Chapter 103: Testing The Cannon
Vijay ordered the elephant to arrive, and not long after, an elephant typically used for the Dussehra ambari arrived. Usually trained to carry the heavy gold howdah during festivities, this same elephant was now enlisted for pulling the cannon for testing. A colossal creature, standing at 10 feet tall and considered the largest among its peers, made its appearance. This elephant had been nurtured since childhood in the Vijayanagara Mysore province by the Chamundeshwari temple.
As the elephant arrived, Vijay stepped forward, extending a pat to its trunk in greeting. The elephant, seemingly sensing the kind gesture, responded by gently touching Vijay's head.
In his previous life, Vijay had developed a fondness for elephants, seeing them as majestic and gentle creatures. He even came across a video showcasing a small elephant displaying artistic talents comparable to a human teenager. Surprisingly, the previous owner of the body he now inhabited also shared a love for elephants. This love led him to frequently visit Mysore, where he could spend time with these magnificent beings. However, as he grew older, his free time dwindled, and the demands of training and education to become a qualified monarch took precedence.
The craftsmen skillfully attached the cannon to Bheem, the elephant, using sturdy ropes. Bheem, in response, stood firm, demonstrating that he was more than capable of effortlessly pulling the cannon without requiring any assistance.
Soon, Vijay and Bheem swiftly arrived at the testing grounds of the Bhartiya Academy of Military Science. Impressed with the cannon's potential, Vijay even extended an invitation to Logananda to witness its action.
Upon Logananda's arrival, his attention was immediately seized by the imposing presence of the cannon. He circled around it with a discerning gaze, his eyes alight with fascination. As a seasoned military strategist, Logananda swiftly recognized that this cannon boasted strength several times that of the conventional ones currently in production. The intricacies of its design and the robust materials used did not escape his experienced gaze, marking it as a formidable addition to their arsenal.
Seeing that an elephant pulled this cannon, he knew it was a heavy one. But that did not stop him from admiring it. He touched various parts of the cannon and even wanted to put his head through the barrel in order to see the shiny yellow metal inside, but luckily he was stopped by his assistant. Feeling somewhat irritated, he looked around only to see Vijay staring at him with a smiling expression.
Embarrassed, he quickly gave Vijay a salute. Vijay didn't mind it, as he had the same reaction when he first saw the cannon. No man who likes military weaponry would not appreciate this piece of artillery from this era.
After admiring it for a few more moments, Vijay ordered Sai to test it.
Sai nodded eagerly, his excitement mirroring Vijay's, as he, too, was thrilled about testing the cannon for the first time. The team carefully manoeuvred the cannon to the firing range, strategically positioned at a slightly elevated spot compared to the rest of the terrain.
Vijay, considering the first test, decided on thick iron plates, each measuring an inch in thickness. Three plates were stacked together to form a robust target, providing a clear assessment of the cannon's power and penetration capabilities. The atmosphere on the firing range buzzed with a blend of enthusiasm and curiosity as they prepared for this pivotal moment.
Sai, his eyes fixed on the target, directed the officers to perform the necessary calculations. The Vijayanagara Military Academy had imparted the fundamental concepts of trajectory, elevation, and all the variables involved in operating a cannon, ensuring a well-trained team.
Following the meticulous calculations provided by the officers, Sai skillfully operated a lever specially crafted for this purpose. With deliberate precision, he adjusted the cannon's barrel to a precise 25-degree angle, using markings on the side of the barrel on the platform holding it for accurate aiming. Once satisfied with the elevation, Sai efficiently engaged a mechanism, securing the barrel in place with a strategically placed iron rod. This mechanism ensured that the barrel maintained its elevation until intentionally adjusted, contributing to the overall precision of the cannon.
With the cannon now in position, Sai proceeded to load the pre-measured black powder through the front of the barrel. A plate-shaped metal rod, fitting tightly in the barrel, was then thrust inside to pack the gunpowder securely. Following this, an iron ball was placed to complete the loading process.
Sai sought confirmation from Vijay, who then nodded his head in approval. With the signal received, Sai promptly lit the fuse at the rear end of the barrel, marking the initiation of the testing phase.
The crowd hushed in anticipation as Sai, the cannon's designer, stepped back after lighting the long fuse. This newly produced cannon had never been tested before, so the extra-long fuse gave Sai ample time to evacuate the area. The fuse, soaked in black powder, hissed and snaked like a Diwali festival firecracker, a familiar sight from Vijay's childhood. Finally, the fuse sputtered into the cannon's depths, and an eerie silence fell over the gathering.
Within the cannon, the tightly packed gunpowder ignited with a sudden, deafening explosion. The explosive force sought an escape route, pushing against the cannon's sturdy bronze and steel-reinforced barrel. Thankfully, the barrel held firm, resisting the force without even a single crack. With the front end as the only exit, the force surged forth at an unimaginable speed.
"Bang!"
With a thunderous roar, the cannon unleashed its payload, sending a massive iron ball hurtling towards the target. This explosive sequence unfolded in a mere fraction of a second.
The shockwave from the explosion momentarily stunned the crowd before the thunderous roar reached their ears. By the time they recovered from the initial shock, the iron ball, hurtling through the air at lightning speed, was a mere blur. Then, with a resounding "THUD...," the iron ball slammed into its target.
The impact was monumental, shattering the thick iron plates into a thousand pieces. A cloud of smoke and dust billowed up, momentarily obscuring the target from view. As the smoke cleared, gasps of astonishment erupted from the crowd. The iron plates had been utterly pulverized, leaving behind a gaping hole in the ground.
Sai let out a triumphant cheer, his face beaming with pride. Logananda, the kingdom's military marshal, nodded approvingly. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he realized the potential of this new weapon. He could already envision the devastation it could wreak on the battlefield.
Even Vijay was awestruck by the destructive power of the cannon. His mind raced with the possibilities of using this formidable weapon against the invading Mughals.
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