Dost Ali Khan

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Ali Dost Khan, often referred to as Dost Ali Khan by most historians, was the son of Ghulam Ali Khan, brother of the Nawab Saadatullah Khan. He was adopted by Saadatullah Khan as his son, as the latter had no children. He became the Nawab of the Carnatic in 1732, in succession to his uncle.

Dost Ali Khan had two sons, Safdar Ali Khan and Hasan Ali Khan and several daughters. He gave one daughter in marriage to Chanda Sahib whom he appointed as his Dewan and another to Murtuza Ali (who would, in later life, go on to kill Dost Ali Khan's son and successor as Nawab, Safdar Ali Khan in 1742).

The Rajah of Tirusivapuram who was subordinate to the Nawab of Arcot refused to pay his tribute due to the Nawab. The Nawab, therefore, ordered Chanda Sahib, his Dewan to march against the Rajah. Thereupon the Rajah invited the assistance of Marathas. At the same time, the Nizam-ul-Mulk of the Deccan, who was not happy with the succession of Dost Ali Khan as Nawab of the Carnatic, incited the Marathas to invade Arcot.

The Marathas were too happy to oblige as they had received invitations from these two ends and readily availed of the situation. A large army was sent under Raghojee Bhonsle to invade the Carnatic.

Dost Ali Khan and Chanda Sahib met Shahuji Bhonsle's army at Ambur. In the action, Dost Ali Khan was killed on the 20 May 1740 and Chanda Sahib was taken prisoner to Poona by the Marathas.