 It
was an idea from Chennai's noted historian S. Muthiah, more
than a decade ago, that culminated in the publication of this book
-
The Chettiar Heritage.
The book has been authored by S. Muthiah, Meenakshi Meyappan
(of the Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu) and Visalakshi Ramaswamy
(involved with Dakshin Chitra).
 Says
Muthiah, "This book is the story of the Chettiars as a community
and not as individuals. It traces their influence on regions; right
from Mauritius to Vietnam". The 13 chapters of the book cover
the history, rituals, architecture, clan temples (or the nagara
koils), festivals, artefacts, food and the people of the Chettiar
community. This book, of the Chettiars and by the Chettiars, makes
for a beautiful coffee table read, though it is priced on the expensive
side (Rs.3,000/- ). Of special interest is attention given to the
jewellery; for instance, the traditional thali (sacred thread
tied at Hindu wedding). Also featured are the palatial mansions in
the 76 villages of Chettinad, which were erected from the 19th century
onward. The photographs of the interiors and exteriors of Chettinad
houses are a visual treat to behold. This 288 page book has over 800
photographs in colour.
 Most
of the photographs in the book (about 90%) have been shot by Muthuraman,
over a period of more than three years.
" We chose Muthuraman because he is a Chettiar and with this inside
knowledge of the community he would be able to deliver the goods without
us having to be behind him, as the case would have been if we had
to get a photographer from Delhi or any other place. And we just did
not have the time for it"said S. Muthiah on the choice of
the photographer.
Author - Joseph Pradeep Raj R |
