Jaivana cannon
Jaigarh Fort was a centre of artillery production for the
Rajputs. It is now home to the
Jaivana – at the time of its manufacture in 1720, it was the world's largest
cannon on wheels of the
Early Modern Era.
[1][13]
The foundry where it was manufactured is also located here. A plaque at
the entrance to the enclosure where the Jaivan Cannon is displayed
gives relevant information on the history of the Cannon, its size and
use. This cannon was never used in any battle as the Rajput rulers of
Amber had friendly relations with the
Mughals. This testifies to well-preserved features of fort.
[3][4][5]
The cannon was fired only once with a charge of 100 kilograms (220 lb)
of gunpowder and when fired covered a distance of about 35 kilometres
(22 mi).
[5][10]
The Jaivana was manufactured during the reign of Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II
(1699–1743) at a foundry in Jaigarh. The barrel is 20.19 foot (6.15 m)
in length and weighs 50 tonnes. It has a diameter of 11 inches (280 mm).
The barrel has decorations carved on it which depict trees, an elephant
scroll and a pair of birds (ducks). It is mounted on wheels and has the
mechanism of two back wheels mounted on roller pin bearings, to turn it
360° and fire in any direction. A tin shed was built to protect the
cannon against weather. The cannon had a range of 22 miles and used 50
kilograms (110 lb) balls.
[13][14]
लेबल: The Jaivana cannon Jaigarh Fort
