| Title | ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalasam)Rare Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasam |
|---|---|
| Description | Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasam), literally "copper pot" (ताम्र कुम्भ, ताम्र घट, ताम्र कलशम्), serves as a significant finial in Indic heritage architecture, particularly atop temple *shikharas*. Composed primarily of copper, its material properties include a melting point of 1085°C and a density of 8.96 g/cm³ [1]. The metal's tensile strength reaches 220 MPa, coupled with high thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K). Copper's inherent corrosion resistance contributes to its longevity in exposed environments. Historically, copper was sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent. Dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara extensively employed copper in temple construction. Traditional fabrication involved hammering and joining copper sheets. Conservation necessitates careful cleaning to remove surface oxides while preserving the original patina. The *Kalasha* symbolizes prosperity and spiritual energy, demanding material integrity for enduring cultural significance. Restoration requires compatible copper alloys to maintain structural and aesthetic harmony. |
| Also Known As | Copper Kalasam Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasam Copper Pot Copper Vessel ताम्र कुम्भ ताम्र घट ताम्र कलशम् செம்பு கலசம் (Sembu Kalasam) రాగి కలశం (Rāgi Kalaśaṁ) ತಾಮ್ರ ಕಲಶ (Tāmra Kalaśa) ചെമ്പ് കലശം (Chempu Kalaśam) |
| Tags | Copper Kalasam Finial Metal Kalasha Temple Shikhara ताम्र कलश Tāmra Kalasha |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-505140652-20-11-25-TS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-kalasam |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalasam |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Copper |
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| Regions | South Asia India |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Modern |
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| Dynasties | Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire |
| Sources | Copper mines Metal workshops Copper mines (Rajasthan) Copper workshops |
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| Properties | Melting point: 1085°C Density: 8.96 g/cm³ Tensile strength: 220 MPa Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K Corrosion resistance |
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| Uses | Temple finial Decorative element Spiritual symbol Decorative spire |
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| Materials | Gold Brass Silver |
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| Styles | Dravidian architecture Nagara architecture Vesara architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Religious Structures Shikhara Shrine |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Survey of India Publications | Technical Report | Metal conservation |
| Agamas | Religious Text | Temple construction guidelines |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu Temple Society North America Flushing | Primary | 100% | |
| Malibu Hindu Temple Calabasas | Secondary | Walls | 100% |