The Fort, Chunar (U.P.). 12 September 1803

Pen-and-ink and wash drawing by Henry Salt (1780-1827) of the Fort at Chunar in Uttar Pradesh, dated 12th September 1803. The drawing is inscribed on the back in pencil: 'Chunar. Sept. 12th'; and on the front: 'Sept. 12th. 20.' Viscount Valentia (George Annesley) wrote, "The approach to Chunar is marked by a chain of low hills, running parallel to the river on its right bank, which is covered by plantations and bungelows. The fort itself is situated on a rock, which rises abruptly from the plain, and advances some distance into the river. It is fortified in the Indian manner by walls and towers, one below the other, and is a place of considerable strength. It was of great importance in former times; but as the British frontier has been carried further north, Monghyr and Allahabad have each in their turn superseded it as a military department. A sepoy came off to meet us in a boat, with a book, in which we entered our names, and number of boats: every passenger is obliged to do so, as the batteries completely command the navigation of the river, and allow no boat to go up or down without this ceremony."