| Title | चाँदी (Silver)Rare Chā̃dī Silver |
|---|---|
| Description | रजत (Rajata), also known as रूपा (Rupa) or सौध (Saudha) [1], is elemental silver (Ag), a precious metal historically significant in Indic heritage architecture. Its high density (10.49 g/cm³) and melting point (961.8°C) contribute to its workability. Sourced from mines across Rajasthan and the Himalayan region, रजत was utilized extensively during the Maurya, Gupta, Vijayanagara, and Mughal dynasties for decorative elements, inlay work (tarakaasi), and idol ornamentation. Its high electrical (6.3 x 10⁷ S/m) and thermal conductivity (429 W/mK) are less relevant to its architectural use, which focuses on reflectivity and aesthetic value. Traditional processing involved smelting and hammering. Durability is affected by tarnishing due to sulfur compound reactions, necessitating conservation efforts. Conservation of रजत in heritage sites requires specialized cleaning methods to remove tarnish without damaging the underlying metal. Alloyed with copper to improve strength, its use is documented in vessels, statues, and ritual objects. [2] [3] |
| Also Known As | Silver Chā̃dī Silver Argentum रजत रूपा सौध |
| Tags | चाँदी Chāndi Silver Plating Metal Inlay Ornament Tarnish रजत Rajata |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-578854082-20-11-25-RT |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/silver |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/silver |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Precious Metal Native Element |
|---|
| Regions | Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Himalayan Region India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Period Medieval Period |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Maurya Dynasty Vijayanagara Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Mughal Dynasty |
| Sources | Zawar Mines, Rajasthan Agucha Mines, Rajasthan Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka Imported Silver |
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| Properties | Density: 10.49 g/cm³ Melting Point: 961.8°C High Electrical Conductivity: 6.3 x 10⁷ S/m High Thermal Conductivity: 429 W/mK High Reflectivity |
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| Uses | Decorative Elements Inlay Work Plating Idol Ornamentation Vessels Statues Ritual Objects |
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| Materials | लाख - Lākha (Lac) चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar) सोना - Sonā (Gold) तांबा - Tāmbā (Copper) |
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| Styles | Dravidian Architecture Indo-Islamic Architecture Temple Art Mughal Art Rajput Art Tibetan Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Palace Tomb Artifact Monastery Statues |
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| Notes |
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|---|
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASI Technical Bulletin | Technical Report | Material analysis |
| Metalwork in Medieval India | Book | Silver usage |
| National Museum Conservation Reports | Technical Report | Metal analysis |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jokhang Temple Lhasa | Primary | 100% |