These cannons were designed to fight the British
Tipu Sultan ruled the Kingdom of Mysore in India from 1782 to 1799 and was known as the Tiger of Mysore. The ruler adopted the beast’s likeness for his personal emblem since these animals are a symbol of courage and power and represented India’s might in the face of the British invasion.
It is believed that this cannon was made for the Sultan in the late 18th century. It was seized by the British Army in 1838 at Fort Karnaul during a time of upheaval in the area. Although it looks threatening, the weapon is actually unfinished and cannot be fired.