Question 1

What is ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets)?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र पत्र (Tāmra Patra), or copper sheets, represent a significant construction material in Indic heritage architecture. Mined from chalcopyrite and other ores primarily in regions like Rajasthan and Jharkhand, these sheets (ताम्र पटल, ताम्र फलक, ताम्र पट्टिका) were extensively used from the Maurya and Gupta periods onwards [2]. Copper's inherent properties – density (8960 kg/m³), melting point (1085°C), high thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K), and tensile strength (220 MPa) – made it ideal for roofing and cladding [3]. Traditional processing involved smelting, hammering, and annealing to achieve desired thickness.

The material's malleability and ductility allowed for intricate decorative elements and waterproof seals. Its corrosion resistance, developing a protective patina (verdigris), ensured longevity. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful cleaning and repair, often involving replacing damaged sections with new copper sheets of similar composition and thickness. Traditional texts, or *Shilpa Shastras*, detail the proper application and maintenance of *Tāmra Patra* [1]. செப்புத் தகடுகள் (Sepput thagadugal), రాగి రేకులు (Rāgi rēkulu), ತಾಮ್ರ ಹಾಳೆಗಳು (Tāmra hāḷegaḷu), ചെമ്പ് ഷീറ്റുകൾ (Chemp shīṭṭukaḷ), তামার পাত (Tāmāra pāta) are regional names for copper sheets.

Question 2

What type of material is ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets)?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) is classified as Metal, Sheet Metal. Key properties include Density: 8960 kg/m³, Melting Point: 1085°C, Thermal Conductivity: 401 W/m·K.

Question 3

Where is ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) used?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) is commonly used in Rajasthan, India, Jharkhand, India. It is sourced from Khetri Copper Mines, Rajasthan, Singhbhum Copper Belt, Jharkhand.

Question 4

How is ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) is used for Roofing (historical), Cladding (historical), Decorative Elements (e.g., panels, inlays), Religious Artifacts (e.g., temple plates, inscriptions), Waterproofing, Lightning Protection in heritage architecture. It is found in 1 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) requires attention to Susceptible to oxidation and corrosion and Requires cleaning with appropriate chemical solutions (e.g., dilute acids). Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets) 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site) Rare Tāmra Patra Copper Sheets 4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Description	ताम्र पत्र (Tāmra Patra), or copper sheets, represent a significant construction material in Indic heritage architecture. Mined from chalcopyrite and other ores primarily in regions like Rajasthan and Jharkhand, these sheets (ताम्र पटल, ताम्र फलक, ताम्र पट्टिका) were extensively used from the Maurya and Gupta periods onwards [2]. Copper's inherent properties – density (8960 kg/m³), melting point (1085°C), high thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K), and tensile strength (220 MPa) – made it ideal for roofing and cladding [3]. Traditional processing involved smelting, hammering, and annealing to achieve desired thickness. The material's malleability and ductility allowed for intricate decorative elements and waterproof seals. Its corrosion resistance, developing a protective patina (verdigris), ensured longevity. Conservation efforts at heritage sites necessitate careful cleaning and repair, often involving replacing damaged sections with new copper sheets of similar composition and thickness. Traditional texts, or Shilpa Shastras, detail the proper application and maintenance of Tāmra Patra [1]. செப்புத் தகடுகள் (Sepput thagadugal), రాగి రేకులు (Rāgi rēkulu), ತಾಮ್ರ ಹಾಳೆಗಳು (Tāmra hāḷegaḷu), ചെമ്പ് ഷീറ്റുകൾ (Chemp shīṭṭukaḷ), তামার পাত (Tāmāra pāta) are regional names for copper sheets.
Also Known As	Copper Sheets Tāmra Patra Copper Sheets Copper Plates Copper Foil ताम्र पटल ताम्र फलक ताम्र पट्टिका செப்புத் தகடுகள் (Sepput thagadugal) రాగి రేకులు (Rāgi rēkulu) ತಾಮ್ರ ಹಾಳೆಗಳು (Tāmra hāḷegaḷu) ചെമ്പ് ഷീറ്റുകൾ (Chemp shīṭṭukaḷ) তামার পাত (Tāmāra pāta)
Tags	Copper Sheet Copper Plate Tāmra Patra Metal Roofing Metal Cladding Copper Corrosion Patina
Material ID	`INHFMAT-756255172-20-11-25-TM`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-sheets
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-sheets`
Total Sites	1
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty

ताम्र पत्र (Copper Sheets)

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