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Chettiar (also spelt as Chetti and Chetty) is a title used by many traders, weaving, agricultural and land-owning castes in South India, especially in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

Etymology

Chettiar/Chetty is derived from the Sanskrit word Śreṣṭha (Devanagari: श्रेष्ठ) or Śreṣṭhin (Devanagari: श्रेष्ठीन्), meaning superior. This term was later Prakritised as Seṭhī (Devanagari: सेठी), and eventually became Śeṭ (Devanagari: शेट) or Śeṭī (Devanagari: शेटी) in modern Indo-Aryan dialects.^[5]^[6]

In early Indian literature, the term referred to a wealthy class of merchants associated with the Vysya varna.^[7]

Historical Significance

The Chettiar title has been associated with a diverse range of communities, including merchant groups, agriculturalists, and artisans. Although many Chettiar groups originally belonged to the sudra caste in the Hindu social hierarchy, some later identified with the Vysya (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 the Vellalar caste, highlighting its adaptability across regions and professions.^[10]^[11]

During the colonial era, Chettiars, particularly the Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiars), gained recognition as prominent bankers and financiers in South India and Southeast Asia.^[12]^[13]

Economic and Cultural Contributions

Commerce and Finance

The Chettiars are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit. Historically, they played a pivotal role in trade and finance across South India and Southeast Asia. Their economic ventures included banking, real estate, and trade in commodities such as textiles, salt, and rice.

The Nattukottai Chettiars established a sophisticated banking system, introducing financial instruments like the hundi (promissory note) and developing credit networks that extended from colonial India to Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, and Singapore.^[14]^[15] Their financial expertise earned them a reputation as the "bankers of the East" during the British Raj.

Agriculture and Textiles

In addition to their achievements in commerce, several Chettiar subgroups were engaged in agriculture and textile production. The Vellalar Chettiars (vellan Chettis) were historically known as agrarian landlords and also involved in trading and merchanting,^[16]^[17] while others, like the Devanga Chettiars, excelled in weaving fine textiles.^[18] The Kandangi sari, a traditional handloom product, is an enduring symbol of their craftsmanship.^[19]

Philanthropy and Religion

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 the Pillaiyarpatti Temple and the Kundrakudi 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]

Subgroups and Communities

The Chettiar title encompasses various subgroups, each distinguished by region, occupation, or linguistic affiliation:

Devanga Chettiars: Known for their expertise in weaving and textile production.
Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiars): Eminent in trade, finance, and banking.
Twenty-Four Manai Telugu Chettiars: A Telugu-speaking subgroup.
Vallanattu Chettiars: Primarily agriculturalists and landlords.
Vellalar Chettiars(Vellan Chettis): A subgroup of Vellalars associated with landowning and agriculture.
Vaniya Chettiars: Traditionally engaged in oil extraction and commerce.

Religious Practices

The Chettiar communities primarily follow Hinduism, with a strong emphasis on temple worship and religious festivals. They have contributed to the construction and maintenance of several iconic temples, reflecting their devotion and architectural patronage.

Some groups, like the Nagarathars, are custodians of famous temples, such as:

Pillaiyarpatti Temple: Known for its ancient rock-cut Ganesha idol.
Kundrakudi Temple: A prominent Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu.

Global Diaspora

The Chettiar diaspora is notable for its economic contributions to Southeast Asia during the colonial period. Many Chettiars migrated to Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore, establishing trade and banking networks. Today, these communities maintain their cultural heritage while integrating into the societies they inhabit.

References

^ Chandrabhan Prasad (2010). Caste, Nationalism and Ethnicity. Gyan Publishing House. p. 112.
^ "Chettiar Band, AVM To FM". Outlook. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
^ "Chettiars reign where wealth meets godliness". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 26 April 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
^ "BBMP move shocking: Puttanna Chetty's grandson".
^ Jalal, Ayesha (1995). Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia: A Comparative and Historical Perspective. Cambridge University Press. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-521-47862-5.
^ Raychaudhuri, Tapan; Habib, Irfan (1982). The Cambridge Economic History of India: c.1200–c.1750. Cambridge University Press Archive. pp. 27–28. ISBN 978-0-521-22692-9.
^ "The Dawn and Dawn Society's Magazine". 12. Calcutta: Lall Mohan Mullick. 1909: 91. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
^ Belle, Carl Vadivella (2017). Thaipusam in Malaysia. Singapore: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. ISBN 9789814695756.:”Although the Chettiars were originally a Sudra caste, in more recent times they have made claim to be considered as Vaisyas.”
^ Intirā Pārttacārati (2008). Ramanujar: The Life and Ideas of Ramanuja. Oxford University Press. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-19-569161-0. The Chetti, Vaisya, or merchant caste
^ {{cite book |last=Singh |first=K. S. |title=People of India: Tamil Nadu |url=https://books.google.co.in/booksid=dziNBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA702&dq=vellan+chetti&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE6aO96r6KAxUAWGwGHcQCIgQ4FBDoAXo
^ {{cite book |title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 2 |author=Thurston, Edgar |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.56743/page/n415/mode/1up?view=theater&q=vellalan+chetti |y
^ Rudner, David (1989). Banker's Trust and the Culture of Banking among the Nattukottai Chettiars of Colonial South India. Vol. 23. pp. 417–458. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
^ Kudaisya, Medha (2009). "Marwari and Chettiar Merchants. 1850s-1950s: Comparative Trajectories". In Kudaisya, Medha M.; Ng, Chin-Keong (eds.). Chinese and Indian Business: Historical Antecedents. Leiden: BRILL. ISBN 9789004172791.
^ Rudner, David (1989). Banker's Trust and the Culture of Banking among the Nattukottai Chettiars of Colonial South India. Vol. 23. pp. 417–458. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
^ Kudaisya, Medha M. (2009). "Marwari and Chettiar Merchants. 1850s-1950s: Comparative Trajectories". In Kudaisya, Medha M.; Ng, Chin-Keong (eds.). Chinese and Indian Business: Historical Antecedents. Leiden: BRILL. ISBN 9789004172791.
^ Thurston, Edgar (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 2. Government Press. p. 415.
^ Rudner, David (2014). The Chettiar Entrepreneurial Community in Colonial South India. Gyan Publishing House. p. 702.
^ Thurston, Edgar (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 2. Government Press. p. 415.
^ Ganesan, R. (2007). Textiles and Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu. Kaveri Books. ISBN 9788174790665. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
^ Hardgrave, Robert L. (1969). The Nadars of Tamilnad: The Political Culture of a Community in Change. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520014196. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
^ Ramaswamy, Sumathi (2004). The Lost Land of Lemuria: Fabulous Geographies, Catastrophic Histories. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520240311. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
^ 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. ISBN 9780312084179. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)

Etymology

Chettiar/Chetty is derived from the Sanskrit word Śreṣṭha (Devanagari: श्रेष्ठ) or Śreṣṭhin (Devanagari: श्रेष्ठीन्) meaning superior, Prakritised as Seṭhī (Devanagari: सेठी), and then Śeṭ (Devanagari: शेट) or Śeṭī (Devanagari: शेटी) in modern Indo-Aryan dialects.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

References

^ Jalal, Ayesha (1995). Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia: A Comparative and Historical Perspective. Cambridge University Press. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-521-47862-5.
^ Raychaudhuri, Tapan; Habib, Irfan; Kumar, Dharma (1982). The Cambridge Economic History of India: c.1200–c.1750. Cambridge University Press Archive. pp. 27–28. ISBN 978-0-521-22692-9.
^ "The Dawn and Dawn Society's Magazine". 12. Calcutta: Lall Mohan Mullick. 1909: 91. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help):”In all the early Indian literatures, the word is applied to a very wealthy class of merchants, who invariably belonged to the Vysya class”
^ Belle, Carl Vadivella (2017). Thaipusam in Malaysia. Singapore: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. ISBN 9789814695756.:”Although the Chettiars were originally a Sudra caste, in more recent times they have made claim to be considered as Vaisyas.”
^ Intirā Pārttacārati (2008). Ramanujar: The Life and Ideas of Ramanuja. Oxford University Press. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-19-569161-0. The Chetti, Vaisya, or merchant caste
^ Population Review. Indian Institute for Population Studies. 1975. p. 26.