Trivia Question 1: What was the nationality of the prisoners in the 'Black hole of Calcutta'?

What was the nationality of the prisoners in the 'Black hole of Calcutta'?

The 'Black hole of Calcutta' refers to a tragic incident that took place on the night of June 20, 1756, in the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) during British colonial rule in India. The incident involved the imprisonment of a large number of British prisoners in a small, poorly ventilated prison cell, resulting in the death of many due to suffocation and heat exhaustion. However, it is important to note that the majority of the prisoners held in the 'Black hole of Calcutta' were not British nationals, but rather Indian civilians.

The incident occurred during the reign of Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, who had captured Calcutta. The British East India Company, which had a significant presence in the city, refused to surrender to the Nawab's forces. In retaliation, Siraj ud-Daulah ordered the imprisonment of the captured British soldiers, officers, and civilians.

The exact number of prisoners held in the 'Black hole' is still a subject of debate, with different historical sources providing varying figures. However, it is estimated that around 146 prisoners were crammed into a small cell measuring only 18 by 14 feet.

Despite popular belief, the majority of the prisoners in the 'Black hole of Calcutta' were Indian civilians, including merchants, traders, and their families, who had sought refuge in the East India Company's fort during the siege. These Indian prisoners were caught up in the chaos and were unfortunate victims of the tragic incident.

The incident of the 'Black hole of Calcutta' had a significant impact on the subsequent relations between the British and the Nawab of Bengal. It further fueled tensions and eventually led to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British East India Company emerged victorious and established its dominance in the region.

In conclusion, while the 'Black hole of Calcutta' is often associated with British prisoners, the majority of the individuals who suffered in that fateful night were Indian civilians. This incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of colonial conflicts, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives irrespective of nationality.