Bahrain Nagarathars

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Who We Are

About Bahrain

The kingdom of Bahrain is one of the Oil rich countries in middle east asia, Bahrain is the dual form of the Arabic word Bahr (meaning literally “sea“), so al-Bahrayn originally means literally “the two seas“.

It’s a land of Islamic countries but more friendly with migrated population to follow their own religion and spiritual activities without disturbing the others freedom. Likewise other Middle east countries its business is mainly focusing on Oil & GAS, Aluminium, Construction and Hospitality is the main core business.

It’s a holy land and people who lives here are more friendly with each other

Who We Are

About Nagarathars

Nagarathars, also known as Nattukottai Chettiyars, are a Tamil mercantile community from Tamil Nadu, India, known for their business acumen, hospitality, and philanthropy. The name Nagarathar literally means “city dwellers,” referring to their ancestral home in the ancient city of Poompuhar, while Nattukottai translates to “country-fort,” a nod to their grand, palatial homes in the countryside. 

t’s a land of Islamic countries but more friendly with migrated population to follow their own religion and spiritual activities without disturbing the others freedom. Likewise other Middle east countries its business is mainly focusing on Oil & GAS, Aluminium, Construction and Hospitality is the main core business.

It’s a holy land and people who lives here are more friendly with each other

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Key aspects of the Nagarathar community:

— Business Acumen: 

Nagarathars are historically renowned for their entrepreneurial skills, particularly in commerce and money lending, and established successful businesses across South and Southeast Asia. 

—Philanthropy: 

They are known for their significant contributions to society, including funding and building temples, schools, and universities. 

— Origin and Name: 

Nattukottai Nagarathars were originally from the ancient land of Naganadu, which is believed to be destroyed (either in an earthquake or floods) and this place was either north or northwest of Kanchipuram.

Nagarathars migrated and lived in the following places:

When they were in Naganadu these Dhana Vaishyas had three different divisions:

  1. Aaru (Six) Vazhiyar
  2. Ezhu (Seven) Vazhiyar
  3. Nangu (Four) Vazhiyar

All these three divisions were devoted to Maragatha Vinayagar. Only after they migrated to the Pandya Kingdom they were called as Ariyurar, Ilayatrangudiyar, and Sundrapattanathar. They celebrate Pillaiyar Nonbu in honor of Vinayagar based on the communal legend that their ancestors got lost at sea at Kaveripoompatinam and prayed for 21 days before reaching a shore.[15][16][17]

Nagarathars of Ilayatrangudiyar were later called as Nattukottai Nagarathar. Ariyurar (Aruviyur) Nagarathars further split into 3 divisions: Vadakku Valavu (North),[18] Therku Valavu (South) and Elur Chetty. Sundrapattanathar Nagarathars migrated to Kollam district in Kerala and their history is completely lost now since there was no record keeping.[6]

The Nattukkottai Nagarathars were originally salt traders and historically an itinerant community of merchants and claim Chettinad as their traditional home.[19] How they reached that place, which at the time comprised adjacent parts of the ancient states of Pudukkottai, Ramnad and Sivagangai, is uncertain, with various legends being recorded. There are various claims regarding how they arrived in that area.[20] Among those are a claim that they were driven there because of persecution by a Chola king named Poovandhi Cholan whilst another states that they left due to Poombuhar’s proximity to the sea when the city was destroyed.[21][22] There are also several legends about the decline in female population prior to moving to the Pandya kindgdom leading to many unmarried men, who were eventually allowed to marry Vellalar women.[21][23] No more details are clear about this story and as to why the Nagarathar left the Chola kingdom and moved away from Kaveripoompattinam to the Pandya kingdom.

— Cultural Heritage: 

The community boasts a rich cultural tradition with unique customs and a strong emphasis on spirituality and hospitality. The nine Hindu temples connected with the Nattukottai Nagarathar community that were built in the 8th century include: Ilayathakudi, Iluppaikkudi, Iraniyur, Mathur, Nemam, Pillayarpatti,[31] Soorakudi, Vairavan, and Velangudi.[32][33] Each temple maintains a count of the number of families associated with it called pulli. Marriage between members of the same temple (pangali) is not allowed.[34][23] Ilayathakudi and Mathur temples have divisions (pirivu), which allows people of different divisions of the same temple to get married.[35][36] Vairavan temple also has divisions but does not follow this rule.[35] Members of Iraniyur and Pillayarpatti cannot intermarry since they are considered family after a pair of brothers were split between the two temples during the 13th century.[33]

— Geographical Concentration: 

While historically The traditional base of the Nattukottai Nagarathars are rooted in the Chettinad region of the present-day state of Tamil Nadu. It comprises a triangular area around northeast Sivagangai, northwest Ramnad and south Pudukkottai., they have a significant presence in other regions and countries, including Singapore , US , Europe, Middle east and Southeast Asia. 

— Famous personalities