From Kirkee to Khadki: Pune’s Historic Military Station Name Restored After 200 Years
Khadki, 4th September 2025: The Ministry of Defence has officially reinstated the historic name of one of India’s oldest military stations, Khadki Cantonment, correcting the colonial-era spelling “Kirkee” that had been in use for over 200 years. The change, formalised through a gazette notification on August 29, reflects the site’s historical significance tied to the Battle of Khadki.
Historian Pandurang Balkawade highlighted the importance of the correction, saying, “It took over 75 years to address this. The battle itself was a turning point for Pune and had a lasting impact on the city’s history.”
“The British found the original name difficult to pronounce and altered it. Restoring the authentic name honours the military institutions that originated from the Battle of Khadki,” said Amol Jagtap, senior director of the Principal Directorate of Defence Estates, Southern Command.
Jagtap, who served as the CEO of the Khadki Cantonment Board, had initiated the name restoration process in 2017.
The move is seen as both a symbolic and practical step, ensuring that official records, maps, and references accurately reflect the cantonment’s historical identity.
