Muhammed Abdul Ali

Al-Hajj Nawab Ghulam Muhammad 'Abdu'l 'Ali Khan Bahadur; (born 9 August 1951) is the current and eighth titular Prince of Arcot and head of the House of Arcot in Tamil Nadu, India. He succeeded his father, Ghulam Mohammed Abdul Khader, as Prince in July 1993. Although the princely title is no longer legally recognised, it continues as a hereditary distinction acknowledged by the Government of India for ceremonial and cultural purposes.

Early life and education Muhammed Abdul Ali was born on 9 August 1951 in Arcot, Tamil Nadu, as the eldest son of Nawab Ghulam Mohammed Abdul Khader and Shamsunissa Begum.

He undertook the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca in 1966, along with his family and staff, a notable religious journey in his youth.

Public life Abdul Ali has continued the family's tradition of civic and charitable engagement. He served twice as Sheriff of Madras (now Chennai), in 1984–85 and 1988–89.

He founded the organisation Harmony India in the early 1990s to promote communal amity, secularism, and national integration.

He also presides over the All India Muslim Educational Society (AIMES) and the Carnatic Family Association.

Recognition and awards In April 2023, the Indo-Australian Association of Chennai conferred upon him the Meritorious Service Award for promoting inter-faith harmony and communal peace.

Personal life Muhammed Abdul Ali is married to Sayeeda Begum. They have two sons: Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, the heir-apparent and current Dewan to the Prince of Arcot; and Nawabzada Mohammed Naser Ali.

He resides at Amir Mahal, Chennai, and is known for his interests in literature, art, and horticulture.

Legacy Although no longer a ruling figure in constitutional terms, Abdul Ali remains a prominent cultural and community leader in South India. He is consulted in inter-faith dialogues, heritage initiatives, and continues to represent the Carnatic nobility in ceremonial and philanthropic functions.