Chetti Melakans

Association of Chetti Melaka (Peranakan Indians) Singapore
chempakas logo high res

The Chetti Melakans are descendants of the adventurous South Indians, particularly the Tamils, who sailed across the Indian Ocean to trade with countries in Southeast Asia.

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They traded with Melaka during the Melaka Sultanate (1402 – 1511) and some married the indigenous Malay, Javanese and Batak women during their sojourn. Thus their off-springs became known as Chetti Melakans. The word “ Chetti ” means “Merchants”. Over the years some have also married the Chinese Babas and Nonyas. So many Chetti Melakans (Peranakan Indians) are descendants of at least 3 races.

From Melaka the Chetti Melakans migrated south to Singapore in the nineteenth and early twentieth century in search of their fortune. They settled in what is known as Little India today. Most Singaporeans are not aware of the presence of this minority of the Indian Community.

In April 2006, author Dhoraisingam S Samuel published the book, “ Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka – Indian Babas and Chetti Melaka Nonya.”Samuel History of Chetti

This book created much awareness of the Chetti Melaka in Singapore. Hence the Chetti Melakan (Peranakan Indians) Association was inaugurated in 2008 by Singapore’s former president, S R Nathan.

The Chetti Melaka Association, together with its counterpart, The Peranakan Association of Singapore and Gunung Sayang Association are dedicated to promote the peranakan heritage and culture.

Of the three peranakan associations in Singapore, the Association of Chetti Melaka (Peranakan Indians) of Singapore may be the youngest in terms of incorporation, however, they are the oldest peranakans in terms of lineage with their history tracing back to A.D1402.