The night of June 20, 1756, came to be regarded as the “Black Hole Tragedy” in European narratives. Several Europeans, who were imprisoned following Bengal nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah’s capture of Kolkata, had died during the night.
After Siraj captured the city, many men from the East India Company garrison fled and the remaining men, left under the command of John Z. Holwell, a civilian, were stationed at Fort William. They were taken prisoners and forced into a narrow space 18ftx14ft.
According to Holwell, who was also inside, 146 people were imprisoned and only 23 survived and the imprisonment took place despite Siraj promising the soldiers safety. Many historians, including from Britain, later challenged this account, claiming that the number of the dead was far less, and that the imprisonment had happened without Siraj’s direct knowledge.
But Holwell’s account remained popular with the East India Company and was instrumental in leading to the Battle of Plassey next year and Siraj’s defeat.