Prof. Bala alerts me, via an email, to a recent publication of his–a book on Indian cannons. From the flyer:
The science of gunpowder and the technology of cannons, from their introduction in the Indian subcontinent in the middle of the fifteenth century up to the pre-modern period, have been illustrated using Mughal miniature paintings and analysis of extant cannon pieces. The massive and wonderful forge welded iron cannons and cast bronze cannons of medieval India have been presented, some for the first time, in this book. The mighty cannons that established Mughal, Maratha, Sikh and Deccan powers have been described. Indian innovations in cannon technology like shaturnal (cannons fired from the back of camels), composite cannons (of inner wrought iron bore and outer bronze casting), and bans (battlefield rockets) offer sufficient proof of Indian ingenuity in science and technology.
I remember a conversation with him on this topic in the coffee house at IISc, and in his usual, vigorous style he explained to me his visit to Bishnupur (if I remember correct) in Bengal in search of some of these cannons. The book certainly looks very interesting; I will update this post with links to any reviews I might come across. However, the price (Rs. 4500) makes it unaffordable for individuals like me, but it is a book that I would like to borrow from the library. I understand that the book is published and distributed by Aryan Books International (aryanbooks-at-gmail-com) in case any of you need more information.
February 28, 2008 at 7:40 am |
Thanks for the kind write up
RB
September 28, 2008 at 4:27 pm |
[...] couple of articles on Delhi Iron Pillar Prof. Bala is no stranger to this blog; nor are his pieces on archaeometallurgy; he alerts me about a couple of papers on Delhi Iron Pilalr that he published, recently, in Current [...]