The Chettiar title has been associated with a diverse range of communities, including merchant groups, agriculturalists, and artisans. Chettiar's are identified with theVysya (merchant) varna due to their economic prominence and community efforts to elevate social status.[8][9] The title is also used by certain subgroups of theVellalar caste, highlighting its adaptability across regions and professions.[10][11]
During thecolonial era, Chettiars, particularly the Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiars), gained recognition as prominent bankers and financiers inSouth India andSoutheast Asia.[12][13]
The Nattukottai Chettiars established a sophisticated banking system, introducing financial instruments like thehundi (promissory note) and developing credit networks that extended from colonial India toBurma (Myanmar),Malaysia, andSingapore.[14][15] Their financial expertise earned them a reputation as the "bankers of the East" during theBritish Raj.
In addition to their achievements in commerce, several Chettiar subgroups were engaged in agriculture and textile production. TheVellalar Chettiars (vellan Chettis) were historically known as agrarian landlords and also involved in trading and merchanting,[16][17] while others, like theDevanga Chettiars, excelled in weaving fine textiles.[18] The Kandangi sari, a traditional handloom product, is an enduring symbol of their craftsmanship.[19]
The Chettiars are celebrated for their philanthropic endeavors. They funded schools, hospitals, and temples, many of which remain significant cultural landmarks. Prominent temples such as thePillaiyarpatti Temple and theKundrakudi Temple in Tamil Nadu are linked to Chettiar patronage.[20][21] Their generosity extended beyond India, contributing to infrastructure and religious institutions in Southeast Asia.[22]
^Belle, Carl Vadivella (2017).Thaipusam in Malaysia. Singapore: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.ISBN9789814695756.:”Although the Chettiars were originally a Sudra caste, in more recent times they have made claim to be considered as Vaisyas.”
^Rudner, David (1989). "Banker's Trust and the Culture of Banking among the Nattukottai Chettiars of Colonial South India".Modern Asian Studies.23 (3):417–458.doi:10.1017/S0026749X00009501.
^Rudner, David (1989). "Banker's Trust and the Culture of Banking among the Nattukottai Chettiars of Colonial South India".Modern Asian Studies.23 (3):417–458.doi:10.1017/S0026749X00009501.
^Brown, Rajeswary (1993). "Local Suppliers of Credit in the Third World, 1750-1960". In Austin, Gareth; Sugihara, Kaoru (eds.).Chettiar Capital and Southeast Asian Credit Networks in the Inter-War Period. St. Martin's Press.ISBN9780312084179.{{cite book}}:Check|isbn= value: checksum (help)
Christine Dobson,Asian Entrepreneurial Minorities, Curzon Press UK, 1996. (A chapter in the book is devoted to the Chettiars who set up businesses in Burma.)
Rajeswary Brown (1993) "Chettiar capital and Southeast Asian credit networks in the inter-war period". In G. Austin and K. Sugihara, eds.Local Suppliers of Credit in the Third World, 1750-1960. (New York: St. Martin's Press).
David Rudner (1989)Banker's Trust and the Culture of Banking among the Nattukottai Chettiars of Colonial South India.Modern Asian Studies 23 (3), 417-458.
