About Fort William
Post independence, Kolkata was the Indian Army's main centre for operations. Constructed in 1781, Fort William today is the head quarter of the Indian Army's eastern operation wing. Also known as the Eastern Army Command the Fort is named after King William III.
Sprawling over an area of five square kilometres, this octagonal area is surrounded by Hoogly River on three sides and land on the rest five. There are six entrances to the fort: Water Gate, Chowringhee, St Georges, Plassey, Calcutta and the Treasury Gate.
Fort William has been a witness to several historic battles having its roots in the independence movement of India. In 1757, during the battle of Plassey, the British were attacked and defeated by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj Ud Daulah. A large part of the fort was destroyed in the war, which was rebuilt by Robert Clive in 1780.
Displaying an octagonal shape, the fort today houses offices, accommodation, training and several recreational facilities of the Indian Army. Starting from swimming pool to boxing arena and a firing range one can witness everything under one boundary here. This is a restricted area and one needs to get special permission from the Indian Army in order to enter Fort William.
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