It can fire a cannon ball (Iron) of 1000 Kg weight. No wonder it finds fourth place in the list of Largest Cannons fired in the World History. This Cannon was named “Rajagopala Beerangi (Cannon), but popularly known as “Daasimettu Beerangi” is placed on an elevated (25’high) defense barricade at the eastern Rampart of the Thanjavur Fort. Surprisingly many people living in Thanjavur may not be aware of the existence of such a huge Cannon in Thanjavur. Interestingly though many locals may not be aware of such thing of heritage value is there in their Town, this Cannon finds a place in the list of Largest Cannons in World History.
Unfortunately, encroachments around the site pucca built houses which are not allowed around an archaeological site, cattle rearing by people in the vicinity, wild growth of weeds rob the cannon site of all beauty. From the site (top) one can see the Sarjah Madi seven floor structure and the Arsenal tower of Nayak Palace on the western side.
However, the Thanjavur chapter of the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has taken steps to protect and popularize the site and to maintain it well. It organized heritage walk to the site and celebrated India Tourism day recently with foreign tourists. But after these events, the place remains neglected.