Interior of the Bala Hissar, 1879

Photograph, 2nd Afghan War, 1879.

Indian and British troops stand in a courtyard of the Bala Hissar fortress. It was located south of Kabul city overlooking the houses and bazaars from a commanding height. In 1879 it was partially destroyed by the British in a punitive action against the Afghans after the murder of the envoy Sir Louis Cavagnari and his escort.

From a photograph album compiled by Major (later Major General Sir) Alexander Robert Badock.