Malik-I-Maidan

The Blend of Beauty and Power

Bijapur, the seat of Adilshah Dynasty. There are a few artifacts and monuments that have survived time to tell the tales of Bijapur’s history. Malik–I–Maidan is one of them.

"One can see the artistic potential of Arabic letters and how luxurious Islamic calligraphy is.”

Cast in Ahmednagar, this cannon weighing 55 tons was made by Mohammad Bin Husain Rumi. With its length of 4.2 meters and diameter 1.5 meters, it is considered the biggest cannon in the world made using bell metal. Aptly named Malik–I–Maidan (Master of the field / battlefield) was a gift from Sultan Burhan Nizam Shah to his son-in-law. It was later set up by Ibrahim Adil Shah during the 16th century after his victory over Vijaynagar emperor in the battle of Talikota (1565).

Apart from its sheer size and weight, I feel the most striking feature is the artistic and admirable calligraphic composition on it, making this cannon an extraordinary specimen of beauty and power. The sleek letters intertwine into curvaceous weave like composition. One can see the artistic potential of Arabic letters and how luxurious Islamic calligraphy is. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb added inscriptions after capturing Malik–I–Maidan in 1686.