Vipul Singh
This study explores how the portrayal and recollection of a major cyclone near Calcutta in 1737 transformed over the span of a century through a historical lens. By examining historical sources, particularly focusing on the shifting descriptions of the cyclone’s impact, we gain insights into how perspectives and interpretations can transform over time due to changing contexts and priorities.
Introduction
Cyclones, referred to as hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific, are formidable tropical storms characterized by their ferocious winds and torrential rainfall. These natural phenomena can wreak havoc on coastal areas, leading to significant damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and displacement of communities. In recent years, the growing frequency and intensification of cyclones in the Indian Ocean region have raised considerable concern among meteorologists, scientists, and policymakers alike. This trend is largely attributed to the far-reaching impacts of climate change, which are believed to influence the dynamics of cyclone formation and behaviour, potentially resulting in more potent and destructive storms.
The Indian Ocean, with its vast expanses stretching across diverse coastal regions, has been a historical stage for the unfolding drama of cyclones. These dramatic weather events have had a profound impact on the societies that flourished along its shores, leaving lasting impressions on cultures and collective memories. From ancient maritime civilizations to the contemporary world, the Indian Ocean’s cyclone history has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, the reshaping of coastlines, and the alteration of trade routes.
During the Age of Exploration, as European colonial powers expanded their influence across the globe, trading posts and colonies were established along the shores of the Indian Ocean. These European settlements not only facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas but also provided a new perspective on cyclones. European observers, unaccustomed to the intensity of these tropical storms, began to document their experiences with meticulous detail. The journals, logs, letters, and reports from this era provide invaluable insights into the impact of cyclones on European fleets, coastal towns, and maritime activities.
The nineteenth century marked a significant turning point in the scientific understanding and recording of cyclones. The establishment of meteorological observatories, coupled with advancements in meteorology, enabled a more systematic approach to tracking and studying these storms. Collaborative efforts between different colonial administrations led to the creation of weather networks, allowing for the exchange of crucial information regarding cyclone patterns, behaviors, and potential trajectories. This period of increased cooperation and data sharing contributed to a broader awareness of cyclones’ potential impacts and the need for effective preparedness measures.
Among the region’s most susceptible to cyclonic activity in the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal stands out. Its shallow waters and unique geographical features create conditions conducive to the formation and intensification of cyclones. Furthermore, the bay’s vast coastline encompasses densely populated regions, where vulnerable communities are at risk of bearing the brunt of these natural disasters. The phenomenon of storm surges, caused by the convergence of strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, amplifies the destructive potential of cyclones, leading to inundation and flooding of coastal areas. A significant chapter in Calcutta’s history is marked by the unforgettable cyclone of 1737, a pivotal meteorological occurrence that left an indelible imprint on the city’s narrative.
The Cyclone of 1737
The cyclone of 1737 in the Indian Ocean stands as a historical testament to the immense power and devastating impact of tropical storms on coastal communities. This specific cyclone, which occurred in the 18th century, serves as a vivid example of how such natural phenomena can shape historical narratives and leave a lasting imprint on the memory of societies. The cyclone of 1737 took its toll on the Bay of Bengal, an area historically known for its susceptibility to cyclonic activity due to its unique geographical and oceanographic characteristics. During this era, maritime trade routes, colonial settlements, and bustling ports dotted the coastline, making the region both a hub of economic activity and a target for the forces of nature. The historical accounts of this cyclone have been preserved through various sources, offering glimpses into the events and their aftermath. Early records, though limited, attest to the impact of the cyclone on shipping, coastal towns, and communities. The storm’s violent winds, torrential rains, and storm surges would have brought chaos and destruction to the lives and livelihoods of those residing along the Bay of Bengal.
One of the significant features of this cyclone’s historical narrative is its transformation over time. Early records may have portrayed the event as a noteworthy occurrence, significant but not necessarily catastrophic. However, as decades and centuries passed, the cyclone’s portrayal underwent shifts that reflected changing contexts, perspectives, and motivations. From being characterized as “furious” during colonial times to being described as “dreadful” in later narratives, the cyclone’s depiction evolved, echoing the changing priorities and historical imperatives of the periods in which these accounts were crafted.
The cyclone’s impact on European colonial powers, as well as on indigenous communities, was undoubtedly profound. European trading posts and settlements along the Indian Ocean’s coasts would have experienced the full force of the storm, affecting not only maritime activities but also the structures and livelihoods of settlers. Indigenous populations, whose lives were closely intertwined with the coastal environment, would have faced the brunt of the cyclone’s fury as well.
The cyclical nature of cyclones makes them recurring events, each with its own unique characteristics and impact. While the 1737 cyclone itself may have passed into history, its echoes reverberate through the collective memory of the affected regions and are perpetuated through oral traditions, written accounts, and historical records.
Temporal Distortion
This paper endeavours to illuminate the temporal distortion of the depiction of an event over a period of time. We find a distortion in the depiction of 1737 cyclone near Calcutta over the course of a century and a half. This can be better understood by delving into historical sources that pertain to the history of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. This event’s evolution in the historical narrative provides insights into how perspectives and interpretations can evolve with changing contexts and priorities.
The cyclone’s impact on Calcutta, where English settlers had recently established a trading post, was initially perceived as relatively mild, as indicated by an account from 1738. In the early days of settlement, this cyclone would have garnered attention due to its noteworthy nature, prompting communication with the settlers’ home country. The cyclone, though significant at the time, was not necessarily characterized as a catastrophic event in these earlier records.
On September 30 [1737], last happened a furious Hurricane in the Bay of Bengal, attended with a very heavy Rain, which raised 15 Inches of water in 5 Hours, and a violent Earthquake, which threw down an abundance of Houses; as the Storm reached 60 Leagues up to the River Ganges, it is computed that 20,000 Ships, Barks, Sloops, Boats, Canoes &c have been cast away. A prodigious quantity of Cattle of all Sorts, a great many Tygers and several Rhinoceroses were drowned; even a great many Caymans were stifled by the furious Agitation of the Waters, and an innumerable Quantity of Birds was beat down into the River by the Storm. Two English ships of 500 Tons were thrown into a Village above 200 Fathom from the Bed of the River Ganges, broke to Pieces, and all the people drowned pell-mell among the Inhabitants and Cattle. Barks of 60 Tons were blown two Leagues up into the Land over the Tops of high Trees. The Water rose in all 40 Feet higher than usual. The English ships drove ashore and broke to pieces, were the Decker, Devonshire, and Newcastle; and the Pelham is missing – A French Ship was droved on Shore, and bulged; after the Wind and Water abated they opened their Hatches and took out several Bales of Merchandise, &c, but the Man who was in the hold to sling the Bales suddenly ceased working; nor by calling to him could they get any Reply; on which they sent down another, but heard nothing of him, which very much added to their Fear; so that for some Time no one would venture down: At length one more hardy than the rest, went down, and became silent and unactive as the two former to the Astonishment of all: They then agreed by Lights to look down into the Hold, which had a great Quantity of Water in it, and to their great Surprize, they saw a huge Alligator staring as expecting more Prey: It had come in thro' a hole in the Ship's Side and 'twas with Difficulty they killed it when they found the three Men in the Creatures' Belly.[1]
As time progressed, the narrative surrounding the same cyclone underwent a transformation. Approximately a century later, when Fort William in Calcutta had become a pivotal hub of English authority within the broader Indian Ocean context, the cyclone’s portrayal shifted. It was now described as “furious,” suggesting a heightened degree of intensity and impact. This change in description could reflect altered priorities and perceptions, possibly driven by the strategic importance of the region and the need to emphasize the challenges faced by colonial powers in maintaining control.
In 1838 the same cyclone is described differently when the East India Company was trying to expand its territorial control across other parts of India.
On the night between 11th and 12th October, 1737, there happened a furious hurricane at the mouth of the Ganges which went sixty leagues up the river. There was at the same time a violent earthquake, which threw down a great many houses along the river side in Golgota [Calcutta] alone, a port belonging to the English. Two hundred houses were thrown down, and the high and magnificent steeple of the English Church sunk into the ground without breaking. It is computed that 20,000 ships, barques, sloops, boats, canoes, etc. have been cast away; of nine English ships then in the Ganges eight were lost and most of the crew drowned. Barques of sixty tons were blown two leagues up into the land over the tops of high trees; of four Dutch ships in the river, three were lost, with their men and Cargoes: 300,000 souls are said to have perished. The water rose forty feet higher than usual in the Ganges.[2]
In 1898, the colony in India was being controlled by the British crown and she was trying to enhance its influence in the Indian Ocean. The description of the same cyclone now acquires a different level. So about sixty years subsequent to a shift from any other cyclone to furious, historical accounts further intensified the depiction of the cyclone. It was now referred to as “dreadful,” with detailed and vivid descriptions of its effects. This evolving portrayal offers readers a glimpse into the extent of devastation and the sheer intensity of the storm. The choice of language to describe the cyclone as “dreadful” underscores its profound impact, both in terms of human experiences and physical consequences.
Such a scene of horror as that night was, I never saw or heard off. Such terrible gust of wind like the lowdest thunder and torrents of rain that I expected every moment the house I lived in, which is, I believe the strongest in the town, would have fallen on my head. The noise was so violent above stairs that myself and family was obliged to go down and stay below till morning with poor Mrs. Wastell and her children who had fled to our house for shelter the doors and windows of hers being burst from the walls. But good God what sight was the town and river in the morning; not a ship but the Duke of Dorsett to be seen in the river where the evening before was twentynine sails of vessels great and small many being drove ashore. Some broke to pieces and others foundered and this which is scarse creditable in a river hardly a mile wide, there was no ebb tide for near twenty four hours. Our church steeple was blown down as also eight or ten English houses and numbers belonging to the black Merchants. The whole town looked like a place that has been bombarded by an enemy. Such a havoc did it make that ’tis impossible to find words to express it. All our beautiful shady roads laid bare which will not be the like again this twenty years.[3]
Discussion
This evolution in the representation of the same cyclone across the span of a century illustrates the dynamic nature of historical interpretation. It underscores how historical events are not static but are subject to reinterpretation based on changing contexts, priorities, and evolving narratives. The shifting descriptions of the cyclone highlight the interplay between historical events, the motivations of record-keepers, and the socio-political circumstances in which these narratives are crafted. By navigating through a spectrum of historical sources and dissecting the evolving descriptions of the cyclone’s impact, this study furnishes a distinct lens that unravels the intricate dynamics of perspectives and interpretations, echoing in response to the ebb and flow of shifting contexts and priorities. The evolution of the cyclone’s depiction, traversing the spectrum from a mere observation of events to a poignant narrative that conjures images of fury and dread, underscores the dynamic essence of historical interpretation. This process amplifies how historical events defy the constraints of immutability, rather embracing the realm of continual reinterpretation predicated upon the ever-changing interplay of contextual influences, evolving narratives, and the recalibration of societal priorities. Through each successive shift in characterization, the cyclone’s narrative emerges as a tapestry woven with the threads of evolving perspectives and emergent needs.
This unfolding narrative prompts an exploration of the intricate interplay between historical occurrences and the motivations that propel record-keepers to pen their accounts. The motivations shaping historical narratives, ranging from colonial expansion to asserting authority, subtly infuse the retelling of events with shifting shades of emphasis and tone. These nuanced alterations in description offer a prism through which one can glimpse the intricate sociopolitical circumstances within which narratives find their genesis and eventual articulation.
The progression from an initial characterization of the cyclone as an impactful yet relatively moderate occurrence, evolving into an intense “furious” one, and culminating in a gripping “dreadful” cataclysm, encapsulates an extraordinary case study. This example of the 1737 cyclone stands as a living embodiment of the intricate metamorphosis that historical events undergo as they navigate the currents of time and are refracted through the kaleidoscope of evolving perspectives. We observe that historical narratives shift and transform over the period unveiling new dimensions and nuances that were previously hidden from view.
The shifts in characterization witnessed in the depiction of events like the 1737 cyclone underscore the perpetual flux that characterizes the realm of historical interpretation. In this interplay of historical interpretation, the dynamics of societies play a central role. As societies evolve, so do the lenses through which they perceive and interpret the past. The unfolding drama of historical events is woven into the fabric of these changing perspectives, revealing layers of meaning that were not apparent in earlier renditions. Historical interpretations deepen as they absorb the influences of evolving social, political, and cultural contexts. Each era carries its own set of priorities, concerns, and narratives that influence how historical events are portrayed and contextualized. These imperatives can range from asserting political dominance to reinforcing cultural identity or reevaluating past occurrences.
As historical narratives are reshaped to align with the imperatives of the time, they illuminate the dynamic interplay between past and present, memory and reality. In essence, the transformation of historical events over time and through various perspectives embodies the very essence of historical inquiry—an unceasing quest to unravel the multifaceted layers of the past. This process reminds us that history is not fixed and keeps perpetually evolving as it is illuminated by the changing lights of interpretation. Just as the 1737 cyclone’s portrayal shifted from one era to another, so do countless other events bear witness to this ongoing understanding of history.
[1] The Gentleman’s Magazine and Historical Chronicle, Vol.VIII, London: E.F.Jefferies Printers, 1738, p.321.
[2] J.R. Martin, Notes on the Medical Topography of Calcutta, Calcutta: G.H.Guttmann, 1838, p.7-8.
[3] C.R.Wilson, A Contemporary Account of the Great Strom at Calcutta, 1737, London: J.R.Asiatic Society, 1898, pp.29-33.
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