Indian Army's Kolkata Based Eastern HQ Fort William Renamed As 'Vijay Durg'

• Image Credit: Google

• Feb 8, 2025 | Parikalpita Gogoi

The renaming is a landmark initiative to remove colonial legacy and honor India's indigenous military history.

Digital Desk: As part of the Central Government's efforts to eliminate the imprints of colonialism, the Indian Army renamed Kolkata's Fort William, the headquarters of its Eastern Command as Vijay Durg. Fort William, a symbol of British colonial rule, was named after King William III of England during British rule. The significant decision was taken in December last year, as a step towards decolonization.

The renaming is a landmark initiative to remove colonial legacy and honor India's indigenous military history.

Though an official announcement is pending regarding the renaming of Kolkata's Eastern Headquarters of Army, the name has already been adopted within the internal communications.

The decision was confirmed by Wing Commander Himanshu Tiwari, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence(MoD), Kolkata.

Fort William, constructed by the British in 1781, was considered as a major British military base in colonial India. During the first War of Independence in 1857, Fort William was a crucial British military base.

However, it became the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army post-independence.

The new name was inspired by the Vijaydurg Fort of Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, which was a crucial Maratha naval base during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's reign. 

The renaming will mark India's victory against the British and celebration of the same.