ताम्र कलश - Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasam) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation — Interoperable Heritage Documentation

Title	ताम्र कलश - Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasam) ताम्र कलश Tāmra Kalasha
Description	Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasam) is a finial or decorative pot made of copper (Tāmra), often placed atop temple shikharas. Copper has a density of 8.96 g/cm³ and excellent corrosion resistance, symbolizing prosperity and spiritual energy.
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://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalasam`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 20, 2025

Material Types

Types	Metal

Regions

Regions	Pan-Indian

Historical Context

Time Periods	Ancient times Medieval Period CE Ancient Medieval Modern Ancient times - Present
Dynasties	Chola Vijayanagara

Geographic Sources

Sources	Copper mines Metal workshops specific geographic sources Copper mines (e.g., Rajasthan) Copper workshops

Properties

Properties	Melting point: 1085°C Density: 8.96 g/cm³ Tensile strength: 220 MPa Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K Melting point: 1085 °C Corrosion resistance

Common Uses

Uses	Finials Decorative elements Lightning conductors Temple finial Decorative element Spiritual symbol Temple finials Decorative spires

Related Materials

Materials	स्वर्ण - Swarna (Gold) पीतल - Pītal (Brass) सोना - Sonā (Gold) चांदी - Chandi (Silver) स्वर्ण - Swarna (Gold) (for gilding) पीतल - Pital (Brass) (sometimes used as a substitute)

Related Styles

Styles	Dravidian architecture style Nagara architecture style Vesara architecture style

Related Categories

Categories	Temple Religious Structures Shikhara Shrine

Conservation Notes

Notes	Susceptible to oxidation Requires periodic cleaning Patina formation Susceptible to oxidation (verdigris) Protective coatings to prevent corrosion Gentle cleaning methods Susceptible to oxidation, forming a green patina (copper carbonate) Requires periodic cleaning to remove dirt and pollutants Gilding may require reapplication over time

Recommended Sources

Title	Type	Notes
Archaeological Survey of India Publications	Technical Report	Metal conservation
Agamas	Religious Text	Temple construction guidelines

Heritage Sites (2)

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Hindu Temple Society North America Flushing	Primary		100%
Malibu Hindu Temple Calabasas	Secondary	Walls	100%

ताम्र कलश - Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasam) | Inheritage Foundation Art & Architecture Thesaurus | Inheritage Foundation — Interoperable Heritage Documentation