Dalmadal Cannon

Dalmadal Cannon is a historic 18th-century iron cannon located in Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal. Commissioned by Malla King Gopal Singh and forged by blacksmith Jagannath Karmakar in 1742 to defend against Maratha Bargi invasions, it measures about 3.84 metres in length. Displayed outdoors near the Chinnamasta Temple, it is renowned for its size, craftsmanship and associated legend of divine firing, and remains a prominent heritage attraction of the Malla-era temple town.

Visitors can expect to see a large historic iron cannon displayed outdoors on a raised platform in an open ground near Chinnamasta Temple in Bishnupur. The cannon is about 3.84 metres long with a muzzle and iron body showing historic forging marks. The setting is an open, flat park-like area surrounded by trees and temple town roads. Visitors can walk around the cannon, view it from all sides, take photographs, and read informational plaques about its Malla-era history.

The Dalmadal Cannon was commissioned by Malla King Gopal Singh in 1742 and forged by the blacksmith Jagannath Karmakar at a cost of Rs. 1,75,000 to defend the Malla capital Bishnupur against Maratha Bargi invasions. Measuring about 3.84 metres in length with a bore diameter of about 11.5 inches, it is one of the largest hand-forged iron cannons of its period and demonstrates the advanced iron-working skills of the Malla kingdom. It was never extensively used in battle as the Bargis retreated, and has since remained as a symbol of Bishnupur's military history.

The cannon holds cultural importance in Bishnupur as a symbol of Malla power and local folklore. A popular legend associates the cannon with the deity Madan Mohan, believed by locals to have fired the cannon to protect the town. It is an integral part of the Bishnupur heritage circuit and reflects the town's identity as a historic temple and craft centre known for terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees.