Malik-e-Maidan
Malik-e-Maidan, which translates to "Lord of the Battlefield," is an awe-inspiring piece of medieval military engineering. This massive cannon, cast in 1549 by Muhammad Bin Husain Rumi, is one of the largest surviving pieces of bronze artillery in the world. It was originally a trophy of war brough t from Ahmadnagar by 400 oxen and 10 elephants. The cannon played a decisive role in the historic Battle of Talikota in 1565, where the Deccan Sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire. It is made of "Panchaloha" or five-metal alloy (bell metal), which gives it a unique property—it remains cool even under the scorching sun of Karnataka and produces a bell-like sound when struck. The muzzle of the cannon is masterfully carved into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws, seemingly swallowing an elephant. This symbolism was meant to intimidate enemies and showcase the power of the Adil Shahi dynasty. It sits atop the Sherza Burj, a bastion specifically reinforced to bear its 55-ton weight. Historical accounts suggest that the gunner had to dive into a nearby water tank upon firing to protect his eardrums from the deafening blast. The cannon bears three inscriptions, one of which was added by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb after his conquest of Bijapur. In the 19th century, the British attempted to take it to England as a trophy, but the logistics of moving such a massive object proved impossible. Today, it stands as a silent sentinel over the city, attracting thousands of tourists who marvel at its size and the intricate craftsmanship of its decorations.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Heritage and MilitaryEntry Fees:
Minimal Charges: The entry fee is typically part of a combined ticket for fort monuments, costing about 25 INR for Indians.
Foreign Nationals: Foreigners are charged approximately 300 INR for the heritage circuit which includes the cannon s...Minimal Charges: The entry fee is typically part of a combined ticket for fort monuments, costing about 25 INR for Indians.
Foreign Nationals: Foreigners are charged approximately 300 INR for the heritage circuit which includes the cannon site.Timing:
Regular Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Time: Late afternoon at 4:30 PM is best as the sun is not too harsh and the view from the bastion is beautiful. ...Regular Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Time: Late afternoon at 4:30 PM is best as the sun is not too harsh and the view from the bastion is beautiful.Special Events:
Republic Day: The area around the fort and cannon is often decorated and illuminated during national holidays like January 26th.
Heritage Walks: Occasional heritage walks organized by the government focus on the military history of this spe...Republic Day: The area around the fort and cannon is often decorated and illuminated during national holidays like January 26th.
Heritage Walks: Occasional heritage walks organized by the government focus on the military history of this specific bastion.Best Photo Spots:
The Lion Muzzle: A close-up shot of the lion's mouth swallowing the elephant is the most iconic photograph of this site.
Full Barrel View: Capture the cannon from the side to show its full length against the backdrop of the fort's stone ram...The Lion Muzzle: A close-up shot of the lion's mouth swallowing the elephant is the most iconic photograph of this site.
Full Barrel View: Capture the cannon from the side to show its full length against the backdrop of the fort's stone ramparts.
Scale Shot: Have someone stand at the mouth of the cannon to highlight its 28-inch diameter.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historic Observation: Inspect the three different inscriptions on the barrel to understand the changing rulers of Bijapur.
Artistic Inspection: Spend time looking at the lion-and-elephant carving at the muzzle to appreciate the artistic flair given to a weapon of war.
Bastion View: Walk around the Sherza Burj to see how the fort walls were designed for defense and watch the city below.
Photography: Take a photo standing next to the cannon to provide a scale of its massive size compared to a human.
Sound Test: Gently tap the metal (if permitted by guards) to hear the famous bell-like resonance of the bell-metal alloy.
Sunset Watch: Since it is on a high bastion, it is a great spot to watch the su...
Information
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Why Famous:
Massive Scale: It is world-famous for being the largest medieval barrel-loading cannon, representing the pinnacle of 16th-century Indo-Islamic foundry technology.
Victory Symbol: It stands as the primary symbol of the victory at Talikota, a...Massive Scale: It is world-famous for being the largest medieval barrel-loading cannon, representing the pinnacle of 16th-century Indo-Islamic foundry technology.
Victory Symbol: It stands as the primary symbol of the victory at Talikota, a turning point in South Indian history. -
Architecture:
Metallurgical Marvel: The cannon is cast in bell metal (bronze) with a length of 4. 45 meters (14. 6 feet) and a diameter of 1. 5 meters. It weighs approximately 55 tons. The muzzle gauge (bore) is an impressive 700 mm (28 inches). The artistic detail is found at the muz...Metallurgical Marvel: The cannon is cast in bell metal (bronze) with a length of 4. 45 meters (14. 6 feet) and a diameter of 1. 5 meters. It weighs approximately 55 tons. The muzzle gauge (bore) is an impressive 700 mm (28 inches). The artistic detail is found at the muzzle, which is shaped like a lion’s head with fangs and an elephant being crushed. The bastion itself is built with massive blocks of basalt stone to support the recoil of such a weapon. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Hubballi (190 KM); travelers usually take a train or bus from there.
By Train: Vijayapura Railway Station is only 2 KMS away; many visitors take an auto directly from the station.
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Near Tourist Places:
Upli Buruj (0. 5 KM), Gagan Mahal (1 KM), Bara Kaman (1. 5 KM), Gol Gumbaz (2. 5 KM), Ibrahim Rauza (2 KM), Taj Bawdi (1. 5 KM), Asar Mahal (1. 5 KM), Mehtar Mahal (2 KM), Jami Masjid (2. 5 KM), Jod Gumbaz (1. 5 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Watch your step on the steep stone stairs leading up to the bastion; there are no railings in some sections.
Packing: Wear a hat and sunglasses as the top of the bastion is completely exposed to the sun.
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