Total population | |
---|---|
~5000[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
![]() ![]() | |
Languages | |
Chitty Malay · Malay · English | |
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Tamils · Telugus · Malays · Peranakan · Indian Malaysians · Indian Singaporeans |
The Chitty, also known as the Chetty or Chetti Melaka, are a distinctive group of South Indian originated people found mainly and initially in Melaka, Malaysia, where they settled around the 16th century, and in Singapore where they migrated to in the 18th and 19th centuries from Melaka. They are also known as the "Indian Peranakans" and have adopted Malay (mostly) and Chinese cultural practices whilst also retaining their Hindu faith and heritage.[2] In the 21st century, their population stands at 2,000. The Chitty/Chetti community are different from Chettiar, bankers brought from Tamil Nadu to British Malaya. They practise Hindus.