Malik-E-Maidan

Massive 16th-century bronze cannon — one of the largest medieval guns ever cast

A 14-foot-long bronze cannon mounted on a bastion of the old city walls. It is one of the largest medieval cannons in the world — 4.5 metres long, 1.5 metres in diameter at the muzzle, weighing 55 tonnes. Its name means "Lord of the Battlefield". A lion's head is carved at the muzzle end, eating an elephant; the gun was supposed to be too hot to touch after firing, but locals claim that pouring water in the muzzle cools it instantly.

It has not been fired in centuries, but it remains in remarkable condition. The view from the bastion looks back over the old city. Free to visit; the surrounding garden is a pleasant break from the heat.

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A story
The cannon was cast in 1549 for the Sultan of Ahmednagar. Captured by the Bijapur army in 1632 after the Battle of Talikota, it was hauled the 250 miles to Bijapur by 10 elephants, 400 oxen, and several hundred soldiers. The casters' names are inscribed on the muzzle.

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