The Bara Gazi Toph: The World's Largest Cannon at Kalaburagi Fort
India, with its vast history of empires and conquests, is home to countless historical monuments, including forts and their armory. Among these relics of the past, the Bara Gazi Toph at Kalaburagi Fort in Karnataka stands out as one of the world’s largest and longest cannons. Built during the 14th century under the reign of the Bahmani Sultanate, this cannon symbolizes the military prowess of the time and the ingenuity of ancient Indian metallurgists.
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| Longest cannon in the world, Kalaburagi Fort tripoto.com |
The Bahman Sultanate and Kalaburagi Fort
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| Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) fort, KA 3.bp.blogspot.com |
Specifications of the Bara Gazi Toph
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| Longest cannon in the world, Kalaburagi Fort tripoto.com |
.The Bara Gazi Toph is an imposing weapon measuring 29 feet in length, with a circumference of 7.6 feet and a diameter of 2 feet. The cannon is made from an alloy called Panchdhatu, which consists of five metals. This type of metalwork, typical of the time, demonstrates the advanced skills of the metal experts in the Bahmani Sultanate.
The cannon was originally fitted with 20 rings to help move it, and it took 20 soldiers to pull it during warfare. Unfortunately, only five rings remain today due to the neglect the cannon has faced over the years. Weighing an estimated 80 tons, the Bara Gazi Toph was a fearsome weapon, built not only to deter invaders but to showcase the power and craftsmanship of the Bahmani rulers.
Comparative Size and Global Significance
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| Longest cannon Bara Gazi Toph, Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) fort, KA YouTube |
Other notable cannons around the world include the Malik-e-Maidan in Bijapur, India, and the Pumhart von Steyr in Austria. Despite being among the longest cannons globally, the Bara Gazi Toph remains relatively unknown outside Karnataka.
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| Cannon in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) fort en.wikipedia.org |
Neglect and Lack of Preservation
Sadly, the Bara Gazi Toph has not been given the attention it deserves. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the State Archaeology Department have failed to preserve this piece of history. There are no proper barricades to prevent trespassing, and the cannon remains exposed to harsh weather conditions. Experts, including Mohammad Ayazuddin Patel, a national award-winning artist who has researched the cannon, have called for better care and recognition of this historical monument.
Conclusion
The Bara Gazi Toph at Kalaburagi Fort stands as a testament to the Bahmani Sultanate’s military strength and the incredible craftsmanship of the era. It is one of the largest cannons ever built, and yet, it remains neglected. With proper preservation and recognition, this historical treasure could become a significant tourist attraction and a source of pride for Karnataka and India. Based on:
https://www.navrangindia.in/2019/01/worlds-largest-cannon-bara-gazi-toph.html
http://cms.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2016/dec/03/the-worlds-longest-cannon-1545187.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/gulbarga-fort-cannon/article16780098.ece
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/miscellany/06/2018/worlds-longest-cannon-bahmani-fort
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