Malik-E-Maidan, Bijapur - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4 km from Bijapur Railway Station, the Malik-E-Maidan is a historical site situated inside the Bijapur Fort, Bijapur. It is one of the must include places in Bijapur family packages.

The Malik-E-Maidan, alternatively referred to as Malik-i-Maidan, is a 16th-century cannon situated atop Sherza Burj (Lion Tower) within the Bijapur Fort. The term Malik-E-Maidan translates to 'Lord of the Battlefield.' This cannon was cast in 1549 by the Persian engineer Muhammad Bin Husain Rumi from Turkey, who was in the service of Sultan Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar. The Sultan later gifted the cannon to his son-in-law, Sultan Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur. In 1565, it played a significant role in the Battle of Talikota, where Sultan Ali Adil Shah I led an assault against Aliya Rama Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire as part of the combined Deccan Sultanates force. Following the victory of the Deccan Sultanates, the cannon was named Malik-i-Maidan, and Adil Shah II had it installed on Sherza Burj as a mark of respect.

Measuring 4.45 meters in length and crafted from bell metal, it stands as the largest extant piece of artillery from the medieval era. The nozzle has a gauge of 700 millimeters (28 inches) and an overall diameter of 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches), with a total weight of 55 tons. According to legend, the cannonball could reach distances of up to 500 meters. The nozzle is adorned with a low relief depicting a lion's head with its jaws open, swallowing an elephant. The cannon features three inscriptions, two of which were made during the reign of Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar, while the third was added by Aurangzeb following his conquest of Bijapur in 1685-86.

Surrounded by a serene garden, Malik-e-Maidan offers a tranquil setting for visitors to immerse themselves in rich history of Bijapur. Despite some reports of the cannon's deteriorating state, the site remains a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free