Black Hole Of Calcutta Collection

Calcutta - The Black Hole. Postcard sent in 1913
660463 Calcutta - The Black Hole. Postcard sent in 1913. by French Photographer (20th century); Private Collection; © Look and Learn

Les souffrances et la mort de 123 prisonniers anglais, dans la guerre des Indes (engraving)
5992999 Les souffrances et la mort de 123 prisonniers anglais, dans la guerre des Indes (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Captives in the "Black Hole"(engraving)
664086 The Captives in the " Black Hole" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Site of the "Black Hole, "Calcutta (b / w photo)
2810834 Site of the " Black Hole, " Calcutta (b/w photo) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Site of the " Black Hole, " Calcutta)

Orme, (1728-1801), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Orme, (1728-1801), 1830. Robert Orme (1728-1801) British historian who entered service of East India Company in 1743, appointed to Council at Fort St

The Holwell Monument, 1794, (1925). Creator: Unknown
The Holwell Monument, 1794, 1925. From British Government in India, Volume One, by Lord Curzon of Kedleston. [Cassell and Company Ltd, London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1925]

The Holwell Monument, c1820, (1925). Creator: Unknown
The Holwell Monument, c1820, (1925). From British Government in India, Volume One, by Lord Curzon of Kedleston. [Cassell and Company Ltd, London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1925]

Replica of the Holwell Monument Erected by Lord Curzon, 1925. Creator: Unknown
Replica of the Holwell Monument Erected by Lord Curzon, 1925. From British Government in India, Volume One, by Lord Curzon of Kedleston

J. Z. Holwell, c1760, (1925). Creator: Unknown
J. Z. Holwell, 1925. From British Government in India, Volume One, by Lord Curzon of Kedleston. [Cassell and Company Ltd, London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1925]

Site of Black Hole, 1925. Creator: Unknown
Site of Black Hole, 1925. From British Government in India, Volume One, by Lord Curzon of Kedleston. [Cassell and Company Ltd, London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1925]

Halwells (aka Holwell s) Memorial, Calcutta, c1910
Halwells (aka Holwell s) Memorial, Calcutta c1910. John Zephaniah Holwell (1711-1798) was one of the survivors of the Black Hole of Calcutta

Fort William at Bengall, 1736 (engraving)
XJF451349 Fort William at Bengall, 1736 (engraving) by Vandergucht, Gerard (1696-1776); Private Collection; (add.info.: British colonial fort in Calcutta)

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The Black Hole of Calcutta, a haunting chapter in history that continues to captivate our imagination. In 1756, amidst the turmoil of the war between England and India, tragedy struck when 123 English prisoners suffered unimaginable suffering and death within the confines of this dark abyss. The postcard sent in 1913 serves as a chilling reminder of this harrowing event. Engravings depicting the sufferings and deaths of these unfortunate captives further emphasize the horrors they endured. The images transport us back to that fateful night, where desperation filled every breath within those suffocating walls. A black and white photograph from an unknown time showcases the site where this infamous incident occurred. It stands as a solemn testament to the pain inflicted upon those imprisoned souls. The Holwell Monument, erected in their memory in 1794, is another poignant symbol commemorating their tragic fate. Its replica later built by Lord Curzon in 1925 ensures that we never forget their sacrifice. J. Z. Holwell himself, who survived that dreadful night, is immortalized through a portrait dating back to around 1760. His face tells a tale of resilience amidst despair - a survivor haunted by memories he could never escape. As we gaze upon these historical artifacts and landmarks today, we are reminded not only of human suffering but also of our capacity for empathy and remembrance. The Halwells Memorial in Calcutta serves as a timeless tribute to those lost souls whose lives were tragically cut short on that fateful day in 1756. The Black Hole of Calcutta remains etched into our collective consciousness as a stark reminder of humanity's darkest moments – an enduring symbol urging us never to forget or repeat such atrocities again.