Kolkata/IBNS: Kolkata’s historic eastern army command Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

Constructed in 1781, the historic Fort William was named after King William III during the reign of the Bengal Presidency.

Located in the Maidan area, the structure houses some of India’s iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Stretching over 177 acres, named after King William III, it had been a symbol of colonial rule and expansion. In this monumental step towards decolonisation, a formal announcement is awaited.

As per the TOI report, Wing Commander Himanshu Tiwari, Chief Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence (Kolkata), confirmed that the decision was reportedly taken in mid-December last year.

A view of Fort William from 1828. Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

“The order came in the second week of December but is yet to be formally announced. In our internal communication, we have stopped using Fort William,” he told the publication.

Besides this, the Kitchener House inside Fort William has been renamed 'Manekshaw House' after Sam Manekshaw, who was the Chief of Army staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

The South Gate, also known as St George’s Gate, has been renamed and will be known as Shivaji Gate and the Russel Block to Bagha Jatin Block.

The practice of renaming several historical structures have been a part of the Centre's effort to move away from the colonial legacy.