The rocks of Kahalgaon (known as Colgong during the colonial period) lie along a treacherous stretch of the Ganges River in the state of Bihar, India. The boulders are so large that they form small islands, upon which ancient tombs and dwellings were built. In this scene, a passenger boat is hurled toward the giant rocks. Trees sway in the wind and the crew lose control of the oars and are flung overboard. A shaft of light breaks through the clouds, a rainbow appears, and calmer waters beyond the rocks foretell that the storm will soon pass and the passengers will survive.

The painting was commissioned by Warren Hastings, governor of Bengal, after his return to England from India, to commemorate this dramatic episode in the life of his wife, Marian (née Chapuset), who survived this calamitous journey to arrive at his sickbed.