Nagartha

The Nagartha or Nagarta are a Hindu caste of south India of merchants or agriculturalists. The Nagartha are rich and powerful people and also covered under OBC and BC categories which entitles the community reservations for jobs and political representation.The poorer members of the community have benefited immensely by such government policies and bringing economic equality with in the community. Traditionally the Nagartha were merchants and sometimes farm owners who did not work their own land. Now, in addition to being merchants, Nagartha are bankers and work in the private sector.

The Nagartha live in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Most Nagartha live in urban areas.

The bramhins consider them as Vaishyas and perform the Vedic rituals conducted as per the rites of Bramhins and Vaishyas. Nagartha consider themselves Vaishya and for this reason they practice Brahmin marriage and funeral rites. The honorific suffix added to their personal names is Chetty.

Subdivisions

The Nagartha are divided into two main sects and a number of smaller sects. The Námadhári sect worship the god Vishnu and the Śiwáchár or Lingadhari worship Shiva. The Śiwáchár wear a lingam.