Context:
Army’s Fort William in Kolkata set to be known as Vijay Durg
Fort William:
- Location – Eastern bank of the river Hoogly in Kolkata
- Now acts as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army
- Originally built in 1696 CE by the British East India Company
- Named after King William III
- Associated with Black Hole Tragedy
- The new structure was founded under the leadership of Robert Clive after the Battle of Plassey, 1757
Vijay Durg:
- Derived from the oldest fort along the Sindhudurg coast in Maharashtra.
- Served as a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji
Robert Clive:
- Captured by French forces in 1746 during the 1st Carnatic War; escaped to Fort St. David in Cuddalore and joined the Company army.
- Defended Arcot (capital of Carnatic) in 1751, earning recognition as a brilliant strategist.
- Held the position of governor of Bengal twice (1757-1760 & 1765-1767)
- Secured victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, expanding British control and influence.
- Post-Battle of Buxar – Returned to India in 1765 after British victory.
- Treaty of Allahabad (1765) – Signed with Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
- Implemented Dual Government in Bengal after the Battle of Buxar.
- Allowed the EIC to control both Diwani (revenue collection) and Nizamat (police and judicial functions) in Bengal.
- The Nawab retained nominal authority but relied on the Company for military support and funds.
- Abolished by Warren Hastings in 1772.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
In the first quarter of the seventeenth century, in which of the following was/ were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located?
1. Broach
2. Chicacole
3. Trichinopoly
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a)