Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Black Hole of Calcutta: Controversial Colonial Tragedy
The Black Hole of Calcutta is a controversial event from colonial history.
In 1756, British prisoners were confined in a small room in Fort William, Calcutta.
According to John Zephaniah Holwell, 146 people were crammed into a tiny space, and 123 died from suffocation and heat.
However, modern historians question the accuracy of Holwell's account, arguing that fitting so many people into the room was impossible.
The event has been used to justify British actions in India and may have inspired the term 'black hole' in astronomy.
Today, the story remains a mix of tragedy, folklore, and colonial politics.
The Black Hole of Calcutta refers to a disputed event where British prisoners were confined in a small room in Fort William, Calcutta, in 1756.
John Zephaniah Holwell claimed 146 people were confined and 123 died from suffocation and heat.
Modern historians question the accuracy of Holwell's account, arguing the numbers and conditions described are implausible.
The event has been used to justify British colonial actions in India and may have inspired the astronomical term 'black hole'.
A memorial obelisk commemorating the event stands in St. John's Church, Kolkata.
- Who
- British prisoners and East India Company officials, including John Zephaniah Holwell
- What
- A disputed colonial tragedy where prisoners were confined in a small room, leading to many deaths
- When
- June 20, 1756
- Where
- Fort William, Calcutta (now Kolkata)
- Why
- The event is debated, with some historians questioning its authenticity and others seeing it as a justification for British colonial actions
British Account
Modern Historians
Number of Victims
British Account
John Zephaniah Holwell claimed 146 people were confined and 123 died.
Modern Historians
Modern historians argue fitting 146 people into the small room was impossible.
Event Authenticity
British Account
Holwell's account describes a tragic night of suffocation and death.
Modern Historians
Some historians believe the event was exaggerated or fabricated to justify British actions.
- Date of Event
- June 20, 1756
- Location
- Fort William, Calcutta (now Kolkata)
- Primary Source
- John Zephaniah Holwell
- Disputed Death Toll
- 123 out of 146 (Holwell's account)
- Memorial
- 15-metre obelisk in St. John's Church, Kolkata
- Astronomy Connection
- Possible inspiration for the term 'black hole'