24 Manai Telugu Chettiars

The 24 Manai Telugu Chettiar (24MTC) also called as Sadhu Chetty/Telugu Chetty is a community who are predominantly found in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana in India, as well as Sri Lanka.

24 Manai Telugu Chettiar (24MTC)
Religions	Hinduism
Languages	Telugu
Country	India
Populated states	Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana

Origin, Etymology and history

They were a section of Balija community that later developed into a distinct one. They usually speak Telugu. In North Arcot district they are called Telugu Chettis (Chetti). They have 24 gotras.^[1] They, along with many other Telugu communities have been documented to have migrated into Tamil Nadu during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Occupation

The 24MTC were born as royals (epics) and become traders in Kanchipuram Mandalam(history). They came to Tamil Nadu during the period of Krishnadevaraya a telugu dynasty(Vijayanagara), and took up trading in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The modern day community is predominantly involved in business, industry, and petty trade. The total population of 24MTC is around 1 million in Tamil Nadu. As per Hindu Varna System, the community is categorized as Vaishyas (merchants) or Yaga Kshatriyas. They have been listed as a section of Balijas. They are known as Desais (Superintendent of all Right-hand castes). Mummudiyar Suriyanar who ruled Kanchipuram under cholas is from this community.

Community Sub-divisions or clans

Their 24 gotras are further divided into groups of sixteen and eight.^[2] Usually marriage is forbidden between members of the same group, but permitted between members of the sixteen and eight gotras.^[3]

Among the names of the gōtras as per the historians, are the following: Vasava,^[4] Vamme, Mummudi,^[5] Pilli Vankaravan, Makkiduvan,^[6] Thallelan, Gendagiri,^[7] Madalavan, Piligara,^[8] Mukkanda,^[9] Vadiya,^[10] Thonda, Kōla.

Present forms of gotras or clans^[11]
16 Veedu: Mummudiyar, Tharishiyavar, Kolavar, Kanithiyavar, Thillaiyavar, Paluvidhiyar, Chennaiyavar, Mathalaiyavar, Kothavangavar, Rajabhairavar, Vammaiyar, Kappavar, Vachiyavar, Kenthiyavar, Naliviraiyavar, Surayavar, Gandavangavalar
8 Veedu: Makkadaiyar, Korahaiyar, Marattaiyar, Kavalaiyar, Pillivangavar, Thavalaiyar, Soppiyar, Kottavar, Nalabakshiyavar