Jahan Kosha Cannon

The Jahan Kosha Cannon is a historic 17th-century artillery piece located at Topekhana near Katra Mosque in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Crafted in 1637 at Dacca during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is renowned for its massive size, measuring 17.5 feet in length and weighing over seven tons. Made from an alloy of eight metals, the cannon is displayed on a raised platform and is maintained as a protected monument, attracting history enthusiasts visiting Murshidabad's heritage circuit.

Visitors can expect to see a massive 17.5-foot cannon resting on a low brick and stone pedestal in an open, fenced enclosure surrounded by trees and grassy ground at Topekhana. The cannon's detailed craftsmanship, including its large bore, decorative motifs and inscriptions, is visible up close. The site is compact and outdoors, located a short walk from Katra Mosque, with a quiet, park-like setting suitable for brief sightseeing and photography.

The Jahan Kosha Cannon was cast in 1637 at Dacca (present-day Dhaka) by craftsman Janardan Karmakar under the supervision of Daroga Shree Dhar and blacksmith Hariballav Das, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when Islam Khan was Subahdar of Bengal. Measuring 17 feet 6 inches in length with a girth of 5 feet at the breech, it was made from an alloy of eight metals and is considered a notable example of Mughal artillery craftsmanship. It was later brought to Murshidabad and installed at Topekhana.

The cannon is a significant example of 17th-century Indian metallurgy and Mughal military technology, valued for its ashtadhatu composition and craftsmanship. Locally known as the 'Destroyer of the World', it is an important heritage symbol of Murshidabad's period as the capital of Bengal and is a key stop on the Murshidabad heritage tourism circuit.