| Title | ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalasam)Rare Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasam |
|---|---|
| Description | Tāmra Kalashas (ताम्र कलशम्), or copper vessels, function as auspicious finials in Indic heritage architecture [1]. Fabricated from copper (ताम्र), they are integral to temple (मन्दिर) shikharas and gopurams. Copper's density (8.96 g/cm³) and melting point (1085°C) facilitate shaping via traditional methods like hammering and casting, documented across the Indian subcontinent. Sourced from ancient mines in regions like Rajasthan and Singhbhum, the metal's high electrical conductivity (5.96 × 10⁷ S/m) historically served as rudimentary lightning protection. The Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire extensively employed ताम्र कलश for their temple constructions. Chemical composition primarily consists of copper, often alloyed with trace elements. Conservation involves addressing corrosion (due to atmospheric exposure) using specialized cleaning agents and protective coatings. Restoration necessitates skilled artisans familiar with traditional techniques to maintain the Kalasha's structural integrity and aesthetic value. The tensile strength of 220 MPa contributes to its durability. |
| Also Known As | Copper Kalasam Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasam Copper Pot Copper Vessel ताम्र कुम्भ ताम्र घट ताम्र कलशम् செம்பு கலசம் (Sembu Kalasam) రాగి కలశం (Rāgi Kalaśaṁ) ತಾಮ್ರ ಕಲಶ (Tāmra Kalaśa) ചെമ്പ് കലശം (Chempu Kalaśam) |
| Tags | ताम्र कलश Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Finial Temple Kalasam Corrosion Resistance ताम्र |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-690789373-20-11-25-TC |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-kalasams |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalasams |
| Total Sites | 3 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Copper |
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| Regions | South Asia India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
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| Dynasties | Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire |
| Sources | Copper mines Metal workshops Artisan workshops |
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| Properties | Density: 8.96 g/cm³ Melting point: 1085°C High electrical conductivity (5.96 × 10⁷ S/m) High corrosion resistance Thermal conductivity: 401 W/mK Tensile strength: 220 MPa |
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| Uses | Temple finials Decorative finials Roof ornaments Ritual objects Lightning conductors Auspicious symbols |
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| Materials | Gold Silver Brass Lime Mortar Gold leaf Soldering materials |
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| Styles | Dravidian architecture Nagara architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Shrine Monument |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agamas | Religious Text | Temple construction guidelines |
| Agamas | Religious Text | Iconographic specifications |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu Temple Minnesota Maple Grove | Primary | 100% | |
| BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Robbinsville | Secondary | 100% | |
| Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Lanham | Secondary | Walls | 100% |