An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s6.9

v1.c19.s6.9

At Mohenjo-daro gypsum cement of light grey colour was used in certain buildings. It consists of variable mixture of sand (20 to 40%) and gypsum (75 to 45%) or lime (2 to 25%). Lime mortar with a sizeable percentage of magnesium is also used at Harappa. It contains calcium carbonate (26 to 57%), magnesium carbonate (4 to 11%) and sand and clay (34 to 61%). The high percentage of sand and clay in lime plaster suggests that it was prepared by burning *kankar* (calcareous nodules). The use of lime was restricted to drains and floors.