Spatial and communication practices of Chettiar women in their ancestral homes

Abstract

The Chettiars are a mercantile community in Tamil Nadu who built large palatial houses called the Valavu Veedu (ancestral homes). Applying Lefebvre’s theory of space, this study documents spatial and communication practices of Chettiar women belonging to three different generations from three families and how their use of space in their ancestral homes have changed with time. From the data collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews and auto-ethnography, it was found that women who live(d) in the ancestral home are able to relate to spatial norms within the domestic space whereas the younger generations women experience alienation. While Chettiar women suffered from curtailed interpersonal communication, limited access to media, and access to knowledge within the ancestral space, their rights within the domestic space have drastically improved due to change in spatial practices, which include enhanced socialization and exposure to other cultures afforded by modern houses in cities. Appropriation of space occurs when changes in social space affect the perceived space, conceived space, and lived space. When these families lived in modern houses in other towns and cities, the design and architecture affected the lived experience and spatial practices. This change has helped women in appropriating space in the ancestral home.