Malik-e-Maidan and Upri Buruj are both sites where watchtowers guarded Bijapur against attackers. In both places you can find huge Cannons and large guns that were in use during the Mughal regime in Bijapur.  

Malik-e-Maidan

The cannon at Malik-e-MaidanMalik-e-Maidan or Muluk-e-Maidan lieterally translates to The Monarch of the Plains. ut is the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 meters  long, 1,5 meters in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war and drawn by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and hundreds of men.

It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death.

It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remain cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell.

Upri Buruj

Uplri Buruj or Upli Buruj was built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft high tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Bijapur (Vijapura). This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside.

The top of the tower offers a commanding view of the city. This is also known as Hyder Burj or Upli Burj. On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. One needs to climb the stairs to reach the top.

Go see Gol Gumbaz or return to Bijapur Attractions