#jihar

THE FORT OF MONGHIR, India, 1941 lithograph by Horace H. Wilson in The Oriental Portfolio. Describing Monghir, known today as Munger, Wilson writes:

"The remains of the fortress of Monghir rise from a high bank, on the south side of the Ganges, and present a long line of parapeted walls, of the elevation and construction of similar strong-holds, before the skilful employment of artillery rendered such exposure a source of weakness rather than defence ... The Fort of Monghyr is in the shape of an irregular square, occupying a considerable extent of ground, at a spot where the Ganges forms an angle, so as to wash two sides of the Fort. The point of the angle is in the rainy season a place of perilous navigation, from the great body of water, and rapidity of the current boats are frequently lost ... The walls of the Fort are built of brick but the gateways are of stone, bought from the neighbouring Kurukpore hills. The view here taken is that of the western gateway, as being probably less familiar than that of the river front ... The town of Monghir, situated on the west and south of the Fort, is a thriving and industrious place ... famous for its gun and pistol barrels, cutlery and other hardware."