The mighty fortress of Gingee, once a symbol of Rajput power, saw its glory days come to an end. Within just a few years of Rajput rule ending, this strategic stronghold lost its commanding position. The reason was simple yet decisive – the area had become increasingly unhealthy for habitation.
This health crisis forced the Mughal authorities to make a crucial decision. They moved their subah headquarters from Gingee to Arcot, a town positioned on the south bank of the Palar River. Though Gingee was downgraded to a mere killedari, losing much of its political importance, it still attracted ambitious adventurers seeking fortune and power.
Sadat Tiyar Khan Takes Charge
Nawab Sadatullah recognized the need for strong local leadership at Gingee. According to Tamil Chronicles, he appointed his brother-in-law, Sadat Tiyar Khan, as the naib-killedar of Gingee. This wasn’t just a ceremonial position – Khan received the dignity of a mansab and his own jaghir.
The administrative structure was carefully planned. Padanda Rayar received the faujdari position, while the town built where Desing died was named Fateh-pet, meaning “Town of Victory.” This symbolic naming showed the Nawab’s desire to mark his conquest permanently.
Smart Administrative Choices
Nawab Sadatullah made shrewd political moves by retaining experienced local administrators. He kept Payya Ramakrishna and other chief officers from the previous Padshahi administration. This decision ensured continuity and prevented administrative chaos during the transition.
The three forts of Gingee – Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayanadurg – each received dedicated administrators. Gautama Venkatapathi took civil charge of Krishnagiri and received the traditional jaghir of Pennathur. A Muslim officer controlled the lower fortress at Rajagiri’s base.
All these officials answered to Sadat Tiyar Khan, Abdul Karim Hayat Khan, and their associates, creating a clear chain of command for guarding the killedari.
Religious and Cultural Integration
The new administration didn’t ignore religious needs. Muhammad Ali, son-in-law of Shaikh Abdul Khadir (the Padshahi’s kazi), became the killa’s kazi. A jumma masjid was constructed inside the lower fort, and an idgah was built facing the Chettikulam tank’s bund.
To commemorate their victory, an inscription was carved over the great entrance-gate’s porch, marking the exact day and year when the Nawab captured Gingee.
The Water Problem Forces a Move
Despite successful administration, nature presented an unexpected challenge. The Nawab discovered that Gingee’s water didn’t agree with his constitution and was unhealthy. This personal health concern led to a major decision – he retired to Arcot, leaving the killa in his naib’s capable hands.
Sadatullah Khan: The Praised Ruler (1710-1732)
Nawab Sadatullah Khan ruled the Carnatic from 1710 to 1732 AD. The Masir-ul-Umara records show he held the Nawabship from Aurangzeb’s time until 1732. When he died, his subjects genuinely mourned his loss. He had succeeded Daud Khan and received the Nizam’s confirmation in 1723.
A Rags-to-Riches Story
The Tuzak-i-Walajahi contains remarkable praise for Sadatullah Khan’s rise. Originally named Muhammad Sa’id, he started as a mere servant but joined the mansabdars group. With the title Sa’adatullah Khan, he served alongside Dawud Khan as Diwan, growing more prosperous daily.
His career progression was impressive: twenty years as Naib to the Nazim in Arcot subah, followed by five years as Nazim himself. For twenty-five years total, people sang praises of his administration.
Family-First Approach
Sadatullah Khan was a Shia Muslim, following the Twelve Imams and having faith in Ja’far’s sect. He prioritized his family’s welfare, inviting relatives from Konkan and granting them jagirs and forts. His younger brother Ghulam Ali, who served at the Padshah’s court, received Vellore’s jagir and the title of Khan.
Social Welfare Focus
The Nawab genuinely cared for society’s vulnerable members. He worked to comfort and console the poor, orphans, and needy. People considered his reign the best of past times and unanimously praised his just nizamat.
Succession Crisis
Since Sadatullah Khan had no biological children, he adopted one of his uncle’s sons, naming him ‘Khan Bahadur.’ When death claimed the nazim’s soul from his earthly nizamat, a succession crisis erupted.
The nobles split into two camps. One supported Khan Bahadur, while the other backed Baqir Ali Khan, the Qil’adar of Vellore and son of Ghulam Ali Khan (the deceased Nawab’s brother). After extensive discussions and arguments, Baqir Ali Khan ultimately secured appointment as the successor to Arcot’s nizamat throne.
This succession struggle marked the end of one era and the beginning of another in the Carnatic’s complex political landscape.