Who was the ruler of Bengal during the famous 'Black Hole tragedy'?

The correct answer is Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Key Points

• Siraj-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal from 1756 to 1757.
• The infamous 'Black Hole tragedy' occurred on the night of 20 June 1756 in Fort William, Calcutta, during his reign.
• This event involved the imprisonment of British soldiers and civilians in a small, overcrowded prison cell, leading to the death of many due to suffocation and heat.
• The incident was a key event leading to heightened tensions between the British East India Company and Siraj-ud-Daulah's forces.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah's reign ended after his defeat in the Battle of Plassey (1757) against the British East India Company, marking a major turning point in Indian history.

Additional Information

• The Black Hole of Calcutta:
  • This refers to a dungeon in Fort William, Calcutta, where prisoners were allegedly confined under inhumane conditions by Siraj-ud-Daulah's forces.
  • According to accounts, out of the 146 prisoners, only 23 survived the night.
• Battle of Plassey (1757):
  • This battle was fought between Siraj-ud-Daulah and the British East India Company, led by Robert Clive.
  • The defeat of Siraj-ud-Daulah marked the beginning of British dominance in Bengal and later, all of India.
• Fort William:
  • Fort William was a British stronghold in Calcutta and served as the center of their operations in Bengal.
  • The fort was the site of the Black Hole tragedy and later reconstructed by the British.
• Siraj-ud-Daulah's Legacy:
  • Siraj-ud-Daulah is remembered as the last independent Nawab of Bengal.
  • His defeat paved the way for British colonial rule in India.