Lot Essay
Kara, an ancient Hindu town on the Ganges, was used as an administrative centre by the Muslims before being eclipsed by the development of Allahabad under the Mughals. It is believed that many of its buildings were dismantled by Asaf-ud-daulah, Nawab of Avadh (1775-1797), in order to reuse their materials in Lucknow - showing that the Daniells' fears about the palace at Allahabad (see lot 40) were not entirely unfounded. The fort at Kara stands on high ground above the river (see lot 43); the present view shows the ghats and small temples at the water's edge.