Notes on the Geography of Northern India: Chunar

Twenty miles upstream from Varanasi, and across the river, there's a 200-foot-high hill rising from the plains and capped by a fort that was old when Humayun captured it in 1537. The British took it in 1764, and a few years later Warren Hastings found it a handy refuge during a local rebellion.

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The view from the hill and looking northeast and downstream, toward Varanasi.  This is the point where the Ganges makes it great northerly turn.

From the riverside, looking toward the fort.

Another view of the fortifications.

Looking down from the fort.

Some famous names.

Entrance to the fort.

One of the buildings within the fort.  The round holes lead to dungeons.

Famous prisoners were held here--and escaped from here.

Balcony overlooking the river.

Down at the bottom, there's a British cemetery.

The tombstone of Col. John White, who died in 1794 at age 64.  The inscription states that he "was known to be a kind and tender husband, an affectionate father, a zealous officer during 38 years that he served in this country, and a sincere friend."