Date:06/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/06/stories/2006090613440200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

President gives memento to Prince of Arcot

Special Correspondent

150th year Foundation Day of Madras University Memento presented in recognition of the fact that the Nawab's ancestors owned the land on which Madras varsity was built

CHENNAI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam honoured the Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, on Monday by presenting him a memento of the Senate House in recognition of the fact that his ancestors owned the land on which the University of Madras was built.

The memento was presented on the occasion of the 150th year Foundation Day celebrations of the university.

The land once belonged to the Nawabs of the Carnatic, the then sovereign and independent rulers of this part of the country.

They were taken over by the British in 1855.

In 1857, the university and the Senate House were built on the palace lands.

The main Chepauk Palace building now houses the Public Works Department and other offices of the State Government.