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  3. ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalash)
Title

ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalash)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Tāmra Kalaśa

Copper Kalash

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionताम्र कलश (Tāmra Kalash), or Copper Kalash, is a significant element in Indic heritage architecture, particularly atop *shikharas* [1]. Fabricated from copper (ताम्र), its selection stems from copper's inherent properties: high electrical conductivity (5.96 x 10⁷ S/m) for lightning protection, thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K), and corrosion resistance [2]. Density is approximately 8960 kg/m³, with a melting point of 1085°C. Historically, copper was sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent. Traditional fabrication involved smelting and hammering techniques. The Mauryan and Gupta periods saw extensive use of copper in various artifacts. Conservation requires careful cleaning to remove verdigris without damaging the underlying metal. Electrochemical treatments can mitigate further corrosion. The *kalash* (कलश) serves both a structural and symbolic role. Restoration often involves replacing damaged sections with copper of similar composition to maintain material integrity. The *Tāmra Kalash* is a testament to ancient metallurgical skills [3].
Also Known As
Copper Kalash
Tāmra Kalaśa
Copper Kalash
Copper Pot
Copper Vessel
ताम्र कलश
तांबे का कलश
ताम्र घट
ताम्र कुम्भ
செம்பு கலசம் (Tamil)
రాగి కలశం (Telugu)
ತಾಮ್ರ ಕಲಶ (Kannada)
ചെമ്പ് കലശം (Malayalam)
Tags
Copper
Tāmra
Kalash
Vessel
Metal
ताम्र कलश
Tamra Kalash
Temple
Finial
Shikhara
Material ID
INHFMAT-503270717-20-11-25-TH
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-kalash
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalash
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Metal
Copper
Non-ferrous Metal

Regions

Regions
South Asia
India

Historical Context

Time Periods
Ancient
Medieval
Modern

Geographic Sources

Sources
Copper mines in Rajasthan
Copper mines in Jharkhand
Smelting facilities
Metal workshops
Copper refineries

Properties

Properties
Electrical conductivity: 5.96 x 10⁷ S/m
Density: 8960 kg/m³
Melting point: 1085 °C
Tensile strength: 220 MPa
Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K
Corrosion resistance: Good to Excellent

Common Uses

Uses
Temple finials
Ritual vessels
Decorative elements in temple architecture
Lightning conductors
Water storage (traditional)

Related Materials

Materials
पीतल - Pītal (Brass)
चांदी - Chandi (Silver)
सोना - Sonā (Gold)

Related Styles

Styles
Temple architecture
Nagara architecture
Dravidian architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Temple architecture
Religious artifacts
Religious artifact

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to oxidation and green patina formation
  • Requires cleaning with mild acids
  • Protect from corrosive environments
  • Requires regular cleaning and polishing
  • Protective coatings can prevent tarnishing
  • Protect from physical damage

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Metals in AntiquityBookCopper metallurgy

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Shree Hindu Temple & Community Centre Leicester
Primary
Roof100%

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