Our Community is prominently seen in South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, and Karnataka. Our community makes up for nearly 15% population of Tamil Nadu, becoming the 3rd most dominant clan in the state.

The ancestral profession of our community concentrated on oil and groceries. Many among our community are still oil extractors. We flourished in agriculture and were also successful in spices trading. Members of our community are widely spread across India.

It is notable that members of our brethren are behind some of the most successful hotels and restaurants in South India. Reputation of the Chettiar culinary skills is famous worldwide. 'Chettinad dishes' are enjoyed by food-lovers across India.

Chettinad; a region of the Sivagangai district in southern Tamil Nadu is the birthplace for all the ethnical customs we follow. A collection of 75 (traditionally 96) villages, is where our ancestral homes stand as a testament for our communities rich legacy. Chettinad- the Land of Heritage & Devotion is the homeland of our ancestors who grew to be a prosperous banking and business community. The 18th century palatial mansions mark the prosperity and rare charm of our community.

The shining stars...

Members of our community have witnessed growth over the centuries. Today members of our brethren stand as shining stars in various fields. We also have many distinguished jurists, educationists, scientists, engineers, politicians, doctors, philosophers, poets, and scholars as part of our large family.

Education is another field we concentrate on. Many members of our community focus on developing the quality of education in every way possible. Notable in this field is S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar, was an industrialist, banker, educationist and philanthropist, who is largely remembered for his social work and endowments in Tamil Nadu. He is the founder of Annamalai University in Chidambaram.

Late R.K.Shanmugam Chettiyar, free India's first finance minister belonged to our community. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram also belongs to our brethren. Another well-known Chettiar is AV Meiyappan, the founder of the legendary AVM studios in Chennai.