The Chettiars earned enormous wealth from these countries but the run was short-lived. "The joy of independence in those lands in the years after World War II had a traumatic effect on the Chettiars," write the book's authors S Muthiah, Meenakshi Meyappan and Visalakshi Ramas-wamy. The Chettiars, who had gained from the goodwill they had with the British, had to wind up businesses and return home. "The villages of Chettinad had shrunk to 75 in number and many a Chettiar had to sink new roots in parts far from Chettinad."

Education has helped the community bounce back, building on their strong background in banking and industry. They went on to found institutions like Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank and Life Insurance Corporation. Though the community has moved on, its members are still close-knit and guard their traditions. "In the 75 villages in the 600 sq miles that is Chet-tinad, there remain the relics of the communi-ty's most glorious era. Year-long empty houses come to life now and then when owners come back for rituals going back centuries. And when that happens, you get a glimpse once again of the fabled Chettiar hospitality and the renowned Chettiar cuisine," says the book. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/A-community-with-deep-business-cultural-ties/articleshow/40965737.cms