Take a look at these cannons that played a role in India’s grim history

The Chinese are said to have created gunpowder and used it in their weapons. However, it is Roger Bacon, the famous English friar who invented the actual formula for gunpowder. It is reported that

The Chinese are said to have created gunpowder and used it in their weapons. However, it is Roger Bacon, the famous English friar who invented the actual formula for gunpowder. It is reported that the Spanish then started using the gunpowder for their cannons. The Arabs too started using cannons (and created their own gunpowder formula), and when the Mughals came to India as well as the Europeans, the cannons made their way to India and were here to stay. Although the cannons were used in various wars by various rulers and were part of many gruesome battles, they are still found all over India as relics. There may be thousands in India, but there are some mentioned in the list of places below that still maintain cannons as artifacts of history.

Jadhavgarh, Maharashtra

– Built in 1710 by Pilaji Jadhavrao who was one of the most famous warriors in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army, this fort has now been converted into a hotel. Apart from experiencing a slice of history, view one of the famous relics of war; the cannon.

Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Built by Rao Jodha during his rule of the region in roughly 1460, this massive fort overlooks the city of Jodhpur. A series of cannons overlook the battlements of the fort. Admire not only the views the Blue City has to offer but also the beautiful cannons.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

Designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, the Rashtrapati Bhavan encompasses 330 acres and is home to the President of India. When visiting, you will notice the cannon outside the entrance of the Bhavan.

Diu Fort, Diu

The Union Territory of Diu located in the western part of India is where the fort is located. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1535. Strategically located, the fort faces the Arabian Sea. In the days of the Portuguese rule, the fort was intentionally created to ward of attackers from other countries and other states of India who wanted to dominate the sea trade in the Arabian Sea. A brutal battle took place some years after it was built; it was the Portuguese versus the Sultan of Gujarat and his allies from Egypt, Venice and other places. Remnants of this gory battle such as the cannons are still visible on the ramparts of the fort.

Jaigarh Fort, Rajasthan

This fort is situated on a hill that overlooks Jaipur. The fort was built by the then king Jai Singh II in 1726. The beauty of the fort lies in the fact that it has never been seized. It is almost perfectly intact. It houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels. It weighs 50 tons and the length of the barrel is 20 feet.

Udaipur City Palace, Rajasthan

When admiring the city palace which is now a museum, there are a whole host of various sections within the museum that pertain to the history of the current royal family. But the first thing that greets you at one of the gates within the museum complex are a pair of beautiful cannons.

Alibaug, Maharashtra

The Murud-Janjira Fort located in Alibaug is renowned for having fended off attackers and therefore never being conquered. There are 3 cannons here that are massive and have even been named. Admire these cannons from up-close while gazing out into the horizon of the Arabian Sea.

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Made of sandstone, the fort is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. It was built in the 17th century. Believe it or not a quarter of the population still lives within the walls of the fort. Look out for the cannons that are found along the walls of the fort facing the city.

City Palace Jaipur, Rajasthan

The city palace is open to visitors but you will find many of them milling at the entrance busy taking photos. The reason being, there is a beautiful cannon that’s placed at the entrance. Once inside, you will find a row of cannons, all of which are kept in mint condition.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

The Botanical Garden situated in Ooty is filled with beautiful flora many of which are native to the Nilgiri region. There are many different sections and each is as enjoyable as the other. While enjoying your walk in this impressive garden, you will come across a beautiful cannon; a relic of the British era.

La Martinière College, Uttar Pradesh

This esteemed school in Lucknow was founded by Major General Claude Martin. Most of his income and savings went into building this school. It has typical European style architecture and what greets you in front of the school entrance are the cannons that were a part of this small fortress.

Victoria Memorial Hall, West Bengal

This museum is Kolkata is a memorial to Queen Victoria. It was the brainchild of Lord Curzon during the British Rule. The museum was inaugurated in 1921 by King George V. The cannons too used by the British are on display.