Chettinad

Chettinad refers to a region in Tamil Nadu, India, centered on the town of Karaikudi in Sivaganga district, with a cluster of nearby towns and villages that form a culturally distinct area. The region is renowned for its cuisine, architecture, crafts, and the historic mercantile community known as the Nattukottai Chettiars.

Historically, the Nattukottai Chettiars, also called Chettiars or Nagarathars, were bankers and merchants who built extensive commercial networks across South and Southeast Asia. From the 19th century into the early 20th, they accumulated wealth through trade and finance and funded plantations, textiles, and colonial commerce. The wealth generated by the community significantly shaped the built environment of Chettinad, including its distinctive houses and urban layout.

Architecturally, Chettinad is famous for spacious wooden mansions with high courtyards, intricate timber work, plaster decorations, and stained glass, often featuring a blend of local and European influences. The region’s cuisine is equally distinctive, celebrated for its complex spice blends and bold flavors. Chettinad dishes commonly employ pepper, star anise, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and coconut oil, with celebrated preparations such as spicy chicken curry, mutton curry, and seafood, alongside a range of vegetarian dishes.

In recent decades, heritage conservation and tourism have brought attention to Chettinad mansions, some restored as hotels or museums. The region remains a living culture, sustaining traditional crafts, temples, and markets, while its diaspora and modern networks continue to influence its economy.