The Delhi Gate in Arcot, Tamil Nadu, holds significant historical importance as part of the Arcot Fort's fortifications. This region played a key role during the early colonial struggles in India, particularly in the Second Carnatic War. The gate is not only a relic of Mughal and Nawab rule but also a symbol of the British military's rising dominance in India under Robert Clive.
 |
| Delhi gate, Arcot,.trawell.in |
Above image: The fort at Arcot 24 km from Vellore city was huge and had a circumference of 8 kms. But, it was damaged severely in 1783 during the invasion of Tipu Sultan of Mysore who did not like the Arcot rulers collaborating with the English Army. Arcot was the first important fortified town captured (1751) by Robert Clive in the British-French struggle; the latter supported Chanda Sahib. Delhi gate, a masonry structure (that has a Mogul type arch) used to serve as the entrance gate. The capital was shifted from Gingee to Arcot. In 1770 Sayyid was the Mogul Governor of Arcot at hat time..jpg) |
| .ytimg.com |
Historical Overview: Early Arcot Fortification. Built by Daud Khan Panni, a Mughal governor, in the late 17th century to defend the strategic town of Arcot, which lay near the Palar River Arcot became the capital of the Nawabs of the Carnatic under Saadatullah Khan in 1710, signifying its growing importance.
 |
| Siege of Arcot, TN 1751..slideserve.com |
Carnatic Wars and the Siege of Arcot (1751): Arcot became a battleground due to power struggles between the British East India Company, the French East India Company, and local Nawab factions. In 1751, Robert Clive, leading a small force of British and Indian soldiers, captured Arcot in a daring operation aimed at drawing Chanda Sahib’s forces away from Trichy. Despite being outnumbered (11,000 troops led by Chanda Sahib’s son, Raza Sahib, against Clive’s 500 troops), Clive's tactical brilliance ensured a decisive victory. This victory not only bolstered British morale but also marked Clive as a military leader of international renown. The siege lasted for more than 50 days ending on November 15, 1751.
The decisive victory changed the course of events in the subcontinent Armed with war experience and nuances of military strategy in Trichy and Arcot Clive was shifted to Calcutta with supplementary troops from Madras to recapture Ft. William. Subsequently, Bengal region came under the control of EIC, thanks to the manipulative tactics, betrayals and collusion with Nawab's enemies and dissident Amirs in the Court It led to the murder of murder of ruler Siraj-ud-Daulah by his own relatives. Thus Robert Clive laid the earliest foundation of the British Empire and dishonestly earned lots of money and fortune to live a comfortable life back in England.
 |
| Delhi gate, Arcot, plaque of Robert Clive 1751.ullekhnp.com |
The Delhi Gate: The Delhi Gate, part of the fort's structure, was where Robert Clive established his camp during the siege. A plaque at the gate commemorates Clive’s historic defense. The name “Delhi Gate” symbolizes the British goal of eventually capturing Delhi, a dream that began with their foothold in Arcot.
 |
| Robert Clive pinrest.com |
Legacy: The Siege of Arcot demonstrated the effectiveness of British military strategy and marked the beginning of their dominance in India. Clive’s leadership at Arcot set the stage for subsequent victories at Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764), which further consolidated British power in Bengal and beyond.
Modern Context: Today, the Delhi Gate and remnants of the fort stand as reminders of a turbulent era when colonial powers vied for supremacy in India. The gate is fairly well-preserved, though most of the fort is in ruins. It serves as an important historical and cultural site in Arcot, attracting visitors and historians alike.
Tidbits: The Madras European Regiment, which played a role in the siege, later evolved into regiments such as the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, which retained “Arcot” as a battle honor. Arcot’s history exemplifies the early British strategy of exploiting local rivalries and using military and political maneuvers to establish control over India. Based on:
.jpg)
