Upper Bala Hissar from the west, Kabul, 1879 (b/w photo)

Upper Bala Hissar from the west, Kabul, 1879. Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879. The ancient Bala Hissar fortress was located south of Kabul city overlooking the houses and bazaars from a commanding height. In 1879, during the 2nd Afghan War, 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. When Major-General Roberts occupied Kabul on 8 October and set about executing those involved in Cavagnari’s murder he erected gallows in the burnt-out residency building within the Bala Hissar.