| Title | ताम्र कलश (Copper Kalasha)Uncommon Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasha |
|---|---|
| Description | Tāmra Kalasha (Copper Kalasha), or *Tāmra Kumbha* [1], is a significant element in Indic heritage architecture, particularly as a *shikhara* (temple spire) finial. Constructed from copper, its material properties include a density of 8960 kg/m³ and a melting point of 1085°C [2]. Copper's inherent corrosion resistance, malleability, and high electrical conductivity (5.96 x 10⁷ S/m) made it suitable for both ornamentation and, potentially, as a rudimentary lightning conductor. Historically, copper was sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent. Processing involved smelting and shaping techniques passed down through generations of artisans. Dynasties like the Gupta, Chola, and Vijayanagara extensively utilized copper in temple construction. Conservation efforts address corrosion and structural fatigue. Traditional methods, alongside modern material science, are employed to preserve these cultural artifacts. The *Kalasha's* durability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of heritage sites. [3] |
| Also Known As | Copper Kalasha Tāmra Kalaśa Copper Kalasha Copper Pot Copper Vessel Copper Urn ताम्र कुम्भ ताम्र घट ताम्र कलश তাম্র কলস (Bengali) তাম্ৰ কলহ (Assamese) તાંબાનો કળશ (Gujarati) तांब्याचा कळश (Marathi) তাম্ৰ কলহ (Odia) ਤਾਮਰ ਕਲਸ਼ (Punjabi) তাম্র কলহ (Sylheti) தாமிர கலசம் (Tamil) రాగి కలశం (Telugu) ತಾಮ್ರ ಕಲಶ (Kannada) ചെമ്പ് കലശം (Malayalam) |
| Tags | ताम्र Tāmra Copper कलश Kalaśa Vessel Temple Kalasha Metal Ritual ताम्र कलश Tāmra Kalasha Finial Oxidation |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-495279666-20-11-25-TP |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-kalasha |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-kalasha |
| Total Sites | 5 |
| Primary Sites | 4 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metal Copper Non-Ferrous Metal |
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| Regions | South Asia |
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| Time Periods | Ancient Medieval Early Modern Modern |
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| Dynasties | Gupta Chola Vijayanagara |
| Sources | Copper mines Local artisans Metal workshops |
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| Properties | Density: 8960 kg/m³ Melting point: 1085°C Tensile strength: 220 MPa Thermal conductivity: 401 W/m·K Electrical conductivity: 5.96 x 10⁷ S/m |
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| Uses | Temple finial Decorative element in architecture Religious symbol Ritual vessel Lightning conductor (historical) |
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| Materials | Brass Silver Gold Bronze Gold leaf Lime Mortar |
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| Styles | Temple architecture Dravidian architecture Nagara architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Religious structure Ritual object Shikhara Shrine |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Metals publications | Technical Report | Copper metallurgy and applications |
| Metal Crafts of India | Book | Traditional metalworking techniques |
| Metals in Indian Art and Architecture | Book | Copper usage in temples |
| Text on Hindu Temple Architecture | Book | Description of Kalasha placement |
| Metalwork in Ancient India | Book | Copper metallurgy and usage |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Sri Murugan Temple | Primary | 100% | |
| Sri Mahamariamman Temple Kuala Lumpur | Primary | 100% | |
| Sri Shakti Devasthanam Bukit Rotan Selangor | Primary | 100% | |
| Sri Subramaniar Temple Gunung Cheroh Ipoh Perak | Primary | 100% | |
| Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir Wembley | Secondary | Flooring | 100% |