Three Indian soldiers amidst ruined fortifications, 1879

Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879.

In this image Burke has positioned three Indian soldiers against a backdrop of part of the Bala Hissar fortress complex. The latter was located south of Kabul, overlooking the houses and bazaars from a commanding height. It was divided into two parts, the lower fort contained the Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), royal palaces, stables and barracks and the upper housed the armoury and dungeons. In October 1879 several of the fort buildings were destroyed by the British in a punitive action against the Afghans after the murder of the envoy Sir Louis Cavagnari and his escort.

From an album of 101 photographs by John Burke.