The Forgotten Ruler of Arcot – Saadatullah Khan and His Tomb
Nawab Saadatullah Khan I, originally named Muhammad Sayyid, was born in Bijapur into a Nawayat Konkani Muslim family. His father’s name was Muhammad Ali. In his early years, Saadatullah Khan entered administrative service under the declining Bijapur Sultanate, and later under the Mughal Empire. Recognised for his loyalty and capability, he rose in the ranks of the Mughal administration, eventually becoming a trusted officer in the Deccan region.
In 1700, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb appointed him as the Subahdar (governor) of the Carnatic region. This area stretched over much of present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh. Though he was technically under the control of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Saadatullah Khan began asserting more direct authority over the Carnatic. By 1710, he moved the seat of power from Gingee to Arcot, which he fortified and developed into a political and military stronghold. This marked the beginning of Arcot as the capital of the Carnatic Nawabs.
Saadatullah Khan ruled effectively and independently, establishing himself as the first autonomous Nawab of the Carnatic. His governance was marked by strong administrative control, the collection of revenues from local chieftains and poligars, and the maintenance of peace and order. He managed to extract regular tribute from key regions including Srirangapatna. He also dealt carefully with European powers, particularly the British East India Company in Madras and the French in Pondicherry. Though he allowed them trading privileges, he ensured they remained under local regulation and did not interfere with the sovereignty of his rule.
One of his most important political moves was the adoption of his nephew, Dost Ali Khan, as his heir. Since succession to the position of Nawab was not hereditary under Mughal law, he took the bold step of securing private consent from the Mughal emperor to recognize his adopted heir. This established the beginning of hereditary rule in the Carnatic Nawabi, a major turning point in the political structure of the region. Though the Nizam of Hyderabad later expressed displeasure, the foundation for dynastic rule had been laid.
Nawab Saadatullah Khan I ruled from 1710 until his death in 1732. He passed away on 28 September 1732 at Arcot. He was buried in Arcot itself, inside the compound of the Jamia Masjid, locally known as the Pachchaikal Mosque. The mosque is built from polished green granite, giving it the name “Green Stone Mosque.” His tomb lies within this complex. The structure is simple but dignified, reflecting Indo-Islamic architectural features with floral designs, jali windows, arched openings, and a modest dome. The site continues to stand as a historical and spiritual landmark in Arcot.
His rule was stable and left behind a lasting legacy. By consolidating Mughal authority in the Carnatic and creating a strong local administration, he provided a buffer against chaos during a time of imperial decline. His decision to install hereditary succession ensured continuity and stability for his successors. The dynasty he established went on to play a central role in South Indian politics, particularly during the Carnatic Wars, where it was caught between the ambitions of the British, French, and the powerful rulers of Mysore like Hyder Ali and Hazrat Tipu Sultan.
Nawab Saadatullah Khan I is remembered as a capable, far-sighted, and disciplined ruler who laid the political and administrative foundations of the Nawabs of Arcot. His name is closely associated with the rise of Arcot as a political center in southern India during the early 18th century.
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