The hospitable land of the Nattukottai Chettiars
aka the Nagarathars, belong to an affluent
banking and business community. They travelled
extensively to the Far East and this explains
the much-used Burma teak, which they commissioned
to India for the construction of their bungalows.
These Chettinad Houses are standing examples
of their glorious past. A typical Chettinad
house follows a structure protocol. The
"thinnai" or the front enclosed
courtyard is a raised platform, serves as
a resting-place for visitors and travellers.
The main door, made of wood will have fine
carvings of creepers, borders and mythological
figures. The main corridor that runs around
the house with classic wooden pillars is
very wide. The central courtyard serves
as the venue for the house ceremonies. Spacious
rooms with large windows and high ceilings.
The plaster mix used on the walls was used
to keep the interiors of the house cool.
