Arcot (Aru-Kadu, 'six deserts'), a city of British India, in the presidency of Madras, the capital of the district of North Arcot. It is situated on the right bank of the Palar, 5 miles from Arcot railway station, and 65 WSW. of Madras. Besides the military cantonment, which can accommodate three regiments of cavalry, Arcot contains some mosques in a tolerable state of repair, and the ruins of the Nawab's palace. In 1751 Clive, with 300 Sepoys and 200 Europeans, marched against Arcot, which was garrisoned by 1100 men; and after having taken it, had in his turn to withstand a siege of fifty days. Arcot was afterwards captured by the French, but retaken by Colonel Coote in 1760. It was taken and held for a time by Hyder Ali, but passed into the hands of the British in 1801. Pop. 12,000.
The districts of NORTH and SOUTH ARCOT form a portion of the presidency of Madras. They are dependent on tanks in the dry season, and have suffered severely from famines. Area of North Arcot, 7616 sq. m.; pop. (1891) 2,180,487; area of South Arcot, 5217 sq. m.; pop. (1891) 2,162,851.