2018-04-23 Mon

Arcot was a Princely State during the British rule in India. It is situated on the east coast of India between Madras and Calcutta. The word Arcot is said to be derived from Tamil word ‘Aarukaadu’. In Tamil the word ‘Aaru’ means ‘river’ or 'fig trees' 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 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 Octagonally shaped copper paisa issued by Muhammad Ali was sold for INR 12,000 at Oswal Auction. The weight of the coin is around 7.5g. This coin was minted in Nahtarnagar during the Hijri Year 1207. This coin is very rare.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Auction