Thomas Daniell, accompanied by his nephew William Daniell (1769-1837), set off for India in 1785. The two traveled extensively throughout northern and southern India until 1794. This drawing is preparatory for the aquatint engraving by Thomas Daniell that appeared in the first of his six volumes devoted to "Oriental Scenery," which he began publishing upon his return to London (plate 13). The inaugural volume was issued in March 1796. The Morgan also preserves the Daniells' large drawings for The Sacred Tree of the Hindoos at Gyah, Bahar, March 1790 (1974.73), and The Great Pagoda, Trichinopoly, 1792 (1986.28) as well as a copy of "Oriental Scenery".
The Purana Qila or "old fort" was built during the reign of the second Mughal emperor Humayun (1508-1586) in 1533. The Bada Darwaza or western gate is depicted in this sheet by Daniell. The fortification contains detailed surface ornamentation of inlay patterns in sandstone and marble and decorative features such as the jharokhas (balcony windows). The Purana Qila is one of the earliest surviving forts in Delhi and stands as a testament to the artistry and architecture of the Mughal Empire.
Inscribed on the artists' original mount, "Part of the fort built by the Emperor Shah Delhi".
Daniell, William, 1769-1837. Oriental scenery.
London, Commonwealth Institute, 1960, no. 33; London, Spink & Son, "Artist Adventurers in Eighteenth Century India: Thomas and William Daniell: A Loan Exhibition", 1974, no. 7.