Prince of Arcot

Fifth Prince of Arcot

GHULAM MUHAMMAD ALl KHAN
( 1903 - 1952 )

Ghulam Muhamed Ali Khan, the fifth Prince of Arcot succeeded his father in 1903.

He was born on 26th February 1882 and educated at the Newington Court of Wards Institution, Madras. English teachers like C. Morrison and C.H. Payne were his tutors. He received the title of Khan Bahadur in June 22, 1897 and was created a K.C.I.E., (Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire) on January 1, 1909, and later a G.C.I.E., in 1917.

He was appointed Member of the Madras Legislative Council during 1904-06 and again in 1916 by nomination. Sir Ghulam Muhammad Ali Khan Bahadur was elected a Member of the

Imperial Legislative Council by the Musalman electorate of the Presidency of Madras for the period 1910-13. He presided over the sessions of the Muslim League and was also the President of the South India Islamic League. He was conferred the title of "His Highness" in 1935. He was allowed to have a detachments of Body Guard and an Infantry Guard. He possessed guns to fire salutes on all important occasions including his birthday. His Highness the Prince of Arcot was entitled to an annual state visit from His Excellency, the Governor of Madras.

His Highness was adhering strictly to the principles of his ancestors throughout his life. He was the premier Mohammadan nobleman of South India and the acknowledged leader of the Muslims in the Madras Presidency. He died in 1952 and was buried with full state honours.