Chettiars were the moneylenders of old in Singapore before banks became commonplace. During the British colonial rule, they were very prolific. At that time, their businesses were most notably located along Chulia Street and Market Street – the central business district of current-day Singapore.

This miniature Chettiar collectible figurine is accompanied by his pettagam and kaipeti, which were used for storing business documents and cash, as well as a mejai peti which was a slanted-top table box for writing on.