Chettinadu, the land of Chettiars is as old as the 13th century. Chettiars who are distinctly known as ‘Nattukottai Chettiars’, is a trading community, who moved from their older settlement to Karaikkudi region in the south-east part of Tamil Nadu when they were affected by a massive flood as per some historical inscription. Spread in two districts of Sivagangai and Pudukkottai, this powerful community built close to 100 towns that became famous and is collectively reffered to as Chettinadu. The community earned special respect from the ruling dynasty, the Cholas, for their honesty, business-acumen and socio-economic commitment. The nine clan temples granted by the Pandya kings had these villages and townships clustered around them, making up the great Chettinadu region. The temples are known as Surakudi, Velankudi, Illupaikudi, Iraniyur, Nemamkoil, Vairavankoil, Illaiyathangudi, Mathoorand Pillaiyarpatti.
It is estimated that the region houses over 10,000 palatial houses, though most of them have been neglected over a period of time. Some of them still stand tall to the testimony.