WD 394

Description

Scope and content : Wash drawing by (Sir) Edward Law Durand, made in 1885 from a sketch made in October 1884, inscribed in watercolour on front, 'Char Burjak. E.D. 85' and in pencil on the back, 'Crossing Helmund at Chahar Burjak. (Four towers). The ford had to be held roped by men, constantly relieved as the water was icy cold'.Part of a series of 100 drawings (WD 376 to WD 475) made by Durand while attached to the Afghan Boundary Commission of 1884-86. WD 376 to WD 417 were made during the journey up to the Russian frontier and the establishment of winter quarters at Bala Murghab. A number of Durand's sketches were reproduced in The Illustrated London News of the day. Photographic reproductions of the sketches made by the Survey of India can also be found at Photo 12 and Photo 231.