A sneak peak into the Chettinad Era💐
The Culture and Heritage of Chettinad
Chettinad is a place in Tamil Nadu famous for its heritage and has even been listed in UNESCO’s nomination for places of historic and cultural value. The land is famous for its fashion, cuisine and architecture. It is also called a land of temples, with a large number of Hindu temples built by early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas. The influence of the temples are quite evident in their fashion and jewellery as well.
When speaking of traditional jewellery in the south, despite which state you are from, chettinad jewellery holds a unique place in your mind. Chettinad jewellery is a part of celebrations of SouthIndian Hindu culture and every piece of jewellery has its own tale to share. Chettinad jewellery designs are a result of generations of mastery passed on by goldsmiths.They clearly display an extensive eye and talent of the goldsmith for detailing.
Chettinad jewellery are mostly temple jewellery styled. The gold necklace designs are mostly antique and hand crafted, and are heavy jewellery with intricate designs. Chettinad necklaces, bangles and rings are often seen featuring designs or patterns of Hindu deities and goddesses as well. In latest Chettinad necklaces precious stones like rubies and emeralds are also embellished. These classic royal colors further adds richness to the designs.
The Chettinad necklace is a style statement and a show stopper. A single necklace completes the bridal look. The necklace looks best with the traditional pattusaree. As beautiful as it is as a single piece it also goes well accompanied by other chains. For a complete traditional bridal look, one has to accompany chettinad necklace with chettinad bangles and earrings as well.
A Chettinad necklace is a must have for every south Indian bride. The gold necklace antique design is a timeless piece of jewellery and will retain its beauty generations later too.
Chettinad is a wonderful small town which has the remnants of its glorious past. Chettinad is famous for its houses and buildings. Chettinad is the homeland of Natukottai Chettiar also known as the Nagarathars. The Chettiars who are the residents of Chettinad are considered to be the pioneers of banking. Legends say that the Pandyan King of 13th century invited the people of Chettinad to stay here..They were a big business community which gave the city the name of Chettinad.
A Tour to Chettinad will be an extremely enriching experience for the tourist as the place is full with rich cultural heritage, exotic food and remarkable specimens of Dravidian architecture. Chettinad is well known for its mansions, temples and culinary delicacies.
Take a tour to Chettinad and smell the age old remnants which history has left behind in Chettinad.
Chettinad Mansions: The most important tourist attractions of Chettinad are its mansions. The elaborately decorated, intricate design and unique feature of the Chettinad mansions makes them a class apart.
Chettinad Palace: Built in accordance with Chettinad style of architecture, the Chettinad Palace was constructed for the royal Alagappa Chettiar in 1912. Stained glass, teak, tiles, granite and wrought iron work truly makes the Chettinad Palace a work of art.
Chettinad Temples: There are a number of temples in Chettinad like Vairavan Kovil Temple, Karpaga Vinayakar temple, Kundrakudi Murugan temple, Kottaiyur Sivan temple, etc.
Besides this the Chettinad artwork, sarees and Athangudi Tiles from Chettinad are also famous.
~Shamita Prashanth