Bibi Mariam Cannon, Historical cannon at Dhaka Gate, Bangladesh
The Bibi Mariam Cannon is a large wrought iron artillery piece positioned at Dhaka Gate, measuring several meters in length with a wide opening at its muzzle. Its surface displays detailed inscriptions and carved designs that reveal skilled craftsmanship from its time of manufacture.
This cannon was manufactured in the 17th century by local craftsmen working under Mir Jumla II, the governor of Bengal during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign. It served as part of the local defense system and demonstrates the technical skill of regional weapons makers of that era.
Local people once decorated this cannon with red powder and left offerings of milk and flowers at its base, showing how it became part of everyday community practices. These rituals reveal that residents saw it as something more than just a historical object.
You can walk around the cannon freely to examine its inscriptions and carved details from different angles and distances. The location near Doyel Chattar is accessible by public transport, and visiting in early morning or late afternoon hours works well for clear viewing without crowds.
During British rule, the cannon's wide muzzle opening was sealed after children repeatedly tried to crawl inside it. This practical measure shows how the piece had become part of everyday life in the city rather than something kept at a distance.
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