Dalmadal Canon of Bishnupur

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Bishnupur, a town in the Bankura district of West Bengal, is renowned for its 17th- and 18th-century terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. Located about 150 km from Kolkata, it holds great historical significance. This article explores one of its notable landmarks—the Dalmadal Cannon—steeped in history and legend.

The Dalmadal Cannon, a massive artillery piece, stands prominently in the heart of Bishnupur. It was crafted by the Malla kings, who ruled the region for centuries.


In ancient times, Bishnupur was part of the Mallabhum region, governed by the Malla dynasty. Unlike many other parts of India, it remained largely unaffected by Mughal invasions. The dynasty’s founder was Adi Malla.

One of the most notable rulers, Bir Hambir—the 49th king of the dynasty—was a contemporary of Emperor Akbar. A devout Vaishnavite, he commissioned the Dalmadal Cannon to defend his kingdom against the Marathas. It is believed that he invested a significant amount in its construction. The cannon's name is thought to derive from the Bengali words ‘Dala’ (group, referring to enemies) and ‘Mardan’ (destroyer), meaning “the destroyer of enemies.” Over time, this evolved into ‘Dalmadal.’


Another theory suggests that the cannon was named after a sacred hailstone (Shalagram Shila) worshipped by the Malla kings, which was also called Dalmadal.

During the reign of Gopal Singh (1730–1745 CE), a successor of Bir Hambir, Bishnupur faced an invasion by the Marathas under Bhaskara Rao. According to legend, Lord Madan Mohan (Krishna) himself fired the cannon to protect the town.

Today, the Dalmadal Cannon remains a proud symbol of Bishnupur’s historical and cultural heritage, a silent witness to the town’s resilient past.

Happy travelling.




Location: Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122, India

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