Black-Hole Tragedy

• After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal empire began to disintegrate, leading to the emergence of independent states under various rulers. In Bengal, Ali Vardi Khan made himself independent and proved to be a capable and resourceful ruler.
• The Marathas caused him considerable trouble, but he eventually made peace by handing over Orissa and agreeing to pay Rs. 12 lakhs annually as Chauth. He also maintained friendly relations with the English but did not allow them to fortify their settlements. He ruled until his death in 1756.
• Siraj-ud-Daula, Ali Vardi Khan’s grandson, succeeded him as Nawab of Bengal at the age of 24. He was self-willed and self-indulgent, which led to conflicts with the English in Bengal.
• The conflict arose due to several issues: the English began fortifying their settlements without the Nawab’s permission, they supported a rival, Shaukat Jang, and they sheltered a rich Bengali merchant who had been demanded by the Nawab.
• The English were also abusing their trade privileges, which further aggravated the situation.
• As a result, Siraj-ud-Daula captured the English factory at Kasim Bazar and the city of Calcutta. During this time, 146 people, including one woman, were locked in a small room overnight, leading to a tragic incident where 123 people suffocated to death. Only 23 survived, including Holwell. This event became known as the Black-hole tragedy.
• There has been significant controversy over whether the Black-hole tragedy was a real event or a myth. Some historians argue it was physically impossible to lock so many people in such a small room, and contemporary Muslim accounts do not mention the incident. It is suggested that the story was invented to stir indignation among the English.
• Holwell is the only source that mentions the tragedy, and his credibility has been questioned. He may have exaggerated the incident for personal gain and promotion.
• Regardless of the truth of the tragedy, when the news reached Madras, the English were outraged. Admiral Watson and Clive were sent to Bengal for revenge. They captured Calcutta without much resistance.
• Despite an initial indecisive battle with Siraj-ud-Daula, peace was temporarily restored, and the English Company was granted its privileges back and allowed to fortify Calcutta.
• As the Seven Years’ War began, the English captured Chandernagar from the French.
• Though outwardly Clive made peace with Siraj-ud-Daula, he was secretly plotting revenge for the Black-hole tragedy. He formed a conspiracy involving Rai Durlab, the Nawab’s Treasurer, Mir Jafar, the Nawab’s Commander-in-Chief, and Jagat Seth, the richest banker of Bengal, to overthrow Siraj-ud-Daula.
• The conspiracy was planned with the help of Amin Chand. It was agreed that Clive would march to Plassey, and Mir Jafar would betray the Nawab, joining Clive with all his forces. The plan was to depose Siraj-ud-Daula and place Mir Jafar as the new Nawab.
• When the conspiracy was nearly revealed, Amin Chand demanded Rs. 30 lakhs and insisted the amount be included in the treaty. To deal with this demand, Clive created two versions of the treaty: one on white paper without the payment to Amin Chand, and one on red paper with the payment.
• Clive asked Admiral Watson to sign the false treaty, but Watson refused. As a result, Clive forged Watson’s signature on the false treaty. This action was widely condemned, but Clive defended it as a matter of expediency.