They may popularly be called Chettiars, but the Nattukottai Chettiars prefer to refer to themselves as the Nagarathar, the townsfolk in a rural part of the deep south of India. The three Nagarathar T who have worked on this book have not had the quintessential Chettiar upbringing, but each has been deeply interested in different aspects of the community. Be it its history or its economic ups and downs, its customs, traditions or rituals, its arts or its crafts, each of the three has studied deep at the well of Chettiar Heritage. And out of those studies there emerged the desire and determination to document in word and picture the highlights of that heritage before the march of time overwhelmed it.
Fortunately for them, they found a kindred spirit when they searched for a photographer. V Muthuraman not only is a talented photographer who has contributed to the country's leading glossies but he is also a Nagarathar who knows his Chettinad, the land of the Chettiars, and its traditions as well. This has enabled the recording in pictures of the Chettiar Heritage to be done in a more understanding and sympathetic manner than if it had been done by someone outside the community. Thus, this entire record of the Chettiar Heritage is a contribution by Nagarathar for their fellow Nagarathar to recall their community with pride. Here is a documentation for posterity. But it is also a glimpse provided to those beyond the world of the Nagarathar into the social, cultural and economic life of a unique community whose lifestyle is spoken of in awed terms in South India. Here, then, is a raising of the veil too.
This pictorial record would not have been possible but for hundreds of Nagarathar who understood what we were trying to do and showed their appreciation of our efforts by opening their doors to us generously. That helpfulness made this picture-rich volume as complete a book on Chettiar Heritage as possible. To every one of them we acknowledge our indebtedness and thank them for their kindness in making this record of the community possible.
The Chettiar Heritage, the book that has emerged from the contributions of all those mentioned above and those who helped with partial sponsorship, is divided into 15 main sections. The Introduction relates the story of the community and leads on to its most enduring legend, recalled every year in what was once known as Kaveripoompattinam. Subsequent sections deal with the nine clan temples to which the Chettiars owe allegiance and the village temples without which no Nagarathar village is complete. The mansions of the Nagarathar, triumphs of architecture and a compendium of skilled craftsmanship in all its rich variety, is the most comprehensive section. Every part of the great houses that tower over a barren landscape is seen separately by the camera eye in these pages.
Hindu (931)
Agriculture (122)
Ancient (1098)
Archaeology (778)
Architecture (564)
Art & Culture (920)
Biography (719)
Buddhist (545)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (570)
Islam (244)
Jainism (318)
Literary (893)
Mahatma Gandhi (379)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist