| Title | पीतल की घंटियाँ (Brass Bells)Rare Pītal kī ghaṇṭiyā̃ Brass Bells |
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| Description | पीतल की घंटियाँ (Peetal Ki Ghantiyaan), or brass bells, are integral to Indic heritage architecture and ritual practices. The material, *pittala* (पीतल), is primarily a copper-zinc alloy, often with trace amounts of lead or tin influencing its acoustic properties [2]. Density ranges from 8400-8700 kg/m³ with a melting point between 900-940 °C. Traditional casting methods, often employing the *madhuchishta vidhana* (lost-wax casting) technique, have been used for centuries [3]. Copper sources historically originated from mines in Rajasthan and Jharkhand, while zinc came from deposits across the subcontinent. The resulting alloy exhibits tensile strength between 300-600 MPa. These bells, *ghanta* (घण्टा) or *ghantika* (घण्टिका), served as acoustic signaling devices and ritual instruments in temples and monasteries during the Mauryan, Gupta, and subsequent dynasties [4]. Conservation efforts focus on preventing corrosion, primarily through controlled environments and protective coatings. Understanding the alloy's composition is crucial for effective restoration of heritage bells found at sites like Khajuraho and Hampi [5]. Acoustic properties are key to their function. [1] nursing brassieres - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300429623 [2] (Hypothetical citation for brass alloy properties) [3] (Hypothetical citation for lost-wax casting in India) [4] (Hypothetical citation for historical use in dynasties) [5] (Hypothetical citation for conservation of brass artifacts) |
| Also Known As | Brass Bells Pītal kī ghaṇṭiyā̃ Brass Bells Bronze Bells Bells Chimes पीतल की घंटियाँ कांस्य घंटियाँ घण्टा घण्टिका पित्तल घण्टाः |
| Tags | पीतल Peetal Brass घंटी Ghanti Bell Temple Ritual Sound Acoustics |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-088034056-20-11-25-PA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brass-bells |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brass-bells |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Brass Copper Alloy |
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| Regions | India Nepal Tibet |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
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| Sources | Metal foundries Brass workshops |
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| Properties | Density: 8400-8700 kg/m³ Melting point: 900-940 °C Tensile strength: 300-600 MPa Acoustic properties |
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| Uses | Ritual instruments Temple bells Decorative elements Acoustic signaling |
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| Materials | Iron (for clappers) Wood (for handles) |
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| Styles | Temple architecture |
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| Categories | Temple |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Metallurgy of Bells | Book | Brass bell composition and acoustics |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu Temple Jebel Ali Dubai | Secondary | Flooring | 100% |