Chepauk Palace

Chepauk Palace is a historic palace complex in Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, near Marina Beach. Built in 1768 for Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah of Arcot and designed by engineer Paul Benfield, it is regarded as the first Indo-Saracenic building in India. The complex comprises Humayun Mahal and Khalsa Mahal, featuring red brick walls, lime plaster, domes, arches and minarets. Now housing Tamil Nadu government offices, it is notable for its architectural innovation and historical importance.

Visitors can expect to view the exterior of a large heritage palace complex in central Chennai, close to Marina Beach and M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. The structures display Indo-Saracenic architecture with arches, domes, minarets, and red-brick facades. The complex is an active government office precinct housing departments including the Public Works Department, so interior access is generally restricted. Visitors can walk around the perimeter, observe architectural details, and take exterior photographs from public roads.

Chepauk Palace was built in 1768 as the official residence of Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah, ruler of the Carnatic/Arcot. Designed by East India Company engineer Paul Benfield, it is considered the first building in India constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, blending Mughal and European architectural elements. It served as the Nawab's palace until 1855, after which it was taken over by the British government and later used for government offices. The complex originally included Humayun Mahal and Khalsa Mahal.

The palace is culturally significant as an early and influential example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that later influenced many public buildings in Chennai and across India, including the Senate House and Madras High Court. It represents the architectural heritage of the Nawabs of Arcot and the colonial period in Chennai.