Azdha Paiker-Aurangzeb`s favourite cannon

Posted Date: 04-Mar-2012	Category: Places to Visit
Author: Akshay	Member Level: Gold	Points: 15 (Rs 6)

The Golkonda fort is a very historical monument of Hyderabad. Golkonda isn't just about the fort. Each stone in and around that area has a story to tell. This resource describes one such story about Aurangzeb's mighty cannon called 'Azdha Paikar' (Dragon body).

About Azdha Paikar

The legend of 'Azdha Paikar' and 'Fateh Rahber' the two mighty Canons is known to those who know a bit about the history of the Second Siege of Golkonda by Aurangzeb. These mighty guns were used in the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's second siege against the Qutub Shahi rulers in 1687.

These canons were an important part of the siege operations for breaching the granite walls of the Fort. Firuz Jang, a Mughal commander was appointed to utilize the most impressive cannon during the siege, the Azdha Paikar as it had the ability to shoot Cannon balls weighing over 50 kg each. The gun was made up of 22 metals by Mohammed Ali Arab. After the first unsuccessful siege of 1953-54, Aurangzeb did not want to leave any stone unturned. He was determined to conquer the fort, hence the massive guns.

Architecture Details of Azdha Paikar

'Azdha Paikar' canon is located inside an Army training base and the fact of it being inaccessible for civilians, has taken it off the charts.
ap1

This mighty Gun is located near the Makkai Darwaza of Golconda Fort, mounted on Musa Burj, a Decagon, about 55 feet high. It is built of huge granite blocks firmly cemented together. What's interesting about this platform are two inscriptions, one in Persian and the other in Telugu, recording the battle in 1656 and the events thereafter.

These inscriptions clearly point to the political acumen of the Qutub Shahi sultans as they gave equal importance to the local Telangana traditions in the arts.

The Azdha Paikar is one of the most impressive guns that one can ever see. A ball weighing 40 seers (equivalent to about 40 Kgs.) was used in charging this gun. It is about 14 feet, 10 inches in length and the diameter of the bore is 2 feet 4 inches.

Inscriptions on Azdha Paikar

This gun is a replica of the 'Fatah Rahbar' gun, which lies on the north-western side of the Golconda Fort.
ap2

There is a Persian inscription on Azdha Paiker which reads- "Abul Muzaffar Mohiuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb Bahadur Alamgir Badshahe Ghazi (Victorious King) 18th year, of the auspicious reign, in the holy Hijra year 1085 A.H." and "The Azdha Paikar (Dragon-body) gun"

While not a single one of those who used the gun is alive, "Azdha Paikar" still stands strong. Once used against the fort, it now lies in its ruins- guarding them faithfully.

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Azdha Paiker-Aurangzeb`s favourite cannon

About Azdha Paikar

Architecture Details of Azdha Paikar

Inscriptions on Azdha Paikar

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