Thanjavur cannon

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 Murshidabad, 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]