Nagarathars

Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community, which migrated to Chettinad from Poompuhar several Hundred Years ago. Later during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century many of the members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon, Burma and Malaysia. Later during the Second World War they returned to Chettinad. The people of Chettinad speak Tamil. Today the Chettinad people, live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places. Nagarathars are an exclusive clan, famous for their enterprise, hard work and contributions to society. They earned money by crossing the seas and their business acumen made them successful and prosperous. Chettinad houses and cuisine stand testimony to their ‘Solid’ character. Their social life is Unique. At the apex of the family household, is the “Aachi” the senior most female in the house. She controlled, if not every thing, the finances of the household. “Aachi” is now a household word all over TamilNadu to indicate a strong, dynamic and efficient female leader! Most of Nagarathars became prominent all over Inida by their sterling character and philanthrophy.