| Title | ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalash)Rare Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalash |
|---|---|
| Description | ताम्र कलश (Tāmra Kalash), or Copper Kalash, is a significant element in Indic heritage architecture, particularly atop *shikharas* [1]. Fabricated from copper (ताम्र), its selection stems from copper's inherent properties: high electrical conductivity (5.96 x 10⁷ S/m) for lightning protection, thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K), and corrosion resistance [2]. Density is approximately 8960 kg/m³, with a melting point of 1085°C. Historically, copper was sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent. Traditional fabrication involved smelting and hammering techniques. The Mauryan and Gupta periods saw extensive use of copper in various artifacts. Conservation requires careful cleaning to remove verdigris without damaging the underlying metal. Electrochemical treatments can mitigate further corrosion. The *kalash* (कलश) serves both a structural and symbolic role. Restoration often involves replacing damaged sections with copper of similar composition to maintain material integrity. The *Tāmra Kalash* is a testament to ancient metallurgical skills [3]. |
| Also Known As | Copper Kalash Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalash Copper Pot Copper Vessel ताम्र कलश तांबे का कलश ताम्र घट ताम्र कुम्भ செம்பு கலசம் (Tamil) రాగి కలశం (Telugu) ತಾಮ್ರ ಕಲಶ (Kannada) ചെമ്പ് കലശം (Malayalam) |
| Tags | Copper Tāmra Kalash Vessel Metal ताम्र कलश Tamra Kalash Temple Finial Shikhara |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-503270717-20-11-25-TH |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-kalash |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalash |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Copper Non-ferrous Metal |
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| Regions | South Asia India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
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| Sources | Copper mines in Rajasthan Copper mines in Jharkhand Smelting facilities Metal workshops Copper refineries |
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| Properties | Electrical conductivity: 5.96 x 10⁷ S/m Density: 8960 kg/m³ Melting point: 1085 °C Tensile strength: 220 MPa Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K Corrosion resistance: Good to Excellent |
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| Uses | Temple finials Ritual vessels Decorative elements in temple architecture Lightning conductors Water storage (traditional) |
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| Materials | पीतल - Pītal (Brass) चांदी - Chandi (Silver) सोना - Sonā (Gold) |
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| Styles | Temple architecture Nagara architecture Dravidian architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Temple architecture Religious artifacts Religious artifact |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
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| Metals in Antiquity | Book | Copper metallurgy |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shree Hindu Temple & Community Centre Leicester | Primary | Roof | 100% |