| Title | पीतल (Brass)Uncommon Pītal Brass |
|---|---|
| Description | पीतल (Pītal), also known as पित्तल (Pittala) or ताम्र-पित्तल मिश्र धातु (Tamra-Pittala Mishra Dhatu), is a copper-zinc alloy widely employed in Indic heritage architecture [1]. Composition typically ranges from 60-90% copper and 10-40% zinc, influencing its characteristic golden hue and mechanical properties [2]. Density falls between 8.4-8.7 g/cm³, with a melting point of 900-940°C [2]. Its moderate to good corrosion resistance made it suitable for decorative elements, hardware fittings, and *Kalasha* (finials) in structures across the Mughal, Maratha, and Rajput dynasties [3]. Traditional sources for copper and zinc ores were located throughout the Indian subcontinent. *Pītal* was extensively used in the Medieval Period, notably in decorative domes, *Murti* (statues), and chandeliers. Conservation efforts for heritage sites require careful cleaning and stabilization to address tarnishing and corrosion. Traditional artisans in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, continue to employ age-old casting and hammering techniques. Tensile strength ranges from 300-600 MPa, and thermal conductivity from 109-159 W/mK [2]. |
| Also Known As | Brass Pītal Brass Yellow Metal Copper-Zinc Alloy पीतल पित्तल ब्रास ताम्र-पित्तल मिश्र धातु பித்தளை (Pittalai) ఇత్తడి (Ittaḍi) ಹಿತ್ತಾಳೆ (Hittāḷe) പിച്ചള (Piccaḷa) |
| Tags | पीतल Pital Brass Alloy Copper Zinc Decoration Metal Tibet Moradabad Tarnishing Corrosion Ritual objects Kalasha |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-709061973-20-11-25-PT |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brass |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brass |
| Total Sites | 17 |
| Primary Sites | 12 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Alloy Metal Non-ferrous Metal Copper Alloy |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | Tibet India Himalayan Region Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra Tamil Nadu Rajasthan Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | Medieval Period Mughal Period Colonial Period 15th Century CE 17th Century CE 18th Century CE 7th century CE 13th century CE Yuan Dynasty Modern Era |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Mughal Dynasty Maratha Dynasty British Empire Rajput Dynasty Fifth Dalai Lama's Reign Tibetan Empire Sakya Dynasty |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Metal workshops Local foundries Imported brass Recycled metal Moradabad brass industry Jaipur metal workshops Imported metal Smelting of copper and zinc ores Copper and zinc mines Imported from Europe Imported from Nepal and India Imported from India or China |
|---|
Properties
| Properties | Density: 8.4-8.7 g/cm³ Composition: 60-90% Copper, 10-40% Zinc Melting point: 900-940°C Tensile strength: 300-600 MPa Thermal conductivity: 109-159 W/mK Corrosion resistance: Moderate to Good |
|---|
Common Uses
| Uses | Decorative elements Hardware (hinges, handles) Statues Ritual objects Musical instruments Utensils Inlays Hardware fittings Decorative domes Finials Chandeliers Statuary Decorative fittings Door handles Window latches Kalasha (Finials) Murti (Statues) |
|---|
Related Materials
| Materials | Copper Zinc Lac Lime Mortar Iron Glass |
|---|
Related Styles
| Styles | Tibetan Buddhist Art Metalwork Tibetan Architecture Regional Folk Styles Mughal Architecture Rajput Architecture Buddhist Art Traditional Indian Architecture Colonial Architecture Indo-Saracenic Architecture European Architecture Religious Architecture Temple Architecture Domestic Architecture South Indian Temple Art |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Monastery Religious Art Temple Statues Palace Household items Decorative Art Religious Objects Household Objects Sculpture Fort Residential buildings Residential Building Household objects Residential Buildings Idol Monument |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical Analysis Reports | Technical Report | Alloy composition |
| Metallurgy Journals | Journal Article | Brass properties |
| Brassware of India | Craft Documentation | Manufacturing techniques and cultural significance |
| Metals and Alloys in Ancient India | Book | Metallurgical analysis |
| Metals in Indian Art | Book | Metallurgical analysis |
| Archaeological Chemistry Journal | Journal Article | Brass alloy analysis |
| National Metallurgical Laboratory Reports | Metallurgical Report | Brass composition and properties |
| ASM Handbook, Volume 2: Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials | Handbook | Brass properties and applications |
| Indian Metal Crafts | Book | Brass production and uses |
| Metalworking in India | Book | Techniques and history |
| Archaeometallurgy studies | Research Paper | Analysis of brass artifacts |
Heritage Sites (17)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govind Dev Ji Temple Jaipur | Primary | 100% | |
| Hutheesing Jain Temple Ahmedabad | Primary | 100% | |
| Jagdish Temple Udaipur | Primary | 100% | |
| Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Khandoba Temple Jejuri | Primary | 100% | |
| Krishna Temple Bur Dubai | Primary | Walls | 100% |
| Mangeshi Temple Ponda Goa | Primary | 100% | |
| Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Ramoche Temple Lhasa Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Sakya Monastery Shigatse Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Sera Monastery Lhasa Tibet | Primary | 100% | |
| Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Durban | Primary | 100% | |
| Marble Palace Kolkata | Secondary | 100% | |
| Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali | Secondary | Walls | 100% |
| Shree Ganesha Temple Mount Edgecombe | Secondary | Decorative | 100% |
| Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE | Secondary | Roof | 100% |
| Sri Venkateswara Temple Penn Hills | Secondary | 100% |