Mansions  of Chettinad

By Divyakshi Gupta

While Chettinad is known for its delectable, spicy cuisine, it is also known for its grand mansions, displaying the wealth of the Chettiars  (merchant community).

This trading community flourished in the 18th century amassing wealth through trade in foreign lands  that explained the opulence of these mansions.

Chettinad is also known for its famous Athangudi tiles. Unlike normal tiles, these tiles are made over glass surfaces and the combinations are extremely eye catchy

Most of these hand made mosaics have traditional designs and some have geometrical patterns.

Doors of the Chettinad mansions  are pieces of art. Each door is approximately 150 years old, built in rock solid Burma teak and it took close to 2.5 years to built one.

The carvings on these ornamental doors are impeccably intricate and have elaborate panels not the top.

Most of these mansions are currently unoccupied. Owners have left them in the care of caketakers and some have been converted into heritage hotels

While Chettinad mansions are proof of the wealth of the Chettiars, the owners lifestyles are simple and their hospitality is a humbling experience. 

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