| Title | स्वर्ण वर्ण लेप (Gold Paint)Rare Svarṇa varṇa lepa Gold Paint |
|---|---|
| Description | स्वर्ण रंग - Swarna Rang (Gold Paint) is a decorative coating historically employed across the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Medieval and Mughal periods. Chemically, it comprises finely ground gold particles (Au) dispersed within a binder [1]. The binder, traditionally sourced from natural resins (e.g., *Shorea robusta* resin from forests) or proteinaceous glues, dictates adhesion and flexibility. Its application, often as a thin film (< 5 μm), imparts a metallic luster and high reflectivity, enhancing architectural elements like domes and statues. The Rajput, Mughal, and Vijayanagara dynasties extensively utilized *Swarna Rang Lepa* (स्वर्ण रंग लेप) in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Pigment origin traces to gold mines across the Deccan Plateau. Conservation requires careful cleaning and consolidation, addressing binder degradation. *Kanak Varna Lepa* (कनक वर्ण लेप) exhibits good corrosion resistance, but is susceptible to abrasion. Traditional application methods involved skilled artisans (*shilpis*) using specialized brushes. Understanding the *Swarna Lepa's* (स्वर्ण लेप) composition is crucial for heritage conservation [2]. |
| Also Known As | Gold Paint Svarṇa varṇa lepa Gold Paint Golden Paint Gold Coating Auric Paint स्वर्ण रंग लेप स्वर्ण लेप कनक वर्ण लेप सुवर्ण वर्ण लेप பொன் நிற பூச்சு (Tamil) బంగారు రంగు పూత (Telugu) ಚಿನ್ನದ ಬಣ್ಣದ ಲೇಪನ (Kannada) സ്വർണ്ണ വർണ്ണ പെയിന്റ് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | स्वर्ण रंग Swarna Rang Gold Paint Gilding Ornamentation Gold Leaf Architectural Decoration Illumination |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-000025570-20-11-25-SA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/gold-paint |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/gold-paint |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Paint Coating Pigment |
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| Regions | Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Karnataka |
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| Time Periods | Medieval Period Mughal Period |
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| Dynasties | Rajput Dynasty Mughal Dynasty Vijayanagara Dynasty |
| Sources | Gold mines in Karnataka Local artisans specializing in gilding |
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| Properties | High Reflectivity Good Corrosion Resistance Adhesion dependent on binder type Thin film application (typically < 5 μm) Metallic Luster |
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| Uses | Decorative coating for statues Architectural ornamentation (e.g., domes, walls) Illumination of manuscripts Gilding of interior surfaces |
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| Materials | Lac (Lākh) as binder Lime Mortar (Chunā) as base coat Gum Arabic (as binder) Animal glue (as binder) |
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| Styles | Mughal Architecture Rajput Architecture South Indian Temple Architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Palace Manuscript |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Indian Painting Techniques | Book | Details on gold paint application. |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Pagoda Namsai | Primary | 100% |