The short answer
Jahan Kosha Cannon: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you are driving past. It takes ten minutes, costs little time, and is a good photo stop, but it will not hold a full visit.
History and context
The story behind Jahan Kosha Cannon
The Jahan Kosha was completed in 1637 and is made of ashtadhatu. An inscription says it was cast in Dhaka in the reign of Shah Jahan at the request of Islam Khan, the Subedar of Bengal, and credits Janardan Karmakar as the maker.
It weighs over seven tonnes, is about 17 feet 6 inches long, and was once fired with about 17 kg of gunpowder.
Useful facts
Jahan Kosha Cannon facts at a glance
- Location
- Topekhana, south-east of Katra Mosque
- Experience type
- Open-air historic monument
- Known for
- A 7-tonne cannon of eight metals
- Architect/Built
- Janardan Karmakar; completed 1637
- Time or schedule
- Daylight hours
Why it matters
Why Jahan Kosha Cannon is worth your time
The cannon links Murshidabad to a military story that began before the Nawabs. It was cast in the era of Shah Jahan, when the Mughal governors used heavy artillery to control river routes in Bengal. By the time the Nawabs of Murshidabad took power, the gun was already an old and famous piece.
It also shows how much of Murshidabad's history is practical rather than ornamental. A gun of this size required engineering skill, access to metals and organised labour, and it was meant to impress allies and rivals alike.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The inscription
A Persian-era inscription records where and when it was cast.
- 02
The tree roots
Roots have raised the gun, giving it an unusual tilt.
- 03
The size
At more than 17 feet long it is easy to underestimate until you stand beside it.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Park near the Topekhana and walk the short path to the gun. The cannon is enormous, about five metres long, and is lying on its old carriage ironwork. Tree roots have raised it over the years, which gives it an odd, half-buried look.
Read the inscription if you can. It records the casting in Dhaka in the reign of Shah Jahan, at the request of Islam Khan, the Subedar of Bengal. The gun is made of ashtadhatu, an alloy of eight metals, and it weighs over seven tons.
It is a short stop, so pair it with Katra Mosque, which is only a few minutes away. A short break at a local tea stall afterwards is a good way to end the loop.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Combine with Katra Mosque
- Visit in daylight
- Wear sun protection
- Check local access
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Topekhana, about 400 metres south-east of Katra Mosque
- Time needed
- 10-15 minutes
- Best time
- Any dry day
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Flat, short walk from the road. A few steps near the gate, little seating and no shade.
- Tickets and access
- ASI-maintained open-air monument. Check any entry arrangements locally. It is outdoors and normally accessible in daylight hours.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Jahan Kosha Cannon
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Flat, short walk from the road. A few steps near the gate, little seating and no shade.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Where is it exactly?
In the Topekhana, the old artillery park, about 400 metres south-east of Katra Mosque.
How long should I spend?
Ten to fifteen minutes is enough for most visitors.
Is there an entry fee?
Access arrangements can change, so ask locally; it is an ASI-maintained open-air site.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
