Q. Identify the Englishman, who gave all the information about the “Black-Hole Episode”, though in a single-sided way.
(a) Stephenson
(b) Minchin
(c) John Surman
(d) Holwell
Ans: (d) Holwell
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Holwell.
John Zephaniah Holwell, an Englishman, is known for giving the account of the “Black Hole Episode” in a single-sided way. The “Black Hole Episode” refers to the incident that took place on June 20, 1756, in Calcutta (now Kolkata) during the period of British East India Company rule. According to Holwell’s account, he and other British prisoners were allegedly confined in a small prison cell called the “Black Hole,” resulting in the death of many due to suffocation and extreme heat.
Holwell’s narrative of the event became widely known and played a significant role in shaping public perception of the incident. However, subsequent research and historical analysis have raised questions about the accuracy and reliability of Holwell’s account. Nonetheless, Holwell’s version of the “Black Hole Episode” has remained influential in popular historical understanding of the event.
