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Chettinad: Difference between revisions
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[[File:The Chettinad palace karaikudi 2013-09-07 00-11.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Chettinad | [[File:The Chettinad palace karaikudi 2013-09-07 00-11.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A Chettinad house]] | ||
'''Chettinad''' (also known as '''Chettinadu''') is a region located mainly in the [[Sivaganga district]] historically ruled by [[Ramnad estate|Ramnad kingdom]] of [[Pandya Nadu]] and has a small portion extending into the [[Pudukottai District | '''Chettinad''' (also known as '''Chettinadu''') is a region located mainly in the [[Sivaganga district]] historically ruled by [[Ramnad estate|Ramnad kingdom]] of [[Pandya Nadu]] and has a small portion extending into the [[Pudukottai District]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].{{cn|date=July 2021}}.[[Karaikudi]] and [[ Devakottai]] are the Major Towns of this Area | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The name | The name means "land (''nadu'') of the [[Chettiar]]s".<ref>{{cite book|title=Heritage Holidays|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jSNuAAAAMAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Outlook Publishing|location=India|isbn=978-81-901724-5-5|page=409|quote=Chettinadu / Chettinad is the land (''nadu'') of the Chettiars|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122162424/https://books.google.com/books?id=jSNuAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Demography== | ==Demography== | ||
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many residents of Chettinad were trading in [[South Asia|South]] and Southeast Asia, particularly [[Burma]], [[Ceylon]], [[Vietnam]] and [[Malaysia]]. By 2010, only 74 villages remained of the original 96,<ref>{{cite news | first= Guy |last= Trebay |title=Houses of the Holy |work=The New York Times| date= 21 November 2010 |accessdate = 24 November 2017 | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE5D91E3DF932A15752C1A9669D8B63&pagewanted=2 }}</ref> organized in clusters spread over a territory of {{convert|1550|km2|sqmi|abbr=off}} in the Districts of Sivagangai and Pudukottai in the State of Tamil Nadu. It finds itself in the UNESCO nomination for palatial house sites of historic and cultural value.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chettinad, Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5920/ |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=13 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many residents of Chettinad were trading in [[South Asia|South]] and Southeast Asia, particularly [[Burma]], [[Ceylon]], [[Vietnam]] and [[Malaysia]]. By 2010, only 74 villages remained of the original 96,<ref>{{cite news | first= Guy | last= Trebay | title= Houses of the Holy | work= The New York Times | date= 21 November 2010 | accessdate= 24 November 2017 | url= https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE5D91E3DF932A15752C1A9669D8B63&pagewanted=2 | archive-date= 1 December 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032456/https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE5D91E3DF932A15752C1A9669D8B63&pagewanted=2 | url-status= live }}</ref> organized in clusters spread over a territory of {{convert|1550|km2|sqmi|abbr=off}} in the Districts of Sivagangai and Pudukottai in the State of Tamil Nadu. It finds itself in the UNESCO nomination for palatial house sites of historic and cultural value.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chettinad, Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5920/ |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=13 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518215344/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5920/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Community== | ==Community== | ||
Chettinad is the home of the Nattukottai Chettiars ([[Nagarathar]]), a prosperous banking and business community and for high hierarchy, non-Brahmin Vallambar | Chettinad is the home of the Nattukottai Chettiars ([[Nagarathar]]), a prosperous banking and business community and for high hierarchy, non-Brahmin Vallambar feudal community with an aristocrat title Nattar - Ambalam. It is also known for its local cuisine, architecture, and religious temples.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pbase.com/oochappan/chettinad | title=Chettinad | publisher=Pbase.com | accessdate=22 March 2012 | archive-date=25 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225052643/http://www.pbase.com/oochappan/chettinad | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
===Chettinad cuisine=== | ===Chettinad cuisine=== | ||
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The Chettinad region is well known for its 19th-century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with [[marble]] and [[teak]]. Construction materials, decorative items, and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, [[chandeliers]] and teak from [[Burma]], crockery from [[Indonesia]], crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from [[Belgium]]. | The Chettinad region is well known for its 19th-century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with [[marble]] and [[teak]]. Construction materials, decorative items, and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, [[chandeliers]] and teak from [[Burma]], crockery from [[Indonesia]], crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from [[Belgium]]. | ||
Many of these mansions were built using a type of limestone known as ''karai.''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | title=About Karaikudi | publisher=cecri.res.in | accessdate=22 September 2013}}</ref> | Many of these mansions were built using a type of limestone known as ''karai.''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | title=About Karaikudi | publisher=cecri.res.in | accessdate=22 September 2013 | archive-date=27 September 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927170552/http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref> According to locals the mansion walls were polished with a paste made out of egg whites and palm sugar to give them a smooth texture and for their cooling qualities.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} | ||
===Temples=== | ===Temples=== | ||
Originally built by early [[Tamil people|Tamil]] dynasties like the [[Chola]]s, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of local people. Temples are built per Vaastu Shastras and Agamas as the Chettinad wealthy sponsored the buildings and the ''shilpis'' after the royal families declined. On the side note, traditional houses were also built per ancient text on an architecture called Vaastu Shastras. | Originally built by early [[Tamil people|Tamil]] dynasties like the [[Chola]]s, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of local people. Temples are built per Vaastu Shastras and Agamas as the Chettinad wealthy sponsored the buildings and the ''shilpis'' after the royal families declined. On the side note, traditional houses were also built per ancient text on an architecture called Vaastu Shastras. | ||
Each temple has its own tank called ''oorani'' where water lilies are grown and used for holy rituals. Even today, much of Chettinad's daily activities are centered around the festivities of the temple. Among the many famous temples are: Vairavan Kovil, Iraniyur, [[Karpaka Vinayakar Temple|Karpaga Vinayakar]], Kundrakudi Murugan, Kottaiyur Sivan, and Kandanur Sivan temples, with each having its own unique deity.<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=http://www.pillaiyarpattitemple.com/history.html | title=Temple history | publisher=pillaiyarpattitemple.com | accessdate=26 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chettinadtemples.chettinadsilksandcrafts.com/category/nine-nagara-kovil/|title=Nine Nagara Kovil – Chettinad Temples|accessdate=26 December 2019}}</ref> | Each temple has its own tank called ''oorani'' where water lilies are grown and used for holy rituals. Even today, much of Chettinad's daily activities are centered around the festivities of the temple. Among the many famous temples are: Vairavan Kovil, Iraniyur, [[Karpaka Vinayakar Temple|Karpaga Vinayakar]], Kundrakudi Murugan, Kottaiyur Sivan, and Kandanur Sivan temples, with each having its own unique deity.<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=http://www.pillaiyarpattitemple.com/history.html | title=Temple history | publisher=pillaiyarpattitemple.com | accessdate=26 September 2013 | archive-date=21 September 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921015554/http://pillaiyarpattitemple.com/history.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chettinadtemples.chettinadsilksandcrafts.com/category/nine-nagara-kovil/|title=Nine Nagara Kovil – Chettinad Temples|accessdate=26 December 2019|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225081506/http://www.chettinadtemples.chettinadsilksandcrafts.com/category/nine-nagara-kovil/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
[[Ganesh Chaturthi|Vinayagar Chathurthi]] is celebrated every year, on the day when the two stars Shasti and Sadhayam mingle together. This day typically falls as the 22nd day after Periya Karthigai. Pillaiyar Nonmbu, its name, is usually in the month of December. On this day, they sing songs of the deity [[Lord Vinayagar]] and then take a sweet called ''Ellai''.<ref name="auto"/> | [[Ganesh Chaturthi|Vinayagar Chathurthi]] is celebrated every year, on the day when the two stars Shasti and Sadhayam mingle together. This day typically falls as the 22nd day after Periya Karthigai. Pillaiyar Nonmbu, its name, is usually in the month of December. On this day, they sing songs of the deity [[Lord Vinayagar]] and then take a sweet called ''Ellai''.<ref name="auto"/> | ||
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===Sari=== | ===Sari=== | ||
The cotton [[sari]], also known as ''[[Kandangi|kandaangi]]'', is unique in its dramatic patterns and colors.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/11/stories/2005081109360100.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305112055/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/11/stories/2005081109360100.htm| url-status=dead| archive-date=5 March 2006| title=A Legacy called Chettinad Saris| accessdate=2 October 2013| work=[[The Hindu]]| date=11 August 2005}}</ref> Its vibrance and weight are its distinguishing factors. Records and old photographs show the use of sari by previous generations, before the advent of blouses and underskirts, and thus worn rather differently from the typical contemporary sari. At present, it is available in Kundi | The cotton [[sari]], also known as ''[[Kandangi|kandaangi]]'', is unique in its dramatic patterns and colors.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/11/stories/2005081109360100.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305112055/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/11/stories/2005081109360100.htm| url-status=dead| archive-date=5 March 2006| title=A Legacy called Chettinad Saris| accessdate=2 October 2013| work=[[The Hindu]]| date=11 August 2005}}</ref> Its vibrance and weight are its distinguishing factors. Records and old photographs show the use of sari by previous generations, before the advent of blouses and underskirts, and thus worn rather differently from the typical contemporary sari. At present, it is available in Kundi. | ||
===Aathangudi tiles=== | ===Aathangudi tiles=== | ||
[[Attangudi|Athangudi]] tiles, named after the place of the manufacture in Chettinad, come in a myriad of colours and patterns, and are made by a unique process using local soil and glass plates.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/legacy-of-athangudi-tiles/article3534495.ece| title=Legacy of Athangudi tiles | work= The Hindu| accessdate=26 September 2013| date=16 June 2012 | last1=Varanashi | first1=Sathya Prakash }}</ref> These tiles are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences to their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colours used in Athangudi tiles are still those of a bygone era. However, of late, new designs and patterns are being incorporated. | [[Attangudi|Athangudi]] tiles, named after the place of the manufacture in Chettinad, come in a myriad of colours and patterns, and are made by a unique process using local soil and glass plates.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/legacy-of-athangudi-tiles/article3534495.ece | title=Legacy of Athangudi tiles | work=The Hindu | accessdate=26 September 2013 | date=16 June 2012 | last1=Varanashi | first1=Sathya Prakash | archive-date=7 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092235/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/legacy-of-athangudi-tiles/article3534495.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> These tiles are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences to their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colours used in Athangudi tiles are still those of a bygone era. However, of late, new designs and patterns are being incorporated. | ||
The Athangudi tiles are hand-made. However, with a short shelf life and relatively slow manufacturing process, these tiles are not much in demand. The situation has led to the decline in the market. | The Athangudi tiles are hand-made. However, with a short shelf life and relatively slow manufacturing process, these tiles are not much in demand. The situation has led to the decline in the market. | ||
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==Industry== | ==Industry== | ||
[[File:Central Electro Chemical Research Institute.JPG|thumb|right|CECRI entrance.]] | [[File:Central Electro Chemical Research Institute.JPG|thumb|right|CECRI entrance.]] | ||
Chettinad's principal town, Karaikudi is also the location of a branch of the [[Central Electro Chemical Research Institute]] (CECRI), one of the forty national laboratories under the aegis of the [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) in New Delhi. The CSIR lab specializes in electro-chemical research and has been operational for more than fifty years. The campus is on over 300 scenic acres, filled with traditional and ornamental vegetation.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | title=Campus Ambiance | publisher= cecri.res.in | accessdate=2 October 2013}}</ref> CECRI conducts four-year Engineering and Technology courses in chemical and electro-chemical engineering and technology affiliated with the [[Anna University]] in [[Chennai]] | Chettinad's principal town, Karaikudi is also the location of a branch of the [[Central Electro Chemical Research Institute]] (CECRI), one of the forty national laboratories under the aegis of the [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) in New Delhi. The CSIR lab specializes in electro-chemical research and has been operational for more than fifty years. The campus is on over 300 scenic acres, filled with traditional and ornamental vegetation.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | title=Campus Ambiance | publisher=cecri.res.in | accessdate=2 October 2013 | archive-date=27 September 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927170552/http://www.cecri.res.in/AboutUs/AboutKaraikudi.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref> CECRI conducts four-year Engineering and Technology courses in chemical and electro-chemical engineering and technology affiliated with the [[Anna University]] in [[Chennai]]. | ||
==Travel== | ==Travel== | ||
The nearest airports are [[Madurai Airport]] and [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] while the largest towns in the area are Karaikudi and Devakottai. Trains that run from [[Chennai]] to [[Rameshwaram]] stop at Pudukkottai, Karaikudi, Kanadukaathan (Chettinad Station), Devakottai and Kallal. [[Karaikudi Junction railway station]] is the major station. There are also frequent town buses connects Chettinad to Karaikudi, | The nearest airports are [[Madurai Airport]] and [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] while the largest towns in the area are Karaikudi and Devakottai. Trains that run from [[Chennai]] to [[Rameshwaram]] stop at Pudukkottai, Karaikudi, Kanadukaathan (Chettinad Station), Devakottai and Kallal. [[Karaikudi Junction railway station]] is the major station. Karaikkudi and Aranthangi railway station. There are also frequent town buses connects Chettinad to Karaikudi, Ponnamaravathy, Devakottai Pudukkottai and Aranthangi. | ||
==Notable people== | ==Notable people== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Chettinad}} | |||
{{coord missing|Tamil Nadu}} | {{coord missing|Tamil Nadu}} | ||
[[Category:Sivaganga district]] | [[Category:Sivaganga district]] | ||