Part of a series on |
Sikhism |
---|
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]
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]
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]