This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2013) |
The 24 Manai Telugu Chettiar (24MTC) is a Dravidian trading caste. They speak Tamil and Telugu languages and are found predominantly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana in India, as well as Sri Lanka.
| 24 Manai Telugu Chettiar(24MTC) | |
|---|---|
| Languages | Telugu , Tamil |
| Populated states | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Etymology and history edit
The 24 Manai Telugu chettiar is Telugu and Tamil speaking community in South Indian states, predominantly in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.They are considered to be the descendants of Kasi king Pritheeshwar according to mythological evidences. King Pritheeshwar got 24 children(16 men, 8 women) after praying to Goddess Kanchi Kamakshi. Pritheeshwar married their men children with Gantharva Kula women, and his women children with Gantharva Kula men. . Mumudiyaar Suriyanar, who ruled kanchipuram under the Cholas, is from this community. 24 Manai Telugu chettiar are often referred as Yaga Kshatriya, Shetty, Setty, Chetty. whereas many Chettiyar title using communities are termed as Vaishyas. The other orgin says about Valanjiyar who were the royal cheiftains under cholas were the old name of This community Under rajendra chola these Valanjiyar setty commanders were sent to chalukya country to expand chola country. During the heavy collapse of chola kingdom in Tamil country made them to lose contact and settled in chalukya country.