By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: History unveiled during excavation at Dayanidhan Park in Lalbagh locality with the recovery of a four pounder canon on Sunday. The canon is believed to be of 1857-58 era and was used during the first war of independence between Awadh forces and Britishers.
The incident was reported when the labourers were busy in deep excavation work for the construction of underground parking and beautification in Dayanidhan Park of Lalbagh. During excavation, a canon was recovered by the labours who informed the contractor about the discovery. The contractor realising the importance informed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) officials. Chief Engineer, LMC, Tarun Kumar Sharma reached the scene and inspected the canon. As per measurements, it is 110 cms in length and nine inches in diameter. A letter to the district administration was sent apprising him about the recovery. “It will be handed over the district administration for further formalities,” he said.
Historian, Roshan Taqui who has authored several books on Lucknow’s history stated that the canon dates back to 1857-58. As per Roshan Taqui, the Emma Thomson School building was the palace of Raja Balkishan in those days. A small front was made in front of it where now Dayanidhan park is situated. During the 1857 war, the Britishers arrived from La Martienier side and a pitched battle was fought in the area. The revolutionaries of Awadh forces lost the battle and had to retreat. They left their arsenal at the same place. “There are several more canons buried in the same area. Around 10 years ago one similar canon was recovered which was later handed over to Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is presently kept at Residency,” said Taqui.
As per him, the canon is four pounder which was used in those times as per the weight of the canon balls. Earlier, during the beautification drive of Hazratganj, a canon ball was recovered which has been kept as a memorabilia at Hazratganj.
Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI, CB Mishra stated that they are yet to receive any official information about the canon recovery. “We will take the canon in our custody once it is conveyed to us. Further action will be taken after that regarding its preservation,” he said.