17th century cannon found in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jan 29 (IANS) A cannon dating to the 17th century and believed to have been used by the forces of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during the attack on Golconda Fort here has been recovered here, police said.

The six-feet-long cannon was found by a person during digging work at Nayapul near Musi River in the old city of Hyderabad. Acting on a tip-off, police recovered the antique from Lateef, a contractor, and Thursday handed it over to the department of archaeology and museums of Telangana.

Meanwhile, B. Srinivas, director, archaeology and museums, said the cannon of bronze had extraordinary workmanship containing beautiful floral designs and other ornamentation.

Aurangzeb, who had camped at Fateh Maidan here in 1687, captured Golconda by defeating the Qutub Shahi ruler Abul Hasan Tanisha. These cannons were used by the rulers of Asaf Jahi dynasty in this region up to the 20th century.

According to the official, such cannons were first used by armies of the Delhi Sultanates in early 14th century to attack the Kakatiyas of Warangal Fort in Telangana area.