Q. Examine the following statements concerning the black hole tragedy of Calcutta, which became very important in subsequent British Narratives
(a) It took place when the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-uddaula laid siege to Calcutta.
(b) John Zephaniah Holwell was the chief survivor of the black hole tragedy.
(c) It entered the folklore of British colonialism as a legend and was used to justify the events which
followed.
(d) All the above
Ans: (d) All the above
Explanation:
The correct answer is (d) All the above.
All three statements are correct:
(a) The Black Hole Tragedy of Calcutta took place when the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, laid siege to Calcutta in 1756.
(b) John Zephaniah Holwell was indeed the chief survivor of the Black Hole Tragedy. He provided an account of the incident and became a prominent figure in narrating the event.
(c) The Black Hole Tragedy entered the folklore of British colonialism as a legend and was used to justify the events that followed, including the British East India Company’s military response and the subsequent establishment of British rule in Bengal. It became a significant event in British narratives and was often referenced to highlight the alleged brutality of the Indian rulers and the justification for British intervention.
