The short answer
Malik-e-Maidan: what visitors should know first
A short, quirky stop that most visitors enjoy. It takes twenty minutes, involves a few steps up to the bastion, and pairs naturally with Ibrahim Rauza and the fort walls.
History and context
The story behind Malik-e-Maidan
The cannon was cast in 1549 by Muhammad bin Husain Rumi, a Persian engineer in the service of Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar, and presented to Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur. It was used at the Battle of Talikota in 1565. After the Mughal conquest of Bijapur in 1686 it remained in the fort.
In the 19th century it was put up for auction as dead stock, but a local petition saved it, and a later attempt to take it to Britain failed because of its size.
Useful facts
Malik-e-Maidan facts at a glance
- Location
- Burj-e-Sherz bastion, Bijapur Fort, near the Mecca Gate
- Experience type
- Historic artillery on a bastion
- Known for
- About 4.45 m long, around 55 tonnes, bell metal
- Made
- Cast 1549 at Ahmadnagar by Muhammad bin Husain Rumi
- Used at
- Battle of Talikota, 1565
Why it matters
Why Malik-e-Maidan is worth your time
Malik-e-Maidan is described as the largest surviving piece of medieval artillery, and its history reads like a record of the Deccan's wars. It was cast in 1549 at Ahmadnagar by Muhammad bin Husain Rumi and given to Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur, who used it at the Battle of Talikota in 1565 against the Vijayanagara empire. The name is commonly translated as Lord of the Battlefield.
It also illustrates how objects pass between powers. It moved between Ahmadnagar, Bijapur and the Mughals, and the East India Company later failed to ship it to Britain because of its weight. It stayed where it is, which is why you can see it today.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The muzzle sculpture
A lion's head with open jaws swallowing an elephant is cast in low relief on the muzzle.
- 02
The inscriptions
Three inscriptions record its makers and the later Mughal conquest.
- 03
The bastion view
The platform gives a view of the fort walls and bastions.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The cannon sits on a stone bastion on the western side of the fort, close to the old Mecca Gate. Walk up the short flight of steps and give yourself a moment to take in its size. It is about 4.45 metres long, with a muzzle gauge of about 700 mm, and weighs roughly 55 tonnes.
Look at the muzzle. It is cast as a lion's head with open jaws swallowing an elephant, a piece of relief that is easy to miss if you only look at the barrel. The surface carries inscriptions, including two from the time of its maker and one added by Aurangzeb after he took the city.
The bastion also gives a view along the fort walls. Spend a few minutes at the parapet to understand how the defences were laid out, then walk or drive on to Ibrahim Rauza, which is close by.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Mind the steps and uneven stone on the bastion
- Go early or late to avoid the sun
- Look closely at the muzzle sculpture
- Combine with Ibrahim Rauza
- Do not climb on the cannon
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Burj-e-Sherz bastion, near the Mecca Gate, west side of the fort
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, to avoid midday sun on the bastion
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Reaching the cannon involves a short climb of steps up to the bastion platform with a handrail in places. The platform is open and exposed to sun, with little seating, so go early.
- Tickets and access
- Entry has typically been informal or low-cost; check locally. Photography is generally fine. Do not climb on or touch the cannon beyond what is permitted, and watch your step on the bastion.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Malik-e-Maidan
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Reaching the cannon involves a short climb of steps up to the bastion platform with a handrail in places. The platform is open and exposed to sun, with little seating, so go early.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How big is Malik-e-Maidan?
About 4.45 metres long and roughly 55 tonnes, cast in bell metal.
Who made it?
Muhammad bin Husain Rumi, in Ahmednagar, in 1549.
Was it ever fired at Bijapur?
It was used at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, but accounts of its later use vary.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
