CHETTINAD Origin Trade Evolution Settlement Character Character of houses structure, Material Exterior Interior Ornamental features &

es & furnishings Occasions Conclusion

ORIGIN Located Predominantly in the area called Chettinadu or Naattukottai Bhumi ,i.e., present day districts of Sivaganga and Pudukottai, they took a leading part in the trade and commerce not only within but also ouside india especially Burma,Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries. Explanation Illuppakkudi of various sub-groups like

Nagarathar,

Devokkottai

Nagarathar,

Onbathu-Koil Nagarathar will be found interesting. They made special endowments for creating or marinating Maths, Feeding houses (Annachatram), Gosalas, Patasalas, Chatrams ( rest-houses for pilgrims), Tanks and Ponds in many Pilgrim centres.

Their services to education especially those of Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar (founder of the Annamalai University), Alagappa Chettiar and Karumuthu

Thiagaraja Chettiar are noteworthy. Nagarathars munificent patronage to the development of Tamil Language and music and also to Tamil poets and scholars are equally impressive.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT This enterprising community of businessmen saw its bold men crossing the rough seas a century ago, migrating to unknown and undeveloped lands. Jungle and swamp,unknown oriental races, language, food, climate, none of these deterred the Indian Chettiar gentleman, in his determination to make a home and live in these faraway lands. He was probably spurred on in his endeavours by the fact that Chettinad, a dry and barren region deep in Tamil Nadu, South India, offered no career opportunities for him.

TRADE DEVELOPMENT The Chettiars went to the East, some as plantation workers, while others as bankers. Gradually, this community became wealthy. Having left families behind in their native land, it was customary for the Chettiars to make periodic visits home to preserve family ties, and to build palatial homes. These mansions stand out even today in the barren region, a testimonial to riches, to the conglomeration of various cultural influences and building styles. Above all, the Chettiars indulged in immense ornamentation, with Gods and Heroes, Ancestors, Flora and Fauna, all playing a role in the decor.

SETTLEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

Its always grouped around a water body The houses are created to suit the trade and banking activities.

Most of the houses were aligned linearly to reach the other side of the street

The storm water is let into the pond The concept of microclimate is learned form their ancestors.

Toilets are aligned on to the rear either separate or attached

CHETTINAD HOUSES Chettinadu:96 villages distributed in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai and Trichy districts. These houses are built by Nagarathars or the Nattukkotai Chettiar (one of the Tamilndus mercantile groups) Evolution of these house could be divided into four periods: 1. Up to 1880 2. 1860-1920 3. 1920-1950 4. After 1950 Social aspect and security seem to have played an important role in determining the form of these houses.

DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES:

1. UP TO 1880 It is a three partite unit with the following Spaces: Thinnai Koodam Mutram(Courtyard)

DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES: 2. 1880-1920 Vertical expansion one or two floors added Building elements decorated A front room called MUGAPPU between the outside verandah and inside thinnai was added. Kitchen area expanded so that a separate room could be given to each of their married son for cooking

DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSES: 3. 1920 1950 Paid attention to interior design, imported materials were used. British styled furnitures were found Courtyards and halls multiplied important one was the addition of dining hall added directly behind the main courtyard.

4. 1950 ONWARDS Extensive decoration. Addition of modern facilities such as Bath rooms etc., The basic parts of the chettiar houses are as follows: Outer verandah for visitors. Raised platforms in the front & back of the main courtyard Main courtyard with a series of double chamber on either side of it along with the covered passage. A second courtyard for cooking, eating and sleeping of women Secret cellars were kept at the interior acting as a strong room Some houses have courtyards in a staggered manner to avoid vision to female areas

KITCHEN COURT YARD

COURT YARD

VITU ROOMS

CHETTINAD HOUSES- GENERAL FEATURES: 1. Rooms grouped around courtyards 2. Family occasions are planned in the court 3. The second court acts as semiprivate space and the last for kitchen 4. Materials: 5. All have lovely teak, marble or granite pillars supporting a spacious verandah, and the inner courtyards, the domain of the sheltered women. The Burma teak for these lathe turned pillars came from the forests of Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia. 6. Laterite stone, lime mortar, egg while, palm sugar etc., 7. Roof madras terrace, pitched roofs 8. Wooden columns with broad base and capitals are remarkable.

PLINTH They raise their plinth to greater as the town is heard of floods in past years. Other reason is high ground water level. STRUCTURE 1. Simple load bearing structure 2. 12 deep foundation is laid 3. Colored mosaic and stained glass windows are found at high-level people 4. Cornice very immense run throughout to cover the beams laid for the madras terrace roof.

EXTERIOR The exterior is completely ornamented with teak, glass and tiles. The traditional ornamentation details are used throughout the exterior. .

RAISED PLATFORM IN THE FRONT

CONCLUSION The basic style of architecture is that of traditional Chettinad, while the construction material, decor items and furnishings were mostly imported, from east Asian countries.