Situated 340 meters north of the Jor Mandir Temple Complex, the Dalmadal Cannon was commissioned in 1742 by Gopal Singha Dev, the 55th ruler of the Malla dynasty. Regarded as their largest cannon, it was specifically crafted to defend Bishnupur against Maratha assaults, its name “Dalmadal” translates to “distraction of enemy.”
Measuring 3.8 meters in length with a muzzle diameter of 29.2 centimeters, the cannon was forged by welding 62 individual hoops onto a lengthy cylinder. A Persian inscription found on the body probably indicates the cost of the cannon.
A captivating legend envelops this cannon. During a period when Bishnupur faced the threat of Maratha incursions led by Bhaskar Rao, the Malla king opted against preemptive action. However, his son, eager for combat, witnessed the Marathas launching a surprise assault during the night. Residents of Bishnupur heard the thunderous roar of cannon fire, some even caught glimpses of the muzzle flash. The king and his forces believed the cannon was discharged by his rebellious son, yet the prince vehemently denied any involvement. Come dawn, the Marathas had withdrawn, leaving behind traces of soot and gunpowder on the hands of Lord Madan Mohan, the revered deity of Bishnupur, worshipped by the Malla kings. Even today, locals uphold the belief that this formidable cannon was fired by Lord Madan Mohan to safeguard the kingdom from the encroaching Maratha army.
The cannon was discovered lying half buried in a ditch by the side of the Lal Bandh by the British, and was placed where it still rests today. There are reports that examinations of the cannon suggest that it was only ever used a handful of times.
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