176 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
flanked by a circular bastion on either side, and sur- 
mounted by a thick wall, within which there is a 
communication between the bastions,, which are each 
capable of containing a small number of troops. There 
is a wall on both sides of the road extending a con- 
siderable distance from the gateway, which was always 
vigilantly guarded during the time this stronghold 
was in the possession of Cheit Singh. This place had 
been long held to be impregnable by the native 
princes, who had yet to learn what might be done by 
British skill and perseverance, but they were soon 
satisfied of their mistake when they saw it finally 
fall an easy prey to the discipline and valour of the 
sepoy troops. 
The fort itself is inconsiderable, being small but 
uncommonly strong. It is built upon the very top of 
the hill, and is scarcely seen from the bridge, being 
partly concealed by the irregular termination of the 
mountain, which is lofty and precipitous. There is 
only one path by which the fort is to be approached, 
and this is so narrow as barely to admit of two per- 
sons advancing abreast, and in parts so steep that 
a very small number of troops might defend it against 
a host. In spite, however, of all these natural secu- 
rities, the rebellious Rajah was finally obliged to 
abandon it, together with part of his treasure. So 
great indeed was his terror at the splendid results of 
British prowess already displayed, that he no longer 
considered himself secure even in a place that might 
have defied the utmost resources of human ingenuity 
and valour, had it only been defended with common 
