“Renovation expenses of Chettinad’s homes can run into thousands of dollars. And, this is not a one-time cost, these buildings require regular upkeep and repair,” Rajivkumar defined. “Add to that a lack of interest among multiple owners, and conservation becomes a herculean task.”

But each Meyyappan and Chandramouli are optimistic. “Only 10% of Chettinad’s mansions have received tourist makeovers so far, whereas 30% have been completely destroyed. It is our job to resuscitate the remaining 60% by working together as a community,” Chandramouli stated.

Meyyappan, who has not too long ago kick-started the annual Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival, goals to breathe new life into the ruined mansions by reviving curiosity in Chettinad’s historical past and tradition. “Awareness is crucial for our conservation efforts and this festival, which will be held in August-September every year, is our first step towards achieving it,” she informed me.

Although Chettinad stays comparatively unknown even in India, its forgotten mansions are seeing a sluggish revival because of the efforts of native champions. With one easy purpose – preservation of the Chettiar legacy – on their minds, and many grit and dedication, the likes of Meyyappan and Chandramouli will not be giving up.

Heritage Architecture is a BBC Travel sequence that explores the world’s most attention-grabbing and strange buildings that outline a spot by way of aesthetic magnificence and creative methods of adapting to native environments.

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