Arni Palaces in ruins by chandru arni

The Arni Jagir, given as a Gift from Shajee, the great Mahratta warrior, to my ancestor, Vedaji Bhaskar Punt, for military services rendered in the former's invasion of the Carnatic had existed since 1640. The Jagir covered an area of 180 square miles and is situated in the North Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

The Government of India abolished it in 1951 by a Zamindai Abolition Bill, and as a First Amendment to the Constitution, giving the Jaghir a small compensation. This resulted in the bad upkeep of the Palaces due to lack of funds.

The video below reveals what existed then and what is the current state and seeks the Government of India's help in restoration and make it a heritage and tourist site.

The photographs were taken in 2008 by Mr.Megarajan and friends in his TRAVELOGUE blog for which I thank him.

Palace in ruins by chandru Arni

The Arni Jagir existed for over three hundred and fifty years beginning from the days of Shahjee, the great Mahratta warrior. The Jagir came into existence during the decline and disintegration of the Mughal Empire.
Arni Jagir is situated in North Arcot District in the Presidency of Madras (Chennai) in South India. The extent of the Jagir was 180 square miles. The city of Arni (or Arnee or Aarni) is about 20 miles from Vellore. There were two palaces situated 3 miles from Arni .There were also Palatial residences for the Jagirdar of Arni in Poosamalikuppam (a forest resort very close to Arni town),

Arni Jagir was originally acquired in the early part of the 17th Century by Vedaji Bhaskar Pant, who accompanied Shahjee (the father of Sivajee. In 1640 Vedaji Bhaskar Punt was awarded the Jagir of Arni in consideration of his military services to Shahjee.

The Jagir has remained in the possession of the Jagirdar of Arni and his direct descendants since then (even during British Rule) till it was after enacting the Zamindar Abolition Bill 1948. (This was the first amendment to the Constitution). My father was the 12th and last Jagirdar and he died in 1989 The Jagir of was taken over by the Government on 3/1/1951 and now all that remains is the Municipality of Arni and tattered palaces.

The Palace in Poosamalikuppam was visited and photographed by Mr. Megharajan and friends. This video views the ruins and asks the Government of India to make it a Heritage site after due repairs.

Terragen video