The Dual Fate of Chettinad: Heritage Revival Meets Architectural Erasure
In the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, India, a surge in global interest for the ornate, centuries-old mansions of the merchant Chettiar community is simultaneously driving both sophisticated restoration efforts and the systematic dismantling of historic structures. As of 2024, the aesthetic of the Nattukottai Chettiars—characterized by sprawling courtyards, Burmese teak, and Italian marble—has transitioned…