Fort William, India

Fort William, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a historic fort built by the British East India Company in 1696. Named after King William III, it was constructed to protect the British from attacks and to serve as a military stronghold. The fort is situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River and covers an area of approximately 70 hectares.

The fort has a rich history, including the infamous "Black Hole of Calcutta" incident in 1756, when many British prisoners were held in a small, suffocating dungeon. The current structure, rebuilt by Robert Clive after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, is an octagonal brick and mortar fort with six gates: Chowringhee Gate, Plassey Gate, Calcutta Gate, Watergate, St Georges Gate, and Treasury Gate.

Today, Fort William serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army and is heavily guarded. The fort is surrounded by the Maidan, the largest park in the country, which provides a green and relaxing environment. Visitors can explore the fort's architecture, visit the St. Peter's Church, and enjoy the scenic views of the Hooghly River.