The Naeem family of Jaipur, descended from Mughal-era craftsmen, showcase historic Tudor, Sindhi Tudor, Pathar Kala, and Cap guns while repairing licensed weapons
JAIPUR – Wandering along Moti Dungri Road in this Rajasthan city, one stumbles upon a shop whose gleaming signboard reads “Jaipur Gun House”. Outside, antique guns hang, their polished barrels catching the sun, while the walls display historical quotes that transport visitors to another era. Inside, generations of craftsmanship and living history converge, where the scent of gunpowder tells stories that stretch back centuries.
The custodians of this heritage are Muhammad Naeem and his son, Muhammad Shoaib, whose family’s connection to gunsmithing dates back to the arrival of Mughal Emperor Babur in India. “My ancestors came with Babur from Afghanistan,” Naeem explains. “They were experts in making guns and cannons, and later, Maharaja Man Singh employed them at Jaigarh Fort when he established an artillery battery here.”
The Naeem family is part of a community of Muslim gunsmiths who settled in Jaipur, drawn by royal patronage for their skill. Their contributions were not only military but artistic, aligning with Jaipur’s historical love for craft. Naeem recounts, “My great-grandfather Qutbuddin, his brothers Bashiruddin and Hakimuddin Inayatullah, and my grandfather Sirajuddin all worked in the Amir Artillery, making guns that strengthened armies and protected the region.”
Among the family’s prized creations is the Tudor gun, reportedly the first gun made in India during Babur’s reign. Shoaib explains, “It was ten feet long and fired from holes or fort walls. Soldiers would spot approaching enemies and fire it using gunpowder and pellets.”
Another significant firearm, the Sindhi Tudor gun, measuring seven to eight feet, was initially used by tribes in Peshawar and Afghanistan before being manufactured locally. “These guns became an essential part of Indian soldiers’ arsenals,” Shoaib adds.
The Pathar Kala gun, developed in the 17th century, was carried by imperial soldiers and ignited stone gunpowder upon firing. Shoaib elaborates, “When the trigger was pulled, it struck a stone to create a spark, which ignited the gunpowder.”
The Cap gun, popular during the 18th century, was widely used by soldiers and later adopted by the British army. Shoaib notes, “Even today, these weapons are remembered for their precision and historical significance, long before modern firearms emerged.”
The gunsmith community’s legacy has been formally acknowledged over time. Naeem says, “The British government honoured my ancestors in 1942 for their contribution to artillery and weapon repair. Later, in 2017, the Jaipur royal family recognised our work. These certificates are a matter of pride, yet today, our focus is on licensed weapons repair and sales.”
Fasihuddin, another family member, highlights the continuity of their craft: “Seven generations of our family have repaired and maintained firearms. Cleaning and repairing licensed guns remain our livelihood.”
Beyond military history, the family has contributed to popular culture. Naeem shares, “Our weapons were used in the filming of television series such as Tipu Sultan and Akbar the Great, as well as movies on Partition. It is remarkable how our craft continues to flow with the times, blending history with contemporary storytelling.”
The story of Jaipur Gun House is not merely about weapons. It is about the resilience, skill, and artistic excellence of Indian Muslim gunsmiths who have preserved their craft for centuries. Their work stands as a testament to the community’s enduring role in shaping military history and cultural heritage in India.
