A 17th-century cannon, known locally as a 'bodu badi,' has been unearthed at the former Male' fort site, Minister for Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim announced yesterday.

The historic artillery piece, discovered during excavation work at the former Habib Bank building, is now in the safekeeping of the National Centre for Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage.

Speaking to local media, the Minister said the cannon was found in an area where Sultan Mohammed Imaduddin I had erected fortifications to protect the Maldivian capital, though its precise dating remains uncertain.

The discovery site, near the junction of Chandhanee Magu and Dhambu Goalhi, aligns with historical records of the city's defensive infrastructure, the Heritage Research Centre confirmed.

During the reign of Sultan Mohamed Imaduddin I, also known as Bodu Rasgefaanu or Kalhuthukkala, Male' underwent significant military reinforcement. The Sultan commissioned a network of defensive towers connected by fortified walls, which were equipped with artillery to guard against seaborne threats.