Arcot (natively spelt as Ārkāḍu) is a town in Ranipet district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Located on the southern banks of Palar River, the city straddles a trade route between Chennai and Bangalore or Salem, between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills (Javvadhu malai).

The sweet makkan peda is a local speciality while Arcot biryani, a rice-based traditional food, is also served here.

[1] Jainism was flourishing in this part of Tamil Land who were otherwise known as Arugar most probably corrupted form of Arhants or the perfected souls.

The town's strategic location has led to it being repeatedly contested and prompted the construction of a formidable fortress.

In 1751, The English captured the town during the conflict between the United Kingdom and France for control of South India.

The English successfully held it with only 500 men against the French and the Nawab, resisting for 56 days (23 September to 14 November 1751).

Arcot has the tomb of the famous 18th-century Sufi Saint Tipu Mastan Aulia.

The story goes that from the blessings of Tipu Mastan Aulia, Hyder Ali had a son Tippu Sultan of Mysore, whom he appropriately named after the saint.

The town is located on the southern bank of Palar river, easily accessible from the capital of Tamil Nadu.

Besides this, tourists see nick beauty namely Delhi Gate and green stone mosque within the town.

The Danish Missionary Society (DMS, currently Dan Mission) established many schools and hospitals.

Siloam church was consecrated on 10 October 1886 and on the same day the first Indian pastors were ordained and more than 30 persons were baptized.

The fourth mission station in the Arcot District, "Bethesda," in Kallakurichi was built in 1893 by Rev.

Later DMS started mission stations at Panruti, Vriddhachalam, Devanampatnam, Darisanapuram, and Servaroj Hills, etc.

This church is serving the Tamil-speaking population in the districts of South and North Arcot, Tamil Nadu.

According to 2011 census, Arcot had a population of 129,640 including Tajpura and Veppur revenue villages under the municipality control with a sex-ratio of 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.

There are lot of private bus operators as well, who provide services on local and short-distance routes.

The new broad gauge line from Tindivanam to Nagari via Walajah Road Junction will pass through Arcot.

The city has an airstrip near Abdullapuram; as of 2010[update] it was not open to the public and was used for aeronautical training programmes.