Chira is a noun that refers to a traditional building material commonly used in South Asian countries, particularly in rural areas of Bangladesh and India. It is predominantly made from flattened and sun-dried mud or clay bricks, mixed with a variable amount of straw, rice husks, or other organic material. Chira has been used for centuries in the construction of walls, roofs, and floors of traditional houses.
The process of making chira involves manually shaping the wet mud or clay mixture into brick-like forms, which are then carefully dried under the sun for a few days until they harden and become sturdy. The resulting chira bricks are typically irregular in shape, with a rough texture and a reddish-brown color, reflecting the natural earth elements used in their composition.
Chira offers several advantages as a construction material. It is affordable, as the ingredients are readily available and the production process is relatively simple. It also exhibits good thermal insulation properties, helping to keep homes cool during hot summers and warm in colder seasons. Additionally, chira is environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it relies on locally sourced materials and requires minimal energy for production.
While chira is widely used in traditional architecture due to its availability and cost-effectiveness, it also carries some limitations. Its porous nature makes it susceptible to water damage and erosion, especially during heavy rains or flooding. Consequently, the maintenance and periodic repair of chira structures are necessary to ensure their durability and longevity.
