Posted on: 23 November 2012

North view of the fort of Chunargarh on the Ganges from across the river - 1795

Watercolour of the north view of the fort of Chunar, Uttar Pradesh, by an anonymous artist working in the Murshidabad style, part of the Hyde Collection, c. 1790-1800. Inscribed on the back in ink: 'North view of Chunar Ghurr Fort; North View of Chunar Ghur Fort on the Ganges between Benares and Mirzapore'; in pencil: 'From a Painting by Daniels.'

The imposing fort of Chunar, 36 km south-west of Varanasi, was built along the Ganges River near the Kaimur Hills. The fort passed hands numerous times in history, between the Mughal Empire and rival powers. It is protected by massive ramparts which overlook the river. This drawing was done from across the river, looking towards the fort with boats sailing by.

Copyright © The British Library Board


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Indeed a very impressive Fort in the History and at the same time very mysterious one. I had been there many a times in my Childhood.

In ancient literature this place was also known as Charanadri, Nainagarh. There is a tunnel in front of this building which leads down from the fort and was used by princess Sonwa to take bath in the River Ganges.

I love this fort, and the river there

It is this fort which inspired Devakinandan Khatri to write about "Chunargadh" and its vishkanyas in his magnum opus - Chandrakantaa

whwer did u get it shirish bhai

Called Charanadri because according to the Puranas the Vamana Avatar placed his first ''charan'' here. Chunar from Charanadri.