Village Navanthangal

 Navanthangal: More Than Just a Village – A Community's Unique Story

For those searching for "Navanthangal," it's crucial to understand that this is a locality with a fascinating, deep-rooted history and vibrant community life, often associated with, but distinct from, Adhichanur village in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. 

A Journey from Mystery to Settlement

The community's origins are deeply intertwined with a past shrouded in mystery. They trace their roots back to Somewhere to Andra Pradesh to Kishnapuram Village(2 Last) in Tamil Nadu, Kishnapuram a place known for its mixed heritage. For undisclosed reasons, the community embarked on a significant journey, leading them to their current location, which they then named Navanthangal(Last). This period involved them being "travelers" – not by choice, but likely compelled by the very circumstances that remain a secret. Their original heritage lies in Upper South India or even North, and notably, the first three generations of the community(Only Last five generations in records) are able to speak Telugu, a testament to their linguistic roots.this 

A Structured Community with Deep Roots

Navanthangal is characterized by its organized structure and strong familial bonds:

 * Family Structure: The community is conceptually organized into 20 families, each family tree as a name after the 1 generation of last 5, each with a profound lineage spanning up to 5 generations. Typically, 3 generations are actively living in the locality at any given time.

 * Land Ownership: A reflection of their historical wealth. This vast agricultural land is spread across areas both very close to and further from Navanthangal, with some portions already divided and others awaiting future division.

 * Local Governance: The Village community is self-managed by a dedicated 12-member management committee(Chruch), overseeing its affairs.

 * Physical Layout: The locality is structured around two main streets. The Navanthangal Church, a central and sacred landmark, is strategically located in the middle, where these two streets converge to form "Mary Church Road."

 * Connectivity: Navanthangal benefits from good transportation links, with the Adhichanur Railway Station conveniently situated approximately 850 meters away.

Faith, Enduring Traditions, and a Global Connection

The Christian faith is the cornerstone of Navanthangal's identity and daily life:

 * Prominent Christian Community: The majority of the villagers are Christian, and the Mary Queen Of Heaven Chruch (specifically named Navanthangal Christian) is the heart of their spiritual and communal activities.

 * Church Stewards: Certain residents, spanning all three active generations, reside in the locality year-round. They are selected by the church and dedicate themselves to managing all church-related activities and events.

 * Annual Feast: A major annual celebration is the feast on May 27th. During this time, a mass is conducted in the church, and food is generously provided to everyone in the locality, fostering unity and celebration.

 * The Mumbai Connection & Ancestral Veneration: Many community members have migrated to Mumbai, where they hold various well-organized jobs. Despite the geographical distance, their connection to Navanthangal remains profoundly strong. A unique and deeply moving tradition sees many returning on November 2nd (All Souls' Day) to decorate the coffins of their ancestors, a powerful act of remembrance and ancestral veneration.

 * Naming Practices: While their origins carry a "mystery," it's notable that many individuals have surname as "Chetty" or also "Shetty"

Chetty" (or Chetti) is a title and surname primarily used in South India, derived from the Sanskrit word "Shreshtha" or "Shreshti," meaning "superior" or "wealth". It traditionally designates members of the Vaishya community, particularly those involved in mercantile or trading activities, and is a common surname among these groups in various parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Origin: The term originates from the Sanskrit word śreṣṭha (superior) or śreṣṭhin (a wealthy merchant or superior person).

Significance: It signifies a person of high standing in the trading and mercantile community.  

In essence, Navanthangal is a compelling example of a community defined by its unique migratory past, strong familial and religious bonds, significant historical land ownership, and vibrant traditions that endure across generations and distances.

Locality Name : Naavanthangal ( நாவந்தங்கள் )

Block Name : Mugaiyur

Taluk: Kandachipuram

District : Villupuram

State : Tamil Nadu

Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)

Elevation / Altitude: 75 meters. Above Sea level

Telephone Code / Std Code: 04153