r Chunargarh, a town and fortress of Hindustan, in the British district of Mirzapore fort, situated on the south bank of the Ganges. The fort is built on the top of a solid rock, which rises abruptly from the plain, and projects into the river. It is inclosed all around by a stone wall and small towers, and is a place of great strength; but its chief defence against escalade is a number of large round stones, which are piled round the rampart, ready to be hurled down on any rash assailant. It has a small citadel, and extensive magazines. This fortress has been sometimes used as a state prison; but the rays of the sun reflected from the rock render it very hot and unhealthy. The town of Chunar consists of a struggling collection of native huts and European dwellings. Its population has been returned at 11,058. There is here an English church which belongs to the Church Missionary Society, built in good style, and embellished with a Gothic steeple. The batteries completely command the navigation of the river, so that no vessel can pass without inspection. Chunargarh is a very ancient fortress, and there is no record of its original foundation. The first time it is mentioned in Mohammedan history is in the year 1491, when it was in possession of Sing Joanpoore. When garrisoned by Baber in 1529, it appears to have been a place of importance, though its vicinity was infested by the elephant, tiger, and rhinoceros. In 1530 it was the residence of Shere Khan, the Afghan who expelled Humayun the son of Baber from Hindustan. In 1575 it was recovered by the emperor Akbar, after a siege of six months. In 1763 it was seized by the nabob of Oude; and it was then attacked by the English, under general Carnac, who were repulsed by the garrison rolling down large stones on the storming party; but the rampart being breached in the S.W. quarter, the garrison surrendered. Five years later, it was formally surrendered by treaty to the East India Company. The hills, which approach very near the town, contain quarries of excellent freestone, which is in great demand at Benares and other towns down the river. Distance from Calcutta, N.W. 437 miles. N. Lat. 25° 5'. E. Long. 83°.