A rare swivel cannon and cannon found off the coast of Kannur

A rare breech-loading revolving pistol, believed to be from the Portuguese period, and a cannon recovered from the Ayikkara coastal waters of Kannur during dredging. The weapon is now on display at the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum in Kozhikode | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A rare breech-loading revolver dating back to the Portuguese period was recovered from Ayikkara in Kannur during dredging. After restoration, they were exhibited in the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum under the state archeology department.

Made of wrought iron with a total length of 192 cm, the swivel gun remained on the seabed for years, accumulating marine concretions that made it resemble a concrete pillar. The archeology department retrieved the weapon using a crane.

A rare breech-loading revolving pistol, believed to be from the Portuguese period, and a cannon recovered from the Ayikkara coastal waters of Kannur during dredging. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and senior officer at the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, said the department was informed about the find only recently, though the weapon was said to have been lying at the site for some time.

“As soon as we were alerted to the discovery, we went there, lifted the weapon with a crane and transported it to the museum. The restoration work has since been completed and it is now on display,” he said.

Recovery and restoration were completed within two months of the department being notified of the find, he said. However, the exact date when the weapon was discovered during the dredging operations was not known, he added.

The discovery is historically significant because Ayikkara is located near Fort St. Angelo, the Portuguese fort at Kannur.

“The find offers an opportunity to explore the maritime history of the region and its connection with Portuguese maritime activities along the Malabar coast,” Mr Krishnaraj said.

He added that the swivel gun represented an important category of artillery used in naval warfare. Unlike the larger guns mounted on ships, swivel guns were relatively small and light guns mounted on swivel or swivel mounts, allowing them to be aimed in different directions. They could be operated by a small crew and were used to engage enemy personnel and small boats at close range.

These weapons were used in naval and military contexts from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century. Smaller artillery gained importance in naval warfare during the 15th and 16th centuries as European powers expanded their naval activities.

Mr. Krishnaraj explained that breech-loading artillery marked an important development in the development of firearms. While conventional muzzle-loading guns required gunpowder and bullets to be loaded through the front of the barrel, breech-loading guns allowed ammunition to be loaded from the rear.

“Some early breech-loading revolvers could have removable chambers prepared in advance, allowing for faster reloading when spare chambers were available. This was particularly useful on shipboards and in confined defensive positions where reloading under enemy fire could be difficult,” he said.

Mr. Krishnaraj said swivel guns also formed part of the artillery carried by Portuguese vessels during the expansion of Portuguese naval power from the late 15th century. Portuguese ships, including caravels, carracks, and galleons, sailed along the African coast and across the Indian Ocean with artillery of various sizes. The swivel guns were primarily intended for close engagements rather than attacking large enemy vessels. Mounted on fork or swivel mounts, they can be quickly turned towards approaching targets.

The recovered weapon has a long iron lever or handle protruding from the rear of its rectangular breech chamber. A drawbar measuring approximately 48cm would help the operator maneuver and position the weapon.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 07:00 IST