Thanjavur cannon, Military artillery in Thanjavur, India.
The Thanjavur cannon is a historical metal weapon in Thanjavur, India, made from 43 iron plates for the inner barrel and 94 iron rings for structural support. Its total length is about 26 feet (8 meters) and it weighs approximately 20 tonnes.
The cannon was made in 1620 during Raghunatha Nayak's reign and protected Thanjavur's east gate from attack. It was created as a defense weapon to guard the city against invasion.
The cannon shows the skill of 17th-century craftspeople who joined iron pieces through forge-welding rather than casting them in one piece. This method was difficult and required deep knowledge of metalworking.
The cannon sits near Peruvudaiyaar Temple at Beerangi Medu and you can reach it by local buses and auto-rickshaws from central Thanjavur. Wear light clothes for the warm climate and bring plenty of water.
The 400-year-old iron cannon has never rusted despite constant weather exposure and ranks among the largest cannons ever fired. This endurance makes it a rare example of how well-made metal weapons can last through centuries.
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