Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)

The North-West View of Rohtasgarh, Bihar

Details
Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)
The North-West View of Rohtasgarh, Bihar
inscribed 'North West View of part of ROTAS GUR in BAHAR' (on the artist's original mount, overmounted) and further inscribed 'N.81. Part of Rotas Ghur' (on the reverse of the border, on the artists' original mount)
pencil and watercolour, within a black-lined border, on the artists' original mount
20 7/8 x 29¼in. (53 x 74.3cm.)
Exhibited
Commonwealth Institute, 1960, no.69.
Smithsonian Institution, 1962, no.35.
Spink, 1974, no.53.
Engraved
T. Daniell, engraving, September 1796, for Oriental Scenery, vol.I, no.20.

Lot Essay

'This view of Rotas Gur was taken nearly at the top of the mountain within the works. A temple of the Hindoos, with a considerable flight of steps, formerly crowned the eminence on the left; the upper part of which has been thrown down by the Mahommedans, who erected a mosque near to it, and which in its turn is also become a ruin. No inhabitants are now to be found within the extensive walls of this magnificent fortress' (Oriental Scenery).

'The summit of the hill... is about nine hundred feet above the level of the plain. It is the greatest elevation in this part of the country, and commands a grand and extensive prospect. We found the place altogether so agreeable, that we ordered our camp-equipage to be brought to the fort, within which we pitched our tents, and took possession of an old palace then in a state of great dilapidation, yet sufficiently entire to afford us a satisfactory abode for several days. In consequence of its great elevation, we escaped the general annoyance from reptiles to which all persons who inhabit old buildings in India are especially liable; in short, there was nothing to disturb the serenity of our repose save the chattering of legions of monkeys which had colonised the neighbouring glen, inhabiting the trees that grew from the sloping sides of the precipice beneath the fort' (The Oriental Annual, 1835, p.209).

The river Son is visible in the background of this view.

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