Table of Contents
Context: Army’s Fort William in Kolkata has been renamed “Vijay Durg” as part of the Indian government’s efforts to shed colonial legacies and promote indigenous traditions.
About Fort William
- Named after King William III of England, it was built by the British in 1781.
- Located in Kolkata, it serves as the Eastern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army.
- Played a key role during the British colonial period, symbolizing their military control over India.
- Fort William is the site of the infamous “Black Hole Tragedy” incident in 1756.
Architecture
- Spread over 70 hectares, the fort is one of the largest British-era military structures in India.
- It is designed in a star-shaped layout for enhanced defense capabilities.
Key Renaming Announcements in recent times
Kitchener House → Manekshaw House
Named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal and the architect of India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
South Gate (formerly St. George’s Gate) → Shivaji Gate
Honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler known for his guerrilla warfare tactics and military strategy.
Change in Indian Navy’s Flag (2022)
Replaced the Saint George’s Cross, a British colonial symbol, with an Indianized naval ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s seal.
| UPSC PYQ |
| Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because ? (2020)
(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so. (b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India. (c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment. (d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India.
Answer: D |
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