| Title | दर्पण (Mirror)Rare Darpaṇa Mirror |
|---|---|
| Description | दर्पण (Darpana), also known as आईना (Aina) or प्रतिबिंबक (Pratibimbak), is a composite material prominently featured in Indic heritage architecture. Typically, it comprises a soda-lime glass substrate, historically sourced from silica-rich regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat [2]. The reflective layer consists of a metallic coating, traditionally a tin amalgam or, more recently, silver, applied to one surface [1]. Reflectivity ranges from 80-95%, contingent on the coating's quality [3]. Thickness varies from 2-6 mm. The Mughal Dynasty, Rajput Dynasties, and the Sikh Empire extensively employed Darpana for decorative purposes in palaces and havelis, enhancing interior illumination and creating spatial illusions. Conservation efforts address delamination of the metallic layer and glass degradation due to environmental factors. Restoration often involves replacing damaged sections with historically accurate materials and techniques, preserving the original aesthetics and functionality. |
| Also Known As | Mirror Darpaṇa Mirror Looking glass Reflector दर्पण आईना प्रतिबिंबक आरसी பிம்பம் (Pimpam) అద్దం (Addam) ಕನ್ನಡಿ (Kannadi) |
| Tags | दर्पण Darpan Mirror Glass Reflection Silver Darpana Āīnā |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-848633304-20-11-25-DM |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/mirror |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/mirror |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Glass Reflective Material Composite Material (Glass with Metallic Coating) |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | India Punjab Rajasthan Gujarat Uttar Pradesh |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Medieval Period Mughal Period Sikh Empire Period Rajput Period Modern Era |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Mughal Dynasty Sikh Empire Rajput Dynasties |
Geographic Sources
| Sources | Glass manufacturing plants Silver mines (historically) European imports Local workshops Local manufacturing centers |
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Properties
| Properties | Reflectivity: 80-95% (depending on coating) Thickness: 2-6 mm Substrate: Soda-lime glass Coating: Silver or tin amalgam Density: Varies with glass type Hardness: Depends on glass type |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Decorative element in architecture Reflecting light in interiors Creating illusions of space in architecture Wall decoration Ceiling decoration Vanity mirrors in palaces and havelis |
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Related Materials
| Materials | कांच - Kānch (Glass) चांदी - Chandi (Silver) एल्यूमिनियम - Elyūminiyam (Aluminum) पारा - Pārā (Mercury) |
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Related Styles
| Styles | Mughal architecture Sikh architecture Rajput architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Modern interior design |
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Related Categories
| Categories | Decorative arts Architectural elements Palace Fort Haveli |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The History of Mirrors | Book | Manufacturing and cultural significance |
| Handbook of Optical Systems, Volume 5: Metrology of Optical Components and Systems | Book | Technical guide on mirror properties and manufacturing |
| Conservation of Mirrors | Book | Mirror conservation techniques |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aina Mahal Bhuj | Primary | 100% |