THE CHETTIAR HERITAGE

It was an idea from Chennai's noted historian S. Muthiah, more than a decade ago, that culminated in the publication of this book - The Chettiar Heritage.

The book has been authored by S. Muthiah, Meenakshi Meyappan (of the Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu) and Visalakshi Ramaswamy (involved with Dakshin Chitra).

Says Muthiah, "This book is the story of the Chettiars as a community and not as individuals. It traces their influence on regions; right from Mauritius to Vietnam". The 13 chapters of the book cover the history, rituals, architecture, clan temples (or the nagara koils), festivals, artefacts, food and the people of the Chettiar community. This book, of the Chettiars and by the Chettiars, makes for a beautiful coffee table read, though it is priced on the expensive side (Rs.3,000/- ). Of special interest is attention given to the jewellery; for instance, the traditional thali (sacred thread tied at Hindu wedding). Also featured are the palatial mansions in the 76 villages of Chettinad, which were erected from the 19th century onward. The photographs of the interiors and exteriors of Chettinad houses are a visual treat to behold. This 288 page book has over 800 photographs in colour.

Most of the photographs in the book (about 90%) have been shot by Muthuraman, over a period of more than three years.
" We chose Muthuraman because he is a Chettiar and with this inside knowledge of the community he would be able to deliver the goods without us having to be behind him, as the case would have been if we had to get a photographer from Delhi or any other place. And we just did not have the time for it"said S. Muthiah on the choice of the photographer.