Editing Nagarathar (section)

===Varna classification===
In the absence of a proper ''chaturvarna'' (four-fold varna) system in South India, the Nattukottai Nagarathars (also known as Chettiars) have been classified as high-class [[Vaishya]]s (merchant caste) due to their extensive involvement in trade, finance, and banking activities.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chandrasekhar |first=Sripati |year=1980 |title=The Nagarathars of South India: An Essay and a Bibliography on the Nagarathars in India and South-East Asia |publisher=Macmillan |location=New York |page=22}}</ref> Their economic prominence and wealth elevated their social status, and they were often considered above [[Brahmins]] in certain contexts.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Bayly |first=Susan |year=1989 |title=Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700–1900 |journal=Cambridge University Press |volume=1 |pages=317–318 |isbn=978-0521372015}}</ref>

In addition to their economic prominence, the Nattukottai Nagarathars have been renowned for their philanthropic contributions to religious and social causes. They donated generously to the construction, renovation, and maintenance of numerous [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]] temples across Tamil Nadu and other regions, leaving a lasting legacy in the religious and cultural heritage of South India.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ramaswamy |first=Vijaya |title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780810864450 |location=Lanham |page=146}}: "The Chettiars donated vast sums for the construction of temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, with their wealth leaving a religious legacy."</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Raman |first=K. R. |year=2010 |title=The Temple Town Economy in South India |publisher=Routledge |location=London |page=68 |isbn=9780415544597}}: "The Nagarathars funded several iconic temples, especially in Tamil Nadu, as a mark of their religious devotion and status."</ref> This charitable tradition further elevated their social standing and cemented their role as patrons of South Indian religious institutions.

Furthermore, some Nattukottai Nagarathars ascended to kingship through their wealth and influence. Although kings are traditionally associated with the [[Kshatriya]] varna in the ''chaturvarna'' system, the Nattukottai Nagarathars' rise to power was based on their economic achievements rather than hereditary lineage.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ramaswamy |first=Vijaya |title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780810864450 |location=Lanham |page=145}}</ref>