Ask anyone in Chennai about Amir Mahal and they’ll direct you to a crowded lane of small retail outlets in Royapettah and Triplicane that masquerade the massive 14-acre compound where royalty live. The grand palace can easily be missed in the din of traffic and crowds that throng the nearby Jaam Bazaar. The palace that is a 150 years old is home to one of Chennai’s most loved royal family - The Nawabs.
Recognised officially by the President as ‘His Highness, the Prince Of Arcot’, Mohammed Abdul Ali enjoys several privileges accorded to him by the Union Government. He enjoys the status of a cabinet rank minister. Just days ago another honour was bestowed on him as Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated him as the head of the Haj delegation committee.
Looking back at the roots of his family, Mohammed Abdul Ali, says, “The forefathers of the Prince of Arcot, known as the Nawabs of Carnatic, who were the then rulers of the region of Carnatic, have always remained non-political and non-communal. Following the same practice, we have always been committed social and peace activists and salute all politicians whether in power or not.”
On the honour bestowed upon him, he says, “I am very thankful to the Prime Minister for considering me for this noble nomination. If the Prime Minister comes one step ahead, the minorities especially the Muslim community, with all affection and love, will come two steps forward to support and cooperate with the Government of India and his Government at all times.”
Mohammed Asif Ali with diff-abled players at a cricket match.
The palace has seen many luminaries pay a visit to his Highness and enjoy the much-spoken about hospitality of the palace. Mohammed Abdul Ali fondly recollects some of his interactions, and shares, “We were hosts for the visit of VVIPs including the Presidents of India, Vice-Presidents, Prime Minister Shri Jawarlal Nehru, twice, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Governors, Chief Ministers, Ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, religious leaders of different faiths, including the Chief Imaam from the Holy Kaaba, Makkah, Swami Shankaracharya from the Kancheepuram Mutt, Archbishop of Canterbury from the UK, Guru from the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Acharita from the Jain community, who have honoured us by their visit.”
On his role as a the head of the Haj Delegation, he says, “The delegation will meet the officials of the Indian Embassy and the Consulate General of India to Saudi Arabia, as well as Saudi Government officials, including the Governors of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, in the Kingdom. They will also visit the Indian Hajj pilgrims in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to enquire about their living comforts, facilities and amenities allotted to them. It is a huge honour to me and I will do my best to fulfil my responsibilities and duties as the leader.”
He continues, it’s also a matter of great pride that our great ancestors, The Nawabs of Carnatic, especially the most celebrated in the history of South India, Nawab Muhammad Ali Wallajah, who was sovereign ruler, purchased lands in Makkah and Madinah and constructed buildings, known as Arcot Rubat, for the benefit of the Haj and Umrah pilgrims from Madras, now Tamil Nadu. The Arcot Rubat still continues today and we provide good accommodation, facilities and amenities in the property for the pilgrims.”
Mohammed Asif Ali at his studio in the palace where he composes music professionally. He has a music video on the cards.
If you think the palace walls and its people are only witness to formal dos, think again! This royal family entertains in style with the family hosting quiz nights, qawwali evenings and dawat’s for which city’s who’s who await an invitation. The palace has also played host to a rock concert by Farhan Akthar in the past. Speaking of the culturally rich evenings at the palace, Dewan of Arcot, Mohammed Asif Ali, says, “Fun with education has always been my passion, that’s the reason I love to interact with students on a regular basis, and social, cultural and education activities, in a fun way, at the Amir Mahal.Being a musician myself, I feel that music is one medium which connects people from different ethnic backgrounds and regions together. We have always promoted art and culture at the Palace. Artists from various countries have been regularly invited to perform here, including African rhythms band, French Choir, Brazilian Steel drums, American vocalists, Middle Eastern musicians and our own Carnatic and Hindustani artistes from various states of India.”
The quiz evenings at the Mahal are a mix of serious intellects and society folk who gather in teams to battle it out over fine hospitality. Asif Ali says, “I love being the Quiz Master because I learn myself on every question I ask. According to me, it is one of the finest ways to improve your general knowledge. The participants are having fun and at the same time learning about different things. I organise quizzes at the Palace on a quarterly basis. I also do quiz events for schools, colleges, corporates, consulates and clubs on an almost fortnightly interval.”
