Origins — From Naganadu to Chettinad

Called Nagarathar (literally “town-dwellers”), the community traces its memory to ancient lands known as Naganadu and later to Kanchipuram and Poompuhar. Over centuries their many sub-groups coalesced into the Nattukottai identity — builders of distinctive mansions, temple patrons, and guardians of trade knowledge.

“Our name says where we lived; our work says who we became.”

Migration & Rebirth — Turning Loss into Beginning

When the ancient port of Poompuhar fell to the sea and other crises forced movement, Nagarathars migrated and rebuilt. Those upheavals hardened communal bonds: traditions such as the Pillaiyar Nonbu, temple guardianship, and the nine pulli system became the social scaffolding for regeneration.

“From the shore that took our city, we sailed toward a future we would shape.”

Trade & Banking — From Salt to Southeast Asia

Beginning as commodity traders, Nagarathars expanded across Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaya, Singapore and beyond. Their reputation, meticulous ledgers and credit networks acted as early banking systems — enabling diaspora merchants to build houses, moneylending networks, and eventually formal banks.

“We carried ledgers, not luggage — and those ledgers carried futures.”

Institutions — Wealth That Built Public Good

Rather than hoarding wealth, many leaders invested in the public sphere: banks, insurance firms, schools, colleges and temples. Institutions like Indian Overseas Bank and Alagappa University are living proof — capital reinvested as opportunity for hundreds of thousands.

“Our fortunes were laid as foundations for schools, hospitals and temples.”

Today — Values & Continuity

Today the Nagarathar story isn’t only past achievement. It’s a living culture: discipline, reputation, long-term thinking and philanthropy. From mansion restoration projects to modern entrepreneurs and public servants, their legacy continues as a blueprint for ethical enterprise.

“Business with values. Wealth that serves.”