Karaikudi is another important city in the district. Karaikudi known as the capital of Chettinad, which includes Karaikudi and the surrounding 74 villages. Chettinad is named for the prominent "Nattukottai Chettiars" or Nagarathar. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Karaikudi is also home of two famous Institutions, Alagappa University and CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute). Sivaganga