Chettiar

The term Chettiar (Chetty) is a title used by various mercantile, agricultural and land owning castes in South India, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is primarily used by trading communities. In Tamil Nadu, 14% of the population is Chettiar and are categorised as OBC by the Government of India.

"Chetty" derives from the Sanskrit word Shreshti, meaning wealth. It has variants in other parts of India, such as the Setji term used by the Marwaris of Rajasthan.. All of these are mercantile castes.

History

The Chettiar claim a legendary relationship with the Hindu god Murugan (also called Subramaniam).

Social status

The Nattukottai Chettiar are elite bankers.

See also

References

Further reading