Examine the following statements concerning the black hole tragedy of Calcutta, which became very important in subsequent British Narratives

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.