Q. Which one among the following was the immediate cause of attack by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula on Calcutta in 1756?
(a) Refusal of the English Company to pay the overdue trade tax
(b) The English conspired against the Nawab with a view to depose him from the Throne
(c) Siraj-ud-Daula wanted to drive out the English from Bengal
(d) Refusal of the English to demolish the fortification of Calcutta
Ans: (d) Refusal of the English to demolish the fortification of Calcutta
Explanation: The immediate cause of the attack by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula on Calcutta in 1756 was (d) refusal of the English to demolish the fortification of Calcutta.
The English East India Company had constructed a fortification known as Fort William in Calcutta without obtaining permission from the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula. The Nawab demanded that the fortification be demolished, but the English refused to comply. This act of defiance by the English provoked the Nawab, leading to his attack on Calcutta in June 1756. The attack resulted in the infamous event known as the Black Hole of Calcutta, where a large number of English prisoners were allegedly confined in a small dungeon, leading to many deaths.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) refusal of the English to demolish the fortification of Calcutta.