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| 55 ton gun. Malik-e-Maidan tope, Bijapur /travelkabaap.com |
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| Machine Gun, Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur dsource.in |
In the medieval and later periods, cannons and guns played a great role in wars between Indian rulers and in many cases, more than strategy, fire power decided the fate of a ruler and his victory. When the British East India company in the 18th century became a force to reckon with, they gradually introduced powerful cannons and weapons. Their firepower was far superior than Indian rulers, with which they threatened the Indian rulers and over a period of time established their hegemony.
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| Machine Gun, Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur dsource.in |
Both Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and northern part of Karnataka were known to have produced fine, powerful cannons centuries ago to face the enemies from the north and north west. The rulers of Bengal had excellent foundries where they could make powerful guns to use them against other rulers and the English company which frequently violated trade agreements with them. So, possessing powerful cannons and guns was more an asset than a liability because they acted as deterrents in case of enemy invasions.
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| Bijapur, Karnataka. maps of India |
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| Machine Gun, Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur pinterest.com |
Above image: The "Malik-i-Maidan" (Master of the Field) cannon, stated to be the largest piece of cast bronze ordnance in the world, was utilized by the Deccan Sultanates during the Battle of Talikota (1565). It was provided by Ali Adil Shah I (Bijapur Sultanate) ...................................................
Malik-e-Maidan Tope is believed to be the biggest old gun on earth Weighing 55 tons, 4 m in length and 1.5 m wide; it is on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate), Bijapur fort. The diameter of the bore is approximately 15 inches. It means the blast from the gun was heavy. The gag/spout of the gun has formed a lion head with open jaws, and between the jaws are engraved elephants to make it resemble the lion is eating up the elephant. The eyes and whiskers nostril and the ears of the lion are well highlighted. This famous gun arrived from Ahmadnagar in the seventeenth century as a war trophy.
Transporting the huge gun posed a big problem and at last it reached the present site drawn by ten elephants, 400 bulls and numerous men. It is said they brought two huge guns and one was stuck in the river bed when crossing it. When in use, the cannon was mounted on a swivel
mechanism which allowed it to turn 180 degrees. To prevent accidental firing toward Bijapur, massive walls on the rear side were built as a precaution. As the cannon was capable of generating unbearable loud
noise and heat, the gunner, upon lighting the fuse, had to submerge
himself in a nearby water tank to avoid injuries The water tank can
be seen even to day, but it is covered.
Ibrahim Adil Shah II had this huge gun Malik-e-Maidan set on the highest point of the tower in the Bijapur Fort between two bastions on the west mainly to defend the fort against the mighty Maratha army. The gun is made of an alloy of five metals including copper, iron and tin and this combination makes it strong, rust-proof, besides the surface has a green sheen and does not get hot under the scorching sun. When striking, it produces peculiar sound. With Arabic and Persian inscription on it, it is mentioned that this gun was cast in Ahmednagar in the 17th century or prior to that.
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| Carving on Malik Maidan , Bijapur.fort gunhistoryindia.com |
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| Malik-e-Maidan tope, Bijapur, Persian inscription iksoochi.blogspot.com |
Malik-e-Maidan Tope (Tof), during a major war against the mighty Vijayanagara rulers at Talikote in the year January 1565, played no less role on the battle field. Being one of the largest artillery in the world, its fire power was a menace to the equally strong Vijayanagara army. The outcome of the war was the end of Vijayanagar empire and the great dynasty. Yet another reason was the betrayal of two Muslim commanders (Gilani Brothers) in the Vijayanagara army who suddenly turned against the Vijayanagara kings.
Bidar fort, Basavakalyan Fort, etc Karnataka. have good collection of cannons.
http://karnatakatravel.blogspot.in/2010/05/malik-e-maidan-tope-bijapur.html
http://www.gunhistoryindia.com/2013/07/malik-e-maidan-tope-canon-bijapur.http http://travelkabaap.com/travel/malik-e-maidan/
http://travelkabaap.com/travel/malik-e-maidan/
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