Does the name Castle Gate conjure images of medieval knights? Perhaps you envision a formidable stone structure. But here at Castle Gate in Kolkata, the reality is different. Let’s explore the story of this gate.
Castle Gate is part of Fort William. Fort William stands as an enduring symbol of British power in India. It reminds us of Kolkata’s colonial past. The fort was named after King William III. It is a significant landmark in Hastings.
Initially, the British built a smaller fort in 1696. This was done by the East India Company. Sir John Goldsborough ordered its construction. It took about a decade to finish. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb gave his permission.
Sir Charles Eyre began the work. He started near the Hooghly River. The South-East Bastion and nearby walls went up first. By 1700 it was named Fort William after King William III. John Beard, Eyre’s replacement, added the North-East Bastion in 1701. By 1706, the original Fort William was complete.
In 1756, Siraj Ud Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, captured Fort William. He renamed Kolkata Alinagar. This event spurred the British to construct a new, stronger fort. Robert Clive began rebuilding in 1758. This was after the Battle of Plassey. Construction finished in 1781. The cost was about two million pounds. The area around Fort William was cleared. This created the Maidan. It became known as “the Lungs of Kolkata.”
Today, the Indian Army owns Fort William. It serves as the headquarters for the Eastern Command. About 10,000 army personnel can be housed here. Entry is restricted for civilians. But the fort’s imposing gates like the Castle Gate are a sight to behold.
The fort is an irregular octagon made of brick and mortar. It spans an area of 5 km2. Five sides face landward. Three sides face the Hooghly River. It was designed as a star fort. This means it was meant to defend against cannon fire. A deep, dry moat surrounds the fort. The moat could be flooded if needed.
Fort William has six gates. Chowringhee Gate is well-known. Plassey Gate recalls a pivotal battle. Calcutta Gate welcomes visitors to the city. Water Gate faces the river. St George’s Gate stands as a reminder of England. Castle Gate. Finally, Treasury Gate suggests the fort’s financial importance.
Inside, St Peter’s Church is now a library for the troops. A war memorial stands at the entrance. A museum displays artifacts from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. These artifacts particularly relate to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Consider Castle Gate. It is a portal into a world of military history and colonial power. It stands as a testament to Kolkata’s complex story.