The Black-Hole Tragedy refers to a tragic incident that allegedly took place at Calcutta on June 20, 1756. It is considered as one of the darkest moments in the history of British India. Let's discuss the incident in detail.

Background

In the mid-eighteenth century, Calcutta was one of the main British settlements in India. The Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula, was unhappy with the growing influence of the British in Bengal and was planning to attack the British. However, the British got wind of the plan and decided to pre-empt the attack.

The Incident

On June 20, 1756, the Nawab's army attacked the British settlement of Calcutta. The British, caught off guard, surrendered to the Nawab's forces. The Nawab was furious with the British for their defiance and ordered them to be locked up in a small, cramped room in the old fort of Calcutta, known as the Black Hole.

According to British accounts, around 146 people were locked up in the room, which had a capacity of only 70 people. The room was hot and stuffy, with no ventilation, and the prisoners were packed tightly together. They were denied food and water, and many of them died due to suffocation, heatstroke, and dehydration.

Aftermath

The Nawab, realizing the mistake he had made, ordered the release of the surviving prisoners. However, by that time, many of them had died, and only 23 survived. The incident caused outrage in Britain, and the East India Company sent a military expedition to Bengal to avenge the deaths of the prisoners.

Conclusion

The Black-Hole Tragedy is a tragic reminder of the horrors of war and the brutality of human nature. It is a stark reminder of the need for peace and understanding between different cultures and communities.