Chinese Winged Cannon Raj Bhavan Calcutta, 1910 Photo
A 1910 photograph of the Chinese Winged Cannon at Raj Bhavan in Calcutta (Kolkata). Not many know that there is a beautiful winged Cannon placed at the bottom of the stairs of the Raj Bhavan. It is said to have been collected as a battle trophy by the British from Nanking (Nanjing), China. It was installed at Government House (now Raj Bhavan) in Calcutta in 1842.
The cannon comes with its cast-iron fire-breathing winged dragon trolley, see image. There is a plaque in front of the cannon which reads- “Edward Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General of India in Council, erected this trophy of guns. Taken from the Chinese, in commemoration of the peace dictated under the walls of Nanking. By the Naval and Military forces of England and India. (1842).” A partial view of the Government House can be seen in the background. Which is now the Raj Bhavan, where the governor of West Bengal resides. Click on the photo to enlarge.
Read more Raj Bhavan, Calcutta. See posts Government House Calcutta – Old Photo 1890, and Giant British Era Canon – Old Photo 1880.
Did you know – that Kolkata was the capital of British India until 1912.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#15)., Fort At Coylan – Antique Hand Colored Map / Plan 1668., Rioting In Southern India – Old print 1921
