Consider the following events:
1. The Black Hole incident in Calcutta.
2. Fortification of Calcutta by the British.
3. Asylum to Jagat Seth and Omichand by the English East India Company.
How many of the above events contributed to the Battle of Plassey?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation Event 1 is correct: The Black Hole Tragedy of 1756, where 146 English prisoners were confined in a small dungeon by Siraj-ud-Daula, leading to the death of 123 due to suffocation, was one of the triggers for the Battle of Plassey. This incident heightened tensions between the British and Siraj-ud-Daula, leading to a confrontation.
Event 2 is correct: The British fortified Calcutta without the Nawab’s permission, citing fears of a French attack during the ongoing Seven Years’ War. This act of defiance angered Siraj-ud-Daula, who viewed it as a challenge to his authority. His demand to dismantle the fortifications was refused, contributing to the hostilities that culminated in the Battle of Plassey.
Event 3 is not correct: While Jagat Seth, Omichand, and others conspired against Siraj-ud-Daula and played pivotal roles in the British victory at Plassey, they were not granted asylum by the East India Company. Instead, the Company provided asylum to Krishna Das, son of Raj Ballabh, who had fled with treasures against the Nawab’s wishes. This action irked Siraj-ud-Daula but was not directly linked to the conspiracy involving Jagat Seth and Omichand.
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