Bibi Mariam Cannon, Historical cannon at Dhaka Gate, Bangladesh
The Bibi Mariam Cannon is a large 17th-century artillery piece displayed in front of Dhaka Gate. It is one of two cannons made by local technicians for Mir Jumla II; its male counterpart, Kalay Khan Jam Jam, was lost. The cannon weighs 64,815 pounds.
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.
The cannon is also called Mir Jumla's Cannon, and the name Bibi Mariam was given during British rule. It was one of a pair with male and female names; its male counterpart, Kalay Khan Jam Jam, was lost. The two were used in Mir Jumla's Assam campaign and later placed before Bara Katra against Arakanese pirates.
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.
The cannon weighs 64,815 pounds, according to the Bengali Wikipedia article. It is also known as "Mir Jumla's Cannon". Its male counterpart, Kalay Khan Jam Jam, was lost, leaving this piece as the survivor of the pair Mir Jumla commissioned.
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