2021-04-27 Tue

The term ‘Arcot’ is said to be derived from the Tamil word Aarukaadu which means ‘Six Forests’. In local folklore, Arcot was described as a lush region flanked with forests that were believed to be resided by sages and seers. The Arcot Princely state was situated in the Carnatic region of South India between about 1690 and 1855.

The term ‘Carnatic’ was given by Europeans to southern India between the Eastern Ghats and the Coromandel Coast of Madras presidency, present-day Tamil Nadu state. The Arcot reign can be divided into two phases– Nawayat (1710- 1744) and Wallajah (1744- 1855). Zulfikar Ali Khan was appointed as Nawab of Arcot as a reward for his victory over the Marathas.

Adjoined image is of unlisted silver rupee issued by Muhammad Ali and struck at Arkat mint . The legends over the coin read, “Hami-Ud-Deen Saya Fazl Shah Alam Badshah, Zad Bar Haft Kishwara and AH date 1187” on the obverse and “Zarb Arkat Sanah 10 Julus Mainamat Manus” on the reverse side.