Arcot (Carnatic), Umdat ul-Umara (AH 1209–1216 / AD 1795–1801), Gold Pagoda (Ain Pagoda), Obv: Stylized standing figure of Vishnu (Balaji), flanked by consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, Rev: Isolated Persian letter ‘Ain’ on a granulated surface, (KM #14/Mitch South India II # 988/Friedberg # 908), wt : 3.39 grams, 11.07 mm. sharply struck, well-defined devices, clear peripheral detail, strong original luster, highly attractive, Gem Uncirculated, Extremely Rare in this grade.

Umdat ul-Umara succeeded his father, Muhammad Ali Wallajah, as Nawab of the Carnatic in 1795. His brief reign coincided with the growing power of the British East India Company in southern India. Following his death in 1801, his successor, Azim-ud-Daula, surrendered the civil and military administration of the Carnatic to the Company, making this pagoda a reminder of the closing years of effective Nawabi rule. The ‘Ain’ Pagoda combines the familiar South Indian image of Vishnu with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, with the Persian-script letter ‘Ain’ (ع) on its granulated reverse. This pairing of Hindu sacred imagery with a Persian character under a Muslim ruler illustrates the diverse traditions represented in Arcot’s coinage. It may also be understood as a practical continuation of familiar monetary designs, preserving their recognition and acceptance across the region.