The ‘Black Hole’ was famous as :

The correct answer is - Tiny prison cell

Key Points

• The Black Hole of Calcutta
  • It refers to a small prison cell located in Fort William in Calcutta.
  • In 1756, British soldiers and civilians were imprisoned in this cell by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula after he captured Calcutta.
  • The cell was infamously overcrowded, leading to the death of many prisoners due to suffocation and heat.
• Historical significance
  • This event became a key moment in the history of British colonialism in India and was widely used to justify British retaliation.
  • It led to the famous Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the British defeated Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula.

Additional Information

• Fort William
  • Fort William was a British fort in Calcutta, established to protect trading interests in Bengal.
  • The original fort was captured by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756, leading to the Black Hole incident.
  • A new, larger fort was constructed by the British after they recaptured Calcutta.
• Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula
  • He was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, known for resisting British influence in his territory.
  • His defeat at the Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of British dominance in India.
• Battle of Plassey
  • Fought on 23rd June 1757 between the British East India Company and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula.
  • The British victory was facilitated by the betrayal of Nawab's commander, Mir Jafar.
  • This battle is considered a turning point in Indian history, marking the start of British colonial rule.