06/04/2026
Gubara: The "Fire-Balloon" Cannon
The remarkable two-stage cast-bronze cannon Gubara - its name meaning "Fire-Balloon" - stands as a powerful treatment to the shifting political landscape of early 18th-century India. This formidable artillery piece was captured at Ahmedabad, then the capital of Mughal Gujarat, by Maharaja Abhai Singh and later transported to Mehrangarh Fort as a symbol of victory and authority.
In 1729, Abhai Singh was appointed governor of Gujarat by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah, during a period when imperial control over the provinces was rapidly declining. The incumbent governor, Sharbuland Khan, refused to cede power, leading to a rebellion that culminated in a fierce three-day siege of Ahmedabad. Abhai Singh's forces ultimately prevailed, and Gubara was taken as part of the war spoils, carried to Jodhpur alongside other treasure.
The cannon bears a Persian inscription : "Amal-i Hajji Isa Beg 1125 AH" - "The work of Hajji Isa Beg, 1713-14 CE" - identifying its maker, Hajji Isa Beg, and situating its production firmly within the Mughal period. It's surface is richly ornamented with stylized lilies and four-pointed stars arranged in a lattice-like pattern, exemplifying the refined aesthetic of Mughal craftsmanship.
Digital Documentation
Gubara has been the subject of advanced digital preservation through photogrammetry, a technique that constructs highly accurate three-dimensional model from overlapping photographic images. Over 570 high-resolution photographs were captured from multiple angles under controlled lighting conditions, enabling the creation of a precise and fully textured 3D model. This process not only document the cannon's exact dimensions (167 cm in length) and surface details - including inscription, casting marks, and decorative motifs - but also allows for its study, conservation, and virtual display without physical handling. The resulting digital surrogate ensures that the object's material integrity and intricate artistry are preserved for future generations, while expanding accessibility for researchers.
Today, Gubara is on display at Daulat Khana with the mehrangarh Museum.
