The Thanjavur cannon is one of the largest early modern cannons located in Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Thanjavur cannon is one of the largest early modern cannons located in Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Thanjavur cannon, also known as Rajagopala Beerangi, is a massive cannon kept on a mount in Beerangi Medu, Thanjavur, on the east rampart of the Thanjavur Fort. It is located at the heart of the city and located very near to the Peruvudaiyaar Temple. Autos and buses are available to reach the place where it is kept. [1]
It was made with cutting-edge technology of its time. [2] The high standard of iron and steel technology in ancient and medieval India is reflected in the manufacture and use of numerous large iron objects, including forge-welded cannons. Such cannons are found in Mushirabad, Dacca (in Bangladesh), Bijapur, Gulbarga, and Thanjavur. Based on its weight and size, the cannon at Thanjavur is regarded as one of the largest forge-welded iron cannons in the world. [3] It takes fourth place in the list of Largest Cannons fired in the World History. It was named "Rajagopala Beerangi (Cannon)", but is popularly known as "Daasimettu Beerangi". It is placed on an elevated (25’high) defense barricade at the Eastern Rampart.
The cannon was cast in 1620 at Kollumedu. The metallurgical skills displayed speak volumes of the people in 17th century. It is said that Tamils' technical know how was used to cast the cannon. It was mounted in 1620 CE when Raghunatha Nayak ruled Thanjavur. [1] [4]
The over 400 year-old cannon, though exposed to sun and rain, has not rusted so far. It is 26 feet long and weighs 20 tonnes. It is forge welded and has not been made by casting. Its outer circle is 300 cm in diameter, while the inner circle is 150 cm in diameter. The inside of the barrel is made of 43 long iron plates and the outer of 94 iron rings. To lift the cannon, eight rings were attached on top, but only two survive today. It can fire a 1000 kg iron cannonball. [1]
This cannon was used in 1650 during the Nayak period to protect Thanjavur from enemies entering through the East Gate of the town. [1] From the site, one can see the Sarja madi (seven-floor structure) and the Arsenal tower of Nayak Palace on the western side. [4]
Kumbakonam, or Kudanthai, is a city municipal corporation in the Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 40 km (25 mi) from Thanjavur and 282 km (175 mi) from Chennai and is the headquarters of the Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district. It is the second largest city in the district after Thanjavur. The city is bounded by two rivers, the Kaveri River to the north and Arasalar River to the south. Kumbakonam is known as a "Temple town" due to the prevalence of a number of temples here and is noted for its Mahamaham festival, which happens once in 12 years, attracting people from all over the country.
Thanjavur, also known as Thanjai, previously known as Tanjore, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the 12th biggest city in Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of southern Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, is located in the centre of the city. This temple has one of the largest bull statues in India carved out of a single granite rock. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. Thanjavur is the headquarters of the Thanjavur District. The city is an important agricultural centre located in the Kaveri Delta and is known as the Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is administered by a municipal corporation covering an area of 36.31 km2 (14.02 sq mi) and had a population of 222,943. Roadways are the major means of transportation, while the city also has rail connectivity. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, located 59.6 km (37.0 mi) away from the city. The nearest seaport is Karaikal, which is 94 km (58 mi) away from Thanjavur. The city first rose to prominence during the reign of the Cholas when it served as the capital of the empire. After the fall of the Cholas, the city was ruled by various dynasties such as the Mutharaiyar dynasty, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks, the Thanjavur Nayaks, the Thanjavur Marathas and the British Empire. It has been a part of independent India since 1947.
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