The cannon is composed of eight different metals, including gold and silver, added to the iron mixture.
It was manufactured in Dhaka in 1637 before being relocated to the Murshidabad region.
The inscription on the cannon identifies its maker as Janardan Karmakar.
The name 'Jahan Kosha' translates to 'Destroyer of the World' or 'Conqueror of the Universe'.
It was originally designed to be mobile, featuring iron rings on the barrel for carriage mounting.
Despite being nearly 400 years old, the structure shows minimal signs of corrosion due to its specific metal composition.
The Jahan Kosha Cannon, meaning 'Destroyer of the World,' is a massive 17th-century artillery piece located in the Katra Jheel area of Murshidabad. Cast in 1637 by Janardan Karmakar under the supervision of Daroga Muhammad Zaman, the cannon is composed of an alloy containing iron, gold, silver, zinc, lead, and copper. It measures approximately 17.5 feet in length with a circumference of about 5 feet at the breech. The cannon weighs roughly 16,880 pounds and was originally mounted on a carriage with wheels, which has since decayed. It was commissioned during the reign of Shah Jahan and was moved to its current location from Dhaka. The iron barrel remains in remarkably good condition despite centuries of exposure to the elements. It serves as a significant relic of Mughal-era military engineering in Bengal.
From the side profile to capture the full length of the barrel and the intricate inscriptions.
Combine your visit with the nearby Katra Mosque to see the most prominent historical sites in the area.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surrounding grounds can be uneven.
Carry water, as there are limited facilities in the immediate vicinity of the cannon site.
Attempting to climb on the cannon, as it is a protected heritage site and the metal is delicate.
