from here & there - Lord of the battlefield

Malik-e-Maidan, an ancient cannon, is one of the major tourist attractions of Vijayapura. The cannon is 4.45 metres long, 1.5 metres in diameter and weighs 55 tonnes. It is said to have been made of an alloy of copper and iron. It was designed and created by Muhammad Bin Hasan Rumi, a Turkish engineer, in 1549 AD. This massive cannon sits on top of the Sherzah Burj facing west towards the plains outside the city. It was erected here by king Muhammad Adil Shah. It must have been a huge task to cart the cannon, a war trophy, from Ahmednagar in the 17th century. Its muzzle is fashioned in the shape of a lion’s head with mouth left wide open and fangs crushing an elephant.

On top of the cannon is an inscription in Arabic and Persian, commissioned by Aurangzeb. It is believed that this cannon was used in the battle of Talikota. Malik-e-Maidan or Muluk-e-Maidan literally translates to ‘Lord of the battlefield’. It is said to be one of the largest cannons during medieval times. The cannon’s surface is clean and rust-free. It
remains cool even under scorching sun and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. There are two lion figures fixed on the brick wall leading to the top of the viewing gallery. People believe that by touching the gun their wishes would be fulfilled. There is no entry fee.