Question 1

What is ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara)?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र शिखर - Tamra Shikhara (Copper Shikhara) denotes a spire or pinnacle clad in copper, a prominent feature in Indic temple architecture. The material, primarily elemental copper (Cu), often alloyed with trace elements, originates from chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and other ores sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent [2]. Traditional processing involved smelting and hammering into sheets, showcasing copper's ductility and malleability. Its tensile strength ranges from 200-250 MPa, with a density of 8960 kg/m³ [3]. The excellent corrosion resistance ensures longevity, although atmospheric oxidation leads to a characteristic green patina (copper carbonate).

Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara Empire extensively utilized ताम्र (Tamra) for शिखर कलश (Shikhara Kalasha), ताम्र छत्र (Tamra Chhatra), and other roofing elements [1]. Conservation efforts address corrosion and structural integrity, employing techniques like surface cleaning and protective coatings. Traditional knowledge systems (शिल्प शास्त्र, Shilpa Shastra) guided construction, emphasizing precise joinery and weatherproofing. Restoration requires careful material matching and adherence to heritage conservation principles.

Question 2

What type of material is ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara)?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) is classified as Metal, Non-ferrous Metal, Architectural Element. Key properties include Tensile strength: 200-250 MPa, Density: 8960 kg/m³, Melting point: 1085 °C.

Question 3

Where is ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) used?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) is commonly used in South Asia, Southeast Asia. It is sourced from Copper mines (Rajasthan), Copper mines (Jharkhand), Copper smelters.

Question 4

How is ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) used in heritage architecture?

Accepted Answer

ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) is used for Shikhara cladding, Kalasha (finial) construction, Roofing element in heritage architecture. It is found in 2 heritage sites.

Question 5

What are the conservation considerations for ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara)?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) requires attention to Susceptible to oxidation (patina formation) and Galvanic corrosion with dissimilar metals. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving heritage structures using this material.

Title	ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara) 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites) Rare Tāmra Śikhara Copper Shikhara 4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
Description	ताम्र शिखर - Tamra Shikhara (Copper Shikhara) denotes a spire or pinnacle clad in copper, a prominent feature in Indic temple architecture. The material, primarily elemental copper (Cu), often alloyed with trace elements, originates from chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and other ores sourced from mines across the Indian subcontinent [2]. Traditional processing involved smelting and hammering into sheets, showcasing copper's ductility and malleability. Its tensile strength ranges from 200-250 MPa, with a density of 8960 kg/m³ [3]. The excellent corrosion resistance ensures longevity, although atmospheric oxidation leads to a characteristic green patina (copper carbonate). Historically, dynasties like the Cholas and Vijayanagara Empire extensively utilized ताम्र (Tamra) for शिखर कलश (Shikhara Kalasha), ताम्र छत्र (Tamra Chhatra), and other roofing elements [1]. Conservation efforts address corrosion and structural integrity, employing techniques like surface cleaning and protective coatings. Traditional knowledge systems (शिल्प शास्त्र, Shilpa Shastra) guided construction, emphasizing precise joinery and weatherproofing. Restoration requires careful material matching and adherence to heritage conservation principles.
Also Known As	Copper Shikhara Tāmra Śikhara Copper Shikhara Copper Spire Copper Pinnacle Copper Finial ताम्र कलश ताम्र शिखर कलश ताम्र शृंग ताम्र छत्र ताम्र ध्वज
Tags	ताम्र शिखर Tamra Shikhara Copper Shikhara Spire Kalasha ताम्र Tamra Corrosion Temple Architecture
Material ID	`INHFMAT-698273511-20-11-25-TH`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/copper-shikhara
API Endpoint	`https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/copper-shikhara`
Total Sites	2
Primary Sites	1
Created	November 20, 2025
Last Updated	November 28, 2025

Time Periods	Ancient Period Medieval Period Modern Period
Dynasties	Chola Dynasty Vijayanagara Empire

Title	Type	Notes
Studies in Indian Temple Architecture	Book	Detailed analysis of shikhara construction
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conservation manuals	Conservation Manual	Metal conservation techniques

Site Name	Status	Usage	Confidence
Vishnu Mandir Richmond Hill	Primary	Walls	100%
Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre Markham	Secondary	Walls	100%

ताम्र शिखर (Copper Shikhara)

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