The humongous paths which lead to the World's Largest Cannon in the Jaigarh Fort!

Constructed as the defense fort in the city of Amer on the Hill of Eagles, the Jaigarh fort has many specialties included in its art, architecture, history, arms and armors, and its complex structure which made this fort as unbeatable and remain undefeated in the history of Rajasthan.

This fort has been constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, to protect and act as a shield to the Amber Fort and to protect the royals belong to the Amber palace. As these two forts connected by a subterranean passage, the transporting of soldiers, weapons, and people used to happen in a very tactical and protective way. This whole construction made this fort stand in a special place. This is one of the best constructions by the Kachwaha Rajputs. Though the capital city has been shifted from Amer to Jaipur, the Jaigarh fort stood special in the history because of one more reason than just a defense fort to Amber Palace.

Jaigarh fort has the largest cannon foundry where the World's largest Cannon, named "JAIVAN" Cannon was built. Used only once, but this particular cannon can lead to huge destruction because of its vast features. If you visit the Jaigarh Fort, one route you will find the courtyards like Lalit Mandir, Subhat Niwas, Khilbati Niwas, Puppet theater, Royal Dining Complex, Sagar Chatri, Zenana complex, vast Mughal inspired garden and the points which give the exquisite view of Amber fort and Sagar Lake.

On the other side of the fort, the wider paths constructed from rocks and sandstone fortified walls, lead to the Jaivan Cannon where it is exhibited under a protective tin shield. Tourists visit this place for sure because this particular cannon earned its best name as the world's largest existing cannon.

Cannons are the weapons that are used as war field weapons to fire the attackers with gunpowder in the early 16th and 17th centuries. Built-in 1720, this cannon weighs around 50 tonnes and has a diameter of 11 inches to fire around 110 kg of gunpowder ball which can reach more than 32 kilometers if it is fired. This has got fired once to prove its capacity during the Mughal reign.

As the Mughals and Rajputs had good bonds in history, this cannon foundry has been protected under the reign of Aurangzeb and made Jai Singh II as the chief of Amer and Jaipur and this cannon used to be under the control of the Maharaja Jai Singh II. There are stories that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb visited the Jaigarh fort after he conquered the throne from his brother. During the visit, he came to know the power and importance of this Jaivan Cannon and asked the Maharaja to secure it for any war cause. But it wasn't used later on after testing it for once.

Generally called as Jaivan Thop in Hindi, I have visited in the mid-noon. It was very tiring because the paths were wider and escalating. As the cannon foundry situated at the peak of the Cheel ka Teela, escalating towards the Jaivan cannon needs more energy and stamina. If you have a breathing problem, you must opt car to reach towards it as the autos aren't allowed inside. But if you want to explore it on foot, you must be careful and take a few breaks to breathe properly to reach the cannon.

The view of the surroundings around you gives those military vibes and the defense history of the place. The huge paths were constructed in such a way that the fort could host thousands of soldiers at a time. The fortified walls, the clever construction of spaces between the walls and pillars, which give a clear view of Amber Fort and the passage. No wonder, this fort was never defeated by its attackers.

As it was afternoon, that too it has rained and the sun was producing scorching heat later, I felt damn tired till I reached the highest peak of Aravalli range where the Jaivan cannon has secured for the exhibition purpose.

It was protected by the fortified walls and the route between either side of walls which allow soldiers to protect the cannon. You can see the whole vast space around the cannon which allows visitors to have a quick tour around the cannon to see its intricate details.

This cannon on wheels is very huge and full of iron. A person can feel the warm vibes from the designs which are carved on the parts and barrels of the cannon. You can see elephants, birds, trees and many more. It is always protected under the shade of a tin shield on top to get rid of weather changes. It gets cleaned, even today to protect it from rusting and other wear and tear.

It was a proud moment to see such a cannon that tagged itself as the World's largest in our country. Especially, when you read the marble stone scripture on either side of the entrance gate to the Jaivan cannon, you can know the history of this cannon. Available in both Hindi and English languages, this cannon marked its place in the history of the whole world.

Both the fort and this cannon has named after the Maharaja Jai Singh II, who played the vital role in construction, art, and architecture of this one and only one undefeated hill fort of Rajasthan. The whole paths of this fort depict the protection skills of the Maharaja to secure his people and his Kingdom. Though Mughals had the whole power in India, Rajputs managed to have their defense theories to protect themselves from anyone. This fort sets an example, how Rajputs were brilliant enough in constructing their forts without leading them to destruction. Hence, you can see most of the forts in Rajasthan in a fully constructed way, never demolished.

This place, surely gives you some patriotic vibes, especially when you roam around the exteriors passages of the Jaivan cannon, where one can see the whole Aravalli hill range and the huge fort walls. You can indeed see, the tri-colored flag of India, spreading the vibes to the tourists of this fort. So, don't miss visiting this particular fort, especially if you are an ardent lover of defense. Without words and with its construction, this fort teaches a lot to its visitors.