Malik-E-Maidan
Address
Malik-E-Maidan, Upli Burz Road, Sholapur, Bijapur
Open Hours
8:00 AM–6:30 PM
Weather
Warm and dry, best experienced during the cooler winter months from October to March
Crowd Level
Low
Malik-E-Maidan, often referred to as the 'Master of the Battlefield', stands as a monumental testament to medieval military engineering. Located atop the Upli Burz in the historic city of Bijapur (Vijayapura), this massive cannon is renowned as one of the largest medieval cannons in the world. Weighing approximately 55 tonnes and measuring over 5 metres in length, it reflects the advanced metallurgical skills of the Adil Shahi dynasty that ruled the region during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Historical Significance: The cannon was cast in 1549 by Muhammad-bin-Hassan Rumi at the behest of the Adil Shahi rulers. Its name, 'Master of the Field', was well-earned, as it was designed to strike terror into the hearts of enemy armies and breach the most formidable fortifications. It played a significant role in the historical landscape of the Deccan, serving as a symbol of power and technological supremacy for the sultanate.
Architectural and Design Marvels: The cannon is uniquely crafted with a barrel decorated with intricate relief carvings. A striking feature of the muzzle is the representation of a lion with an elephant being crushed in its jaws, symbolizing the sheer strength and dominance the cannon represented. The cannon is mounted on a swivel mechanism at the top of the Upli Burz, a high watchtower, which provided a tactical vantage point to cover the entire city of Bijapur.
The Upli Burz Environment: The structure supporting the Malik-E-Maidan is the Upli Burz, which itself is a major attraction. Constructed by Haider Khan, this tower rises 24 metres above the ground. From the top of this bastion, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city of Bijapur, including the iconic Gol Gumbaz and the Ibrahim Rauza, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Visitor Experience: Visiting Malik-E-Maidan is an immersive walk through history. The ascent up the Upli Burz offers an engaging experience, allowing tourists to appreciate the defensive architecture of the Adil Shahi period. The atmosphere is generally quiet and reflective, save for the occasional groups of students and researchers. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the geopolitical dominance of Bijapur in the medieval Deccan era.
Visitor Information
Famous For
World's largest medieval cannon, panoramic views of Bijapur, unique lion-and-elephant muzzle design
Visit Duration
1–2 hours
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
Route Options
Located in central Bijapur, accessible via auto-rickshaws or local taxis; well-connected by road from Solapur and Belgaum
Parking
Limited street-side parking available near the base of the Upli Burz
Entry Fee
Rs. 25 for Indians, Rs. 300 for foreign nationals
Camera Fee
Free for mobile cameras, photography permitted
Restaurants Nearby
Local restaurants in Bijapur city center offering North Karnataka cuisine and biryani
Toilets
Public facilities available at the main park entrance near the historical site
Drinking Water
Available at the nearby visitor kiosks and small shops
Wheelchair Access
Partial; accessible to the base area, but the climb to the top of the tower involves steep steps
Medical Facilities
Several private clinics and the District Government Hospital are within 3 kilometers
Weather Alerts
High heat during summer months (April–May); carry water and hats
Pilgrim Information
Darshan Timings
Not applicable; this is a historical monument
Special Poojas
Not applicable
Prasadam
Not applicable
Free Meals (Bhojan)
Not applicable
Temple History
Not a temple site; historical monument established by Adil Shahi dynasty
Nearby Sacred Places
Ibrahim Rauza, Gol Gumbaz, and Jama Masjid are historically significant sites nearby