Why In News ? 

To celebrate India’s indigenous military heritage, the Indian Army has renamed Fort William in Kolkata, which serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command, to ‘Vijay Durg’. 

Fort William 

 Fort William  

Location: Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. 

Historical Background 

• Built during the early British East India Company’s rule in India. 
• Original construction (1696): Initially a small fortification. 
• Reconstruction (1781): After the British victory in the Battle of Plassey (1757), it was rebuilt and strengthened. 

Architectural Design 

• The fort covers a vast area (approx. 5 sq km) with lush green surroundings. 
• Shaped like an irregular octagon, designed for maximum protection from enemies. 
• Surrounded by moats and defensive structures. 

Division into Two Parts 

• Old Fort William (original structure) – Destroyed during early battles. 
• New Fort William (modern structure) – Completed under Robert Clive after the Battle of Plassey. 

Significance in History 

• Served as the main administrative and military center for the British in Bengal. 
• Became a symbol of British power in India. 
• Important during key events like the Battle of Plassey and later revolts. 

Role in Indian Independence: Associated with events that highlighted British control and the Indian resistance to colonial rule. 

Current Use: Today, it functions as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The fort is not open to the public due to its military importance. 

Cultural Significance 

• Located near iconic Kolkata landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 
• It remains a symbol of colonial architecture and history.