The Forgotten Arch Gateway of Triplicane High Road

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The arch gateway, often unnoticed amid the bustle of Triplicane High Road, conceals a fascinating history. Cloaked in pale green and marked 'Azeempet,' it once served as the entrance to the palace of a formidable political figure—a fact that might surprise many. Let's delve into the annals of history to uncover more about this intriguing place.

In 1692, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb bestowed the title of Subahdar (Governor) of the Carnatic upon Zulfiqar Khan, with Arcot as the seat of his authority, recognizing Khan's triumph over the Marathas.



With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Carnatic Subah forged its independence, evolving into the Carnatic Sultanate, reigning over an expansive territory south of the Krishna River.

Assuming rulership in 1749, Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah allied with the British during the Carnatic Wars and later shifted the capital from Arcot to Chepauk.

The tides of English and French influence, coupled with their colonial conflicts, profoundly impacted the Carnatic. Wallajah's allegiance to the English against the French and Hyder Ali led to considerable debts, forcing the surrender of much territory to the East India Company.

Ghulam Husain Ali Khan, also known as Ghulam Hussainy or Umdat ul-Umra, governed as the Nawab of the Carnatic state from 1795 to 1801. During his rule, the British East India Company demanded land as gifts, suspecting Umdat ul-Umara of clandestine support for Tipu Sultan during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. Following Tipu Sultan's defeat in 1799, the British accused the Nawab of collusion and sought complete administration of the kingdom as indemnity.

Resisting the East India Company's demands, Umdat ul-Umara passed away, under circumstances that raised suspicion, and his nephew and successor, Azim-ud-Daula, assumed the throne. Upon his ascension, Azim-ud-Daula was compelled to sign the Carnatic Treaty on 31 July 1801, ceding civil and municipal administration to the British East India Company. This agreement transferred all his lands to British rule, including the territory of the Polygars.

Within this historical context, Sultanunissa Begum, Umdat ul-Umra's politically influential sister, resided in a palace along today's lane. She harbored hopes for her son's succession to her brother's throne, though fate had other plans. The arch gateway remains as the solitary survivor, echoing the tales of its illustrious past.

Happy travelling.


Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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