Enlightenment · South Asia · War
1756
Black Hole of Calcutta
June 20, 1756
The nawab of Bengal, furious at Company fortification, stormed Fort William and locked captured Britons in a tiny airless cell for a June night. How many died - 43? 123? - would be debated for centuries. What was certain: London now had a justification to remake Bengal by force. Clive sailed from Madras with troops and a grudge, and within a year the nawab's throne was empty.
In context
Also in 1756 (3 other events on record)
- Britain Declares War on France · Europe · War
- Mozart Born in Salzburg · Europe · Culture
- Frederick Invades Saxony · Europe · War
Before and after in South Asia
Before and after in War
Era
Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.