Chettinad, Historic region in Tamil Nadu, India
Chettinad stretches across 76 villages in the Sivaganga and Pudukottai districts, with Karaikudi serving as its main urban center and covering 1,550 square kilometers (598 square miles). The region is known for its large mansions with elaborate courtyards and wide verandas that reflect the merchant community's residential architecture.
During the 19th century, merchants from this region established trading networks across Southeast Asia and brought wealth and international influences back to their homeland. The prosperity from banking and trade enabled the construction of grand residences that now define the architectural legacy of the area.
The Nattukottai Chettiars constructed their grand homes with limestone walls, teakwood details, and Italian marble, reflecting their commercial success and refined taste. These architectural choices show how the community expressed wealth and cosmopolitanism through building materials imported from distant lands.
Visitors reach the region through the airports in Tiruchirappalli or Madurai, followed by a two-hour drive on well-maintained roads. Most mansions concentrate in the villages around Karaikudi, so travelers can easily explore multiple sites in a single day.
The mansions incorporate building materials from multiple countries, including Burmese teak, Italian marble, and Japanese tiles, creating a distinct architectural style. Many of these buildings now stand empty or are used only occasionally, which accelerates decay and makes preservation efforts urgent.
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