Fort William Renamed Vijay Durg: Honouring India’s Military Legacy

A Landmark Renaming in Indian Military History

Fort William Renamed Vijay Durg: Honouring India’s Military Legacy: In a symbolic move to embrace India’s heritage, the Eastern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army, located at Fort William in Kolkata, has officially been renamed Vijay Durg. The announcement was made in December 2024, as part of a wider government campaign to erase colonial legacies and celebrate indigenous military pride. With this, a structure once named after King William III now reflects a heroic chapter of Indian history rooted in valor and sovereignty.

The Historical Fort William

Fort William was originally constructed in 1781 during the British colonial era. Positioned on the eastern bank of the River Hooghly, the fort served as a strategic military hub in Bengal. It played a vital role in guarding British trade routes and securing British interests in the region. For centuries, its name stood as a symbol of foreign rule — until now, as India reclaims this historic site.

Why Vijay Durg?

The name ‘Vijay Durg’ references the famed naval fort on the Sindhudurg coast in Maharashtra, once under the control of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Known for its robust defences and maritime power, Vijay Durg stood as a symbol of Indian military genius and independence. Renaming Fort William after this fort is not just an act of nomenclature but a tribute to India’s indigenous warrior traditions and naval strength.

Associated Name Changes

In addition to Fort William’s renaming, two key locations inside the premises have also undergone transformation:

• Kitchener House has been renamed Manekshaw House, in honour of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal and hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
• George’s Gate is now called Shivaji Gate, further reinforcing the celebration of Indian icons in military spaces.

Aligning with Decolonisation Efforts

This renaming aligns with the broader national campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to decolonise Indian public spaces. From Rajpath becoming Kartavya Path to revising NCERT history books, the effort aims to promote Indian values, figures, and narratives. Vijay Durg stands as a continuation of this effort, reflecting the shift from colonial glorification to indigenous honour.

Preserving Legacy While Honouring Sacrifice

Despite the change, Vijay Durg retains many of its historic elements. The site includes a museum dedicated to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Bangladesh Liberation War, offering a comprehensive look at India’s modern military achievements. A war memorial at the entrance pays homage to the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces, merging past with present.

Static GK Snapshot