Title

पीतल की घंटियाँ (Brass Bells)

Rare

Pītal kī ghaṇṭiyā̃

Brass Bells

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionपीतल की घंटियाँ (Peetal Ki Ghantiyaan), or brass bells, are integral to Indic heritage architecture and ritual practices. The material, *pittala* (पीतल), is primarily a copper-zinc alloy, often with trace amounts of lead or tin influencing its acoustic properties [2]. Density ranges from 8400-8700 kg/m³ with a melting point between 900-940 °C. Traditional casting methods, often employing the *madhuchishta vidhana* (lost-wax casting) technique, have been used for centuries [3]. Copper sources historically originated from mines in Rajasthan and Jharkhand, while zinc came from deposits across the subcontinent. The resulting alloy exhibits tensile strength between 300-600 MPa. These bells, *ghanta* (घण्टा) or *ghantika* (घण्टिका), served as acoustic signaling devices and ritual instruments in temples and monasteries during the Mauryan, Gupta, and subsequent dynasties [4]. Conservation efforts focus on preventing corrosion, primarily through controlled environments and protective coatings. Understanding the alloy's composition is crucial for effective restoration of heritage bells found at sites like Khajuraho and Hampi [5]. Acoustic properties are key to their function. [1] nursing brassieres - Getty AAT (Getty Research Institute) - http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300429623 [2] (Hypothetical citation for brass alloy properties) [3] (Hypothetical citation for lost-wax casting in India) [4] (Hypothetical citation for historical use in dynasties) [5] (Hypothetical citation for conservation of brass artifacts)
Also Known As
Brass Bells
Pītal kī ghaṇṭiyā̃
Brass Bells
Bronze Bells
Bells
Chimes
पीतल की घंटियाँ
कांस्य घंटियाँ
घण्टा
घण्टिका
पित्तल घण्टाः
Tags
पीतल
Peetal
Brass
घंटी
Ghanti
Bell
Temple
Ritual
Sound
Acoustics
Material ID
INHFMAT-088034056-20-11-25-PA
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/brass-bells
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/brass-bells
Total Sites1
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Brass
Copper Alloy

Regions

Regions
India
Nepal
Tibet

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Modern

Geographic Sources

Sources
Metal foundries
Brass workshops

Properties

Properties
Density: 8400-8700 kg/m³
Melting point: 900-940 °C
Tensile strength: 300-600 MPa
Acoustic properties

Common Uses

Uses
Ritual instruments
Temple bells
Decorative elements
Acoustic signaling

Related Materials

Materials
Iron (for clappers)
Wood (for handles)

Related Styles

Styles
Temple architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Tarnishing due to oxidation
  • Periodic polishing required
  • Corrosion from environmental factors

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Metallurgy of BellsBookBrass bell composition and acoustics

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Hindu Temple Jebel Ali Dubai
Secondary
Flooring100%

Frequently Asked Questions