Athangudi Palace, Chettinad Overview

Athangudi Palace, nestled in Attangudi, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India, stands as a beacon of Chettinad heritage. Situated approximately 24 km from Karaikkudi, Attangudi is renowned for its palace and distinctive tiles. Chettinad houses, resembling palaces, are scattered across Tamil Nadu, including Karaikkudi, Pallatthur, Attangudi, and Kothamangalam. These architectural marvels feature ornamental works, intricate wood craftsmanship, and a unique blend of construction materials.

A visit to Athangudi Palace is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the rich Chettinad heritage. Opened to the public in the late 2010s, the palace has undergone restoration efforts to maintain its historical significance. While some spots have been meticulously restored, others await skilled resources for preservation. The palace remains a premier attraction in the region, inviting visitors of all ages to experience its aura, deep calmness, and spiritual energy.

Architectural Marvels

Chettinad boasts nearly 7,000 bungalows, some dating back 80–200 years. Constructed by the locals who traveled overseas for business and returned with newfound knowledge, these structures showcase aesthetic sensibilities and innovative building techniques. The construction materials, a mixture of lime, jaggery, egg white, and Kadukkai (Myrobalan), contribute to the buildings' shine and durability. The larger palaces, measuring 60' breadth and 200' length, prioritize aesthetic appeal and natural cooling mechanisms. Teak wood ceilings, Burma teak wood doors, and marble floors imported from Dutch enhance the grandeur. Athangudi tiles, hand-made terracotta tiles, further embellish these palaces with vibrant patterns.

Athangudi Tiles

Athangudi is renowned for its hand-made terracotta tiles crafted from cement, sand, synthetic oxides, and belly jelly. The tiles undergo shaping, sun-drying, and artistic pattern creation, resulting in unique textures and colorful designs. These tiles, found in palaces across Chettinadu, are known for their appeal and are used to adorn houses and lawns. The tiles often feature designs inspired by flora and fauna, adding to their allure.

Brief History: Sri Letchmi Vilas

Chettiars: The Chettiars, originating from Naganadu (Andhra Pradesh), were a merchant community engaged in trading precious stones, spices, and rice. Settling in the present Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts during the 15th century, they played a crucial role in the economic development of the region.

Shri N. Arunachalam Chettiar: Shri N. Arunachalam Chettiar, from Muthupatinam–Athangudi village, engaged in trading and financing activities, particularly with Myanmar. With sound business practices and social capitalism principles, he accumulated surplus funds to fulfill his dream of building a grand house in his hometown.

Construction of Athangudi Palace: In 1929, construction of the house, named "Sri Letchmi Vilas" (after Shri N. AR. Nachiappa Chettiar's beloved mother and daughter), commenced. Completed in 1932, the palace covers 1.08 acres and engaged 150 workers, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship without modern tools or electricity. The loyalty and dedication of the workers, coupled with Shrimathi Meyyammai Achi's involvement, contributed to the palace's perfection.