Malik-e-Maidan is a huge cannon situated in
Bijapur,
Karnataka. It measures over 4 m long, 1.5 m in diameter and 55 tons in weight. The word 'Malik-e-Maidan' means 'lord of the battlefield'.
Built by Ali Adil Shah I in 1549, this monument was considered as a war trophy. Situated on a platform chiefly constructed for it, the cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head.
The remains surrounding the cannon were the royal residence and durbar hall of the Adil Shahi kings. The hall is completely open to the north, so that an audience outside the hall had a full view of the events on the raised platform inside. The hall was flanked by small chambers used to live the members of the royal family.
Bijapur Railway Station is situated about 2 km east of the town center. Bijapur Central Bus Station lies towards the south-west of the citadel, close to the town center.
