Chettinad, situated approximately 90 kilometers from Madurai and 150 kilometers from Tanjore, is a region in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It encompasses a cluster of over 80 villages, with its principal town being Karaikudi, often regarded as its "capital."
The villages of Chettinad were inhabited by the Natukottai Chettiars, affluent merchants who engaged in trade both within India and abroad. Their prosperity allowed them to construct magnificent houses, which can be best described as vast mansions, some of which could even be considered palaces. It is estimated that around 11,000 Chettinad mansions still exist today, accounting for approximately half the number that stood a century ago. These architectural marvels were built by individuals who once engaged in trade encompassing a wide range of commodities, from salt to precious gems, with countries like Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore.
See the video for more details
