Elements of Fort (Part VI)

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Cannon (तोफ):

A combatant integral element of fort defense. Maharaj had his own artillery. Every fort had cannons. Also, about two hundred cannons were mounted on the carriage to drive it. Carts pulled by bullocks. Carpenters, blacksmiths, cobbler, ropers, talafadars (तलफदार), cannon handlers (गोलंदाज) etc. were accompanied. Every cannon was infantry. Ammunition etc. needed for artillery had to be carefully prepared. These cannons were bought and collected from Firangi, French, English traders. A cannon handlers (गोलंदाज) received a salary of 30 pounds means 300 rupees a year or 25 rupees a month.

Types of Cannon:

1. Otiv (ओतिव):

Made by melting metal and pouring it into a mold.

2. Built (घडीव):

Built as the name suggests.

3. Bangles (बांगडी) :

Very round in shape like a bangle.

The diameter of the cannon determines the stage of the mine. Cannons are mainly made of alloy like iron, punch (mixture of five) metals, brass etc.

Continue reading with Part VII

or goto Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI

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