| Title | ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets)Rare Tāmra Patra Copper Sheets |
|---|---|
| Description | ताम्र पत्र (Tāmra Patra), or copper sheets, represent a significant construction material in Indic heritage architecture. Mined from chalcopyrite and other ores primarily in regions like Rajasthan and Jharkhand, these sheets (ताम्र पटल, ताम्र फलक, ताम्र पट्टिका) were extensively used from the Maurya and Gupta periods onwards [2]. Copper's inherent properties – density (8960 kg/m³), melting point (1085°C), high thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K), and tensile strength (220 MPa) – made it ideal for roofing and cladding [3]. Traditional processing involved smelting, hammering, and annealing to achieve desired thickness. The material's malleability and ductility allowed for intricate decorative elements and waterproof seals. Its corrosion resistance, developing a protective patina (verdigris), ensured longevity. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful cleaning and repair, often involving replacing damaged sections with new copper sheets of similar composition and thickness. Traditional texts, or *Shilpa Shastras*, detail the proper application and maintenance of *Tāmra Patra* [1]. செப்புத் தகடுகள் (Sepput thagadugal), రాగి రేకులు (Rāgi rēkulu), ತಾಮ್ರ ಹಾಳೆಗಳು (Tāmra hāḷegaḷu), ചെമ്പ് ഷീറ്റുകൾ (Chemp shīṭṭukaḷ), তামার পাত (Tāmāra pāta) are regional names for copper sheets. |
| Also Known As | Copper Sheets Tāmra Patra Copper Sheets Copper Plates Copper Foil ताम्र पटल ताम्र फलक ताम्र पट्टिका செப்புத் தகடுகள் (Sepput thagadugal) రాగి రేకులు (Rāgi rēkulu) ತಾಮ್ರ ಹಾಳೆಗಳು (Tāmra hāḷegaḷu) ചെമ്പ് ഷീറ്റുകൾ (Chemp shīṭṭukaḷ) তামার পাত (Tāmāra pāta) |
| Tags | Copper Sheet Copper Plate Tāmra Patra Metal Roofing Metal Cladding Copper Corrosion Patina |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-756255172-20-11-25-TM |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-sheets |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-sheets |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Sheet Metal |
|---|
| Regions | Rajasthan, India Jharkhand, India |
|---|
| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty |
| Sources | Khetri Copper Mines, Rajasthan Singhbhum Copper Belt, Jharkhand |
|---|
| Properties | Density: 8960 kg/m³ Melting Point: 1085°C Thermal Conductivity: 401 W/m·K Tensile Strength: 220 MPa Malleable Ductile Corrosion Resistance (develops patina) |
|---|
| Uses | Roofing (historical) Cladding (historical) Decorative Elements (e.g., panels, inlays) Religious Artifacts (e.g., temple plates, inscriptions) Waterproofing Lightning Protection |
|---|
| Materials | Brass Tin Bronze |
|---|
| Styles | Hindu Temple Architecture Mughal Architecture Jain Architecture |
|---|
| Categories | Temple Palace Monument |
|---|
| Notes |
|
|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Minerals Yearbook | Mining Report | Copper resources |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE | Primary | Roof | 100% |