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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 |
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Machine Gun, Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur dsource.in |
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Bijapur, Karnataka. maps of India |
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Machine Gun, Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur pinterest.com |
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) on a stage. 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 near-by water tank to avoid injuries The water tank can be seen even to day, but it is covered.
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Carving on Malik Maidan tof, Bijapur.gunhistoryindia.com |
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/