Page 1: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Dr. A. S. Nene Professor of Civil Engineering (Retd),
VNIT Nagpur
Civil Engineering Applications of
Indian Herbs
![Page 2: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Normally engineers are not concerned
with botany. But one can find descriptions
of trees, plants, fruits related to
engineering applications, in many ancient
texts.
![Page 3: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Different herbal formulations were used by ancient Indian craftsmen to improve the quality of their products. Engineering applications of botany can be grouped under following heads.
![Page 4: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
APPLICATIONS
1.Stone softening 2a.Bricks and Roofing tiles
2b.Earthen pots 2c.Ceramic pots
2d.Glazing of earthen pots 2e. Coloring of Clay pots
3.Lime Mortar 4a-Sunla
4b-Waterproof lime mortar 4c- Leveling coat of lime plaster
5. Tempering of tools 6. Varnish
7. Natural Colors 8.Waterproof cloth
9.Preservation of Ropes 10. Adobe floors
11. Adamantine Glue
![Page 5: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
1. Herbal paints for stone softening
•Mix powder atis root, Hiracus and red ochre in milk. Apply this paint to the stone and keep it overnight.•Grind Jatamasi,Koshta, Gayaratri Hirkus and chor in milk add coconut water. Apply the solution to the stone.•Grind and mix Jatamasi,Rog and Aswamari in rain water. Apply the solution to the stone.
![Page 6: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Fig.1- stone softening
![Page 7: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
2a Bricks and Roofing tiles
Mix extracts of barks of trees (Pipal and Agar) in wet clay . Knead the clay daily for 30 day and the use for bricks or roofing tiles.
![Page 8: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Fig.2a- Bricks and Roofing tiles
![Page 9: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
2b Earthen pots
Mix floor of Satu, powder of
Amaksh ,Tatwasi and coconut water to
clay in a proportion of 8 parts of clay and
1 part of admixtures.
![Page 10: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Fig.2b- Earthen pots
![Page 11: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
2c. Ceramic pots
Prepare a mixture of Swesha,Guggul and
Kunda grass (one sixteenth of clay) and
curd (one eleventh of clay). Apply this
mixture to clay pot before baking in a
furnace.
![Page 12: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Fig.2c- Ceramic pots
![Page 13: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
2d. Glazing of earthen pots
Apply a mixture of Ghee, honey and
Herb powder (Kapittha, Bilwa and
Niryas ) to clay pots. This process
imparts glazing to the china clay pots.
![Page 14: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Fig.2d- Glazing of earthen pots
![Page 15: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
2e. Coloring of Clay pots
Mix sesame powder and resins of Kapittha and Beal trees. Add desired coloring agent (Kushta, Red ochure, orpiment etc). Polish the pot with the mixture to impart suitable color. Alternatively take equal parts of Sandlewood, Karpur, Gorochan and Agaru . Add clay 6 parts to the mixture in linseed oil. Apply this oil paint to earthen pots.
![Page 16: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Fig.2e- Coloring of Clay pots
![Page 17: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Fig.2e- painting ivory
![Page 18: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
3.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.
![Page 19: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Fig.3 – Lime Mortar
![Page 20: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
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.
![Page 21: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Fig.4a- Sunla or Lime Putty
![Page 22: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
4b-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.
![Page 23: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Fig.4b- Waterproof lime mortar
![Page 24: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
4c: Leveling coat of lime plaster
M ix 3 parts of slaked lime and 1 part of
powder of dry unripe banana. Add water
to make butter like mixture. Such leveling
coat gives marble finish to the wall surface
![Page 25: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Fig.4c- Leveling coat of lime plaster
![Page 26: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
5. Tempering of steel cutting tools
Milk of plant (Rui-Milky hedge),ash of sheep’s horn, excreta of pigeon is mixed in oil and mixture is applied to the tool which then heated and sharpened for long term sharpness. Alternatively banana ash is mixed in butter milk. The tool is kept immersed in the mixture overnight and then sharpened. Such tool can cut steel also.
![Page 27: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Fig. 5- Tempering of steel cutting tools
![Page 28: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
6. Varnish
Extract of barks of milky trees (Vat,Pipal,Umber, Beal and cedar trees) is mixed in water. Mixture is boiled and sealing wax, Jatuling and Hingul is added to the oil. Such varnish is applied to wood for polishing and preservation.
![Page 29: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Fig.6- Varnish
![Page 30: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
7. Natural Colors
Select wood of suitable colors from
forest. Crush into clean water. Filter the
mixture. Again crush the filtered wood
particles and repeat the procedure and
store the liquid color in an earthen pot.
![Page 31: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Fig.7- Natural Colors
![Page 32: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
8. Waterproof cloth for hot air balloons
Apply three coats of decoction of barks of
trees (Umber, Kadamb, Mango , Hirda and
Behda) to the cloth. Then apply three coats
of black gram paste Soak the cloth in solution
of sugar and powders sea shells. Allow the
cloth to dry to make it water tight.
![Page 33: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Fig.8- Waterproof cloth
![Page 34: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
9. Preservation of Ropes
Soak the freshly woven rope in coconut oil mixed with ripe bananas and hide glue.
![Page 35: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Fig.9- Preservation of Ropes
![Page 36: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
10. Adobe floors
Floors made from poured and toweled mud, are softer and warmer to the touch than tiles or cement, and carry the rich colors of natural earth. Various additives have been tested to make adobe floors easy to create and maintain. One such additive is made from psyllium hulls ( Isabgol.) This additive makes the mud easy to work and acts as a binder when the floor dries. It reduces cracking and increases strength.
![Page 37: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Floors made from poured and toweled mud
![Page 38: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
11. Adamantine Glue
A bonding agent was very essential for fixing idols,
in wall construction, when cement and other
modern materials were unknown. Even now these
glues are known as Astabandha, are prepared in
temple premises for fixing or re-fixing images of
gods. Four such glues are described below.
![Page 39: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Formula Explained in Shilparatnakar
The ingredients are unripe fruits of Tinduka (Diospyros paniculata) and Kapittaka (Feronia elephantum), flowers of silk cotton (Morus Acedosa) seeds of Sallaki (Boswellia serrata), barks of Dhanavana and Vaca (Orris root).
![Page 40: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Table IngredientsSn Sanskrit English/ Latin
1 Tinduka Fruits of Diospyros paniculata2 Kapittaka Feronia elephantum3 Shalmali Flowers of silk cotton 4 Sallaki Seeds of Boswellia serrata5 Dhanavana Barks of Orris root6 Vacha Barks of Orris root7 Shrivasaka A tree resin used as incense8 Raktabola Myrrh9 Guggulu Commiphora roxburghii10 Bhallataka Semecarpus anacardium11 Kunduruka Deodar tree resin12 Atasi Linum usikatissimum13 Bilvaphal Fruits of Aegle marmelos
![Page 41: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Ancient texts mentions use of powder of Nirmali seeds to remove the turbidity of water, roots of Khus plant to give pleasant smell to drinking water and certain seeds to kill the bacteria present in the water. Use of Basil leaf was known for increasing self life potted water. Core of Jamun tree wood acts as algaecide which destroys the algae in 24 hours
12. Water treatment
![Page 42: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
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 every day.
CASE STUDIES
A. Gadhi soils – white soil
![Page 43: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
![Page 44: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
The floors of Padmanabhapurum palace
(1601 A.D) in Kerala 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.
B. Mud flooring
![Page 45: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
![Page 46: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Conclusions
•It can be concluded that artisans of ancient India were well acquainted with the basic principles of engineering and properties of herbs.• Many of these techniques may be impracticable or irrelevant due modern products and processes, but one must appreciate the ancient Indian wisdom.
![Page 47: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
1. Aparajitprichha- (12th to 13th Century A.D) 2. Manasollas –(1113 AD) 3. Matsyapooran 4. Mayamat 5. Pade S.D. (1973), “Vanoushadhi Gunadarsh “ 6. Rig Veda Sakaladhikar, - by Sage Agasta 7. Samarangana Sutradhara 8. Shilpratna-(16th Century, A.D.), 9. Tantrasamuchhyaya-(1428 A.D.) 10. Varahsamhita- Brihatsamhita11. Varahsamhita- Brihatsamhita 12. Vastu Vidya Savyakhya 13. Vishnu-dharmottara Pooran 14. Yajurved Samhita (B.C.2500)
References
![Page 48: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Modern References
1.Vaze,K.V. (1924),“ Prachin Hindi Shilpasar” (Essence of ancient Indian Engineering Philosophy) ,a Marathi Book, Pub. ,Varada Publications Pune.
2.Nene,A.S. (2009),” Geotechnical
engineering of ancient India”, Pub. Pune
Vidyarthi Gruha, Pune.
![Page 49: Civil engineering applications of indian herbs](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022062404/5541d602b4c905a8148b459a/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
THANKS