Cannons and and the invention of gunpowder—a mix of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), phosphorous, and charcoal—originated in China around the 9th or 10th century and played a significant role in warfare's and were game changers. and and the invention of gunpowder—a mix of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), phosphorous, and charcoal—originated in China around the 9th or 10th century and played a significant role in warfare's and were game changers. Their destructive power and strategic use changed the course of events in the warring nations and their fate. Quite useful for both offensive and defensive operations cannons with better casting techniques, as well as innovations in the design and construction of forged-welded iron and bronze cannons added yet another dimension in the warfare. . Mughal rulers of Delhi established their dominance in the Indian subcontinent. Cannons became an integral part of Mughal fortifications and battle strategies, with artillery innovations including rockets and mines.
In India, cannons of remarkable design were produced even before the 15th century. Among these, the cannons of Daulatabad Fort, also known as Devagiri, in Maharashtra stand out. Built in the 14th century, the fort housed 288 heavy cannons known for their long-range capabilities and effective firepower. Over centuries, this fort was ruled by various dynasties, each contributing to its history. The fort’s cannons, made from different metals like iron, cast iron, and bronze, reflect the advanced metallurgy of the time.
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| Mendha Tope canon, Daulatabad fort, MH dreamstime.com |
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| Mendha Tope canon, Daulatabad fort, MH dreamstime.com |
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| Mendha Tope canon, Daulatabad fort, MH dreamstime.com |
Above image: Cannon with the rear end shaped like ram's head. It is believed to be the second largest cannon in India Pivot provided at the center of the platform is for 180 degree rotating the cannon.......
One of the most notable cannons at Daulatabad Fort is the Mendha Tope, also known as the Ram Cannon or Qila Shikan (Breaker of Forts). Weighing approximately 14 tons and measuring 5.30 meters in length, this bronze cannon has a firing range of 9 kilometers. It was crafted during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (1658–1707), whose name is engraved on it along with that of the Arab artisan Muhammad Hussain, a specialist in cannon making. The cannon features a ram’s head at its rear, giving it the Marathi name "Mendha" (ram). It also bears Quranic inscriptions near its mouth, a reflection of the religious and cultural practices of the period. Designed with an advanced shock-absorbing system, the cannon could be rotated 180 degrees, allowing defenders to target enemies far beyond the fort’s walls. This feature demonstrates the sophisticated technology employed in its construction.
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| Daulatabad Fort, Ahmed nagar, MH, Alamy.com |
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| location map Maharashtra state. maps-india.com |
Daulatabad Fort has attracted researchers and historians for its large collection of cannons, which include the Mendha Tope, the Kala Pahad Cannon, and the Durga Cannon. These cannons are of various sizes, weights, and compositions, with some featuring bimetallic designs combining bronze or copper barrels with iron sleeves. The fort, perched on a 200-meter-tall conical hill, was originally built in 1187 by Billama, the first ruler of the Yadava Dynasty. Over time, it came under the control of different rulers, including Sultan Alauddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate, who captured the fort in 1308, and later the Mughals under Aurangzeb. Today, the Mendha Tope and other cannons at Daulatabad continue to fascinate visitors and scholars alike, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past.
Technical and cultural legacy: Engineering Prowess: The Mendha Tope exemplifies the sophisticated metallurgical and mechanical engineering of medieval India. Research Potential: Scholars and enthusiasts study the alloys, construction techniques, and logistical challenges of transporting such massive cannons to elevated fortifications. Tourist Attraction: Daulatabad Fort, with its rich history and extensive collection of cannons, remains a focal point for history buffs and tourists alike.
