Kim’s Gun (Zamzama) — Kipling, Maraka-e-Haq & 14 August in Lahore

An Icon of Lahore: The Zamzama Cannon

The cannon commonly called Kim’s Gun is actually the historic Zamzama, cast in the mid-18th century and long a landmark on Lahore’s Mall Road. Over the centuries it has changed hands and meanings — a symbol of military power in its early life and a cultural landmark in later times.

Rudyard Kipling and Kim

Rudyard Kipling immortalized the cannon in the opening of his novel Kim, where the young protagonist is described beside the great gun. In Kipling’s hands the object becomes more than metal: it is a witness to the city’s busy life, a meeting place and a mnemonic for colonial and literary histories. Visitors retracing Kipling’s footsteps still pause at the Zamzama to picture that scene.

Maraka-e-Haq & 14 August — A Contemporary Celebration

In recent years the city has used heritage sites like the Zamzama as focal points for national celebration. During the Maraka-e-Haq events and the 14 August Independence Day festivities the cannon was illuminated with green, white and accent lighting — a modern and public re-imagining of a historic object. The decorations blended civic pride with artistic display, drawing families, students and visitors to Mall Road in the evenings.

Why the Cannon Matters Today

Kim’s Gun remains relevant because it stitches together multiple narratives: imperial history, literary memory, urban identity and contemporary patriotism. Positioned opposite Lahore Museum and near the National College of Arts, the cannon stands at a crossroads of learning and public life — a convenient landmark for tours and a popular subject for photographers during national events.

Visiting Information

• Where: Mall Road, in front of Lahore Museum
• Nearby: Lahore Museum, National College of Arts, Mall Road promenades
• Best time to visit: Early morning for quiet photography, or evenings during national celebrations such as Maraka-e-Haq and 14 August for light displays
• Tip: Respect local ceremonial arrangements during official events and avoid stepping on plinths or touching historically fragile surfaces.