Fort William Renamed as Vijay Durg

GS1: History

Context – The Indian Army’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata, formerly known as Fort William, has been renamed Vijay Durg as part of ongoing efforts to remove colonial-era influences from the military.

Historical Background

• Construction and Naming: Built by the British in 1781, the fort was named after King William III.
• Strategic Location: Positioned on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal, it held strategic military importance.
• Colonial Legacy: Served as a key hub for British military and administrative operations in India.
• Similar Renaming Efforts:
  • Kitchener House was previously renamed Manekshaw House.
  • St. George’s Gate was renamed Shivaji Gate.

Architectural Features

• Structure and Design:
  • Octagonal fort built with brick and mortar in a star-shaped layout.
  • Covers 70.9 acres, featuring lush gardens, arched windows, and a blend of Georgian-Gothic architecture.
• Defensive Function:
  • Designed to withstand cannon fire, though not built to endure modern explosive shelling.
• Notable Structures Within the Fort:
  • Dalhousie Barrack (1856)
  • Kitchener’s House (converted in 1784)
  • Granary Barracks (built by Warren Hastings)
• Public Access: The Vijay Smarak memorial within the fort has been open to visitors on Sundays and public holidays since 2019.

Significance of the Name Change

• New Name: Inspired by Vijay Durg, a historic Maratha naval fort in Maharashtra.
• Symbolic Representation: Represents Indianisation of military traditions, reinforcing India’s effort to move away from colonial-era symbols.