Massive Cannon "Bacchawali Tope'' of Murshidabad, West Bengal - a legacy of Nawabi rule

Murshidabad Bachhawali Tope.WB. localguidesconnect.com

The Bacchawali Tope in the Nizamat Fort complex of Hazarduari is a historic cannon located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, dating back to the Nawabi period of Bengal. Cast in the early 18th century during the reign of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab of Bengal, this formidable cannon stands as a symbol of the military prowess and defense strategies of the time.

Bachhawali Tope Murshidabad, WB vymaps.com

Hazarduari, Murshidabad Bachhawali Tope.wikiwand.com

Above image: Originally on the sand banks of Ichaganj how it when it  was shafted to this town is unknown. After the fire mishap, when a new palace came up after 1846 this power cannon was moved over to the present location. It was used to protect the city of Murshidabad from north-western attacks...............

 Hazarduari, Murshidabad Bachhawali Topevymaps.com

Measuring approximately 17.5 feet in length and weighing around 7,650 kg, the Bacchawali Tope is one of the largest cannons from the Nawabi era; for a single shelling it requires about 18 kg of gunpowder.  Its massive size and intricate design reflect the advanced metallurgical skills of the craftsmen of that period. The cannon is made of iron and believed to have been forged by expert gunsmiths under the Nawab's supervision, possibly with assistance from Mughal artisans.  The muzzle of the cannon is 1 foot and 7 inches. There are eleven rings fixed to the wrought iron barrel.  Near the muzzle, on the upper half of the barrel surface, are 14 lines (7 on each side). These lines are of brass. There are 8 smaller rings attached at various points on the cannon. Petals are drawn on this iron cannon as a decorative feature  and one of the rings resemble a string of beads.  Rear part before the first ring is long necked which is adequately reinforced and knob.

Local legend surrounds the cannon’s name. "Bacchawali" is said to mean "child-bearing," and a popular myth suggests that its deafening roar once caused premature labor in women living nearby within a radius of 10 kg. Despite its imposing presence, there is no documented evidence that the cannon was ever fired in battle, as it was allegedly too large to be moved easily or aimed with precision.

Today, the Bacchawali Tope is a major tourist attraction, located on the grounds of the Nizamat Fort, near the Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad. It remains an enduring relic of Bengal's Nawabi period, representing the grandeur, military ambition, and historical significance of the region during the Mughal and Nawabi rule in the 18th century.

https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/01/bacchawali-tope-cannon-which-causes.html

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Bacchawali_Tope

https://travelandculture.expertscolumn.com/restoration-historical-weapons-hazarduari-palace

https://vymaps.com/IN/BACHHAWALI-TOPE-Cannon--1066415

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Bachhawali-Tope/td-p/3465962