Carnatic Sultanate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carnatic Sultanate State of Carnatic
1692–1855
Flag
Nawabate of Arcot, on the Bay of Bengal, marked as "Carnatic" at its height of power.
Status	Dependency of the Mughal Empire (1692–1710) Independent state (1710–1801) Princely State under the paramountcy of the British East India Company (1801–1855)
Capital	Gingee (1692–1710), Arcot (1710–1768), Chepauk (1768–1855)
Common languages	Tamil, Telugu, Persian
Religion	Islam (state religion)
Government	Monarchy
Nawab
• 1692–1703 (first)	Zulfiqar Khan Nusrat Jung
• 1710–1732 (first independent)	Saadatullah Khan I
• 1824–1855 (last)	Ghulam Muhammad Ghouse Khan
Historical era	Mughal rule in India Company rule in India
• Progenitor of family appointed governor	1692
• Established	1692
• Siege of Arcot	23 September – 14 November 1751
• Carnatic Treaty	26 July 1801
• Disestablished	1855
Preceded by Succeeded by Madurai Nayak Mughal Empire Company rule in India
Today part of	India

Nawab of Carnatic Azim-ud-Daula on the left, signed the Carnatic Treaty ceding tax rights to the British.

The Carnatic Sultanate was a powerful kingdom in South India. It existed from about 1690 to 1855. This kingdom was first connected to the Nizam of Hyderabad. Its first capital was Arcot in what is now Tamil Nadu, India.

The Carnatic Sultanate's time was important for the history of the Carnatic and Coromandel Coast areas. During this period, the mighty Mughal Empire started to lose its power. At the same time, the Maratha Empire grew stronger. Later, the British Raj (British rule in India) began to take over.

Where Was the Carnatic Sultanate?

The Carnatic region was a large area in South India. It stretched from the Krishna River in the north to the Kaveri River in the south. To the west, it bordered the Mysore kingdom. The eastern side was the Coromandal Coast.

This region was sometimes called the 'Mughal Carnatic' in the north. The southern part was known as the 'Maratha Carnatic'. This was because of the influence of these empires.

A Brief History of the Carnatic Sultanate

After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in 1646, local Hindu rulers called nayaks became independent. They ruled in places like Madurai and Tanjore. However, they soon came under the control of the kings of Golconda and Bijapur. These kings divided the Carnatic region between them.

Mughal Influence and Early Rulers

In 1692, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Zulfiqar Khan Nusrat Jung as the first governor, or subahdar, of the Carnatic. His main city was Arcot. This appointment was a reward for his victory against the Marathas.

As the Mughal Empire weakened, the Carnatic region became more independent. It was known as the Carnatic Sultanate. It controlled a large area south of the Krishna River. The Nawab (ruler) Saadatullah Khan I moved his court from Gingee to Arcot. His successor, Dost Ali Khan, even conquered Madurai in 1736.

Maratha Attacks and European Influence

In 1740, Maratha forces attacked Arcot. They fought Nawab Dost Ali Khan and defeated him. Dost Ali and his son were killed. This victory made the Marathas very powerful in the south. Arcot surrendered to them easily.

Later, Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah became the ruler in 1749. He was officially crowned in 1752. The Emperor of Delhi recognized him as an independent ruler in 1765.

The growing power of the English and French trading companies greatly affected the Carnatic. These companies often fought wars against each other. Nawab Wallajah supported the English against the French and Hyder Ali (ruler of Mysore). This support put him deeply in debt. Because of this, he had to give up much of his land to the East India Company (the British trading company).

The End of the Sultanate

The last Nawab, Ghulam Muhammad Ghouse Khan, died in 1855. He had no male heir. The British then took over the Carnatic Nawabdom completely. This was done using a rule called the doctrine of lapse. This rule meant that if a ruler died without an heir, their territory would become part of British India.

After the Sultanate ended, Ghouse Khan's uncle, Azim Jah, was given the title of the first Prince of Arcot in 1867 by Queen Victoria. He received a special pension that was tax-free.

Important Rulers of the Carnatic

Here are some of the key rulers of the Carnatic Sultanate:

Mughal Governors of the Carnatic

These rulers were appointed by the Mughal Emperor.

Independent Nawabs of the Carnatic

These rulers acted as independent leaders.

Nawabs of the Carnatic Under European Influence

These rulers were greatly affected by the power of European companies.

Nawabs of the Carnatic as a British Protectorate

These rulers were under the protection and control of the British.

• Silver shade signifies the French East India Company
• Yellow shade signifies the British East India Company
• * Signed the Carnatic Treaty ceding tax rights

Images for kids

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  In 1702, Nawab Daud Khan attacked Fort St. George. The British governor, Thomas Pitt, sought peace.

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  The death of Nawab Anwaruddin Muhammed Khan in a battle against the French in 1749. Painting by Paul Philippoteaux.

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  The Siege of Arcot was a major battle. It involved Robert Clive against the Nawab of the Carnatic, Chanda Sahib, and French troops.

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  Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah, a Nawab of the Carnatic (1717–1795).

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  Umdat ul-Umara, a Nawab of the Carnatic. He secretly supported Tipu Sultan.

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  Azim Jah, an important Nawab of the Carnatic from 1867 to 1874.

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  Azim-ud-Daula, Nawab of the Carnatic, with his son Azam Jah.

See also

• Carnatic Wars
• Amir Mahal
• Nawab of Masulipatam
• Nawab of Banganapalle
• Nawab of Savanur
• History of Tamil Nadu
• Nizams of Hyderabad