2021-07-16 Fri

Arcot was the Princely state during the British rule in India, today it is situated on the east coast of India between Madras and Calcutta. Arcot is said to be derived from the Tamil word ‘Aarukaadu’. Tamil word ‘Aaru’ means ‘river’ and ‘kaadu’ means forest, hence the word ‘Aarukadu’ means a forest of fig trees.

The Nawab of Arcot (also known as Nawab of Carnatic) was ranked as the first Carnatic Noble under British India. The family was descendent of Anwar-al-Din, who received the title ‘Nawab of Carnatic’ from Nizam of Hyderabad in the 18th century. Nawab of Carnatic ruled the Carnatic region of South India between about 1690 till 1801.

This gold fanam that weighs around 0.35g was issued from Princely State Arcot in the name of Mughal Emperor Alamgir. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as Crude depiction of Goddess Kali, Farsi legend “Alamgir” inscribed vertically inside. The reverse of this coin is inscribed as Crude Devnagari legend “Rama Rau”.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques