Kansa
/ˈkɑːn.sə/noun
A traditional Indian alloy, usually composed primarily of copper with tin or zinc, used for utensils and ritual objects.
Did you know?Kansa vessels are especially associated with Ayurvedic practice, where traditionally prepared bronze utensils were believed to influence the qualities of food and drink.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
kāṃsya
“A copper-based alloy, especially bronze or bell metal”
Prakrit
Middle Indo-Aryan
kaṃsa
“A metal alloy descended from the Sanskrit term”
Medieval period
Hindi and related languages
kāṃsā / kansā
“Bronze or bell metal used for vessels”
Modern English
English
kansa
“A traditional Indian copper alloy used for utensils and ritual objects”