‘Ruined Gateway of the Ancient Fortress of Sehwaun’, 1838 circa (coloured lithograph)

‘Ruined Gateway of the Ancient Fortress of Sehwaun’’, 1838 circa Coloured lithograph from ‘Views in Affghaunistaun from sketches taken during the Campaigns of the Army of the Indus’, by W L Walton after Captain Sir Keith A Jackson, Bt, 4th (Queen’s Own) Light Dragoons, published by W H Allen and Co and T McLean. Sehwan fort was located in Sindh on the west bank of the River Indus, about 80 miles (130km) from Hyderabad. The accompanying note provided by Jackson reads: 'On the north side of the town is the ruined castle or fortress of Sehwaun, by which it is completely commanded; this is perhaps the most extraordinary building on the Indus, and no doubt constructed before the invasion by Alexander the Macedonian. It consists of a natural mound sixty feet high, encased in many parts with burnt brick. In fact, the fortress and mount are so amalgamated, that it is difficult now to distinguish what portions of it are the work of art. The gate is opposite to the side of the town, and has evidently been an arched one. The Emperor Humaioon in AD 1541, attempted to take it, and was unsuccessful, it was invested by his son Acbar for seven months, who at length succeeded in its capture’.