Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains):
This place is located in Bijapur city. The
largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and
weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar
in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of
men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially
built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head
with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being
crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would
remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening
explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped,
tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale
was cancelled in the end.
Photo Gallery:
Photos: Sundar , Shriharsha B S - SPP Team - Relyon Bangalore
Information Courtesy: Wikipedia
Categories:
Bijapur,
Historical Place,
KARNATAKA