LONG before Malacca became a central trading port between India and China, Kalingan traders from India had settled down in the land and set up shop.

Over the years, a unique community – the Chitty – emerged from the numerous inter-race unions.

However, the very same thing that helped form the race is now threatening to extinguish it.

Malacca Chitty Association secretary K. Nadarajan Raja has made it his life’s purpose to preserve what is left of the community of 1,500 families living in the Gajah Berang area in Malacca.

“I predict it will be over in 20 or 30 years, because (the race) is shrinking due to mix marriages,” said Nadarajan when visited at his home at the Chitty Village.

K. Nadarajan Raja is the ex-chairman of the Chitty Museum.

His house also serves as a living gallery – the walls are filled with family photos that date back to many decades, and every room in the house hosts rare Chitty artefacts like traditional jewellery and costumes.

“I tell my kids every day that it is very important to learn our tradition. I can only tell them all from my mind,” he said.

Nadarajan is worried that the Chitty culture is being diluted through mixed-race marriages, and that the younger generation will grow up not knowing the community’s customs and culture.

The Chitty community’s efforts to draw attention to their dwindling community include an appeal to the Government for bumiputera status.

Earlier this year Nadarajan highlighted the appeal but despite not having heard from the authorities, he remains in high spirits, determined to continue his efforts.

“We got a lot of support from the Government sector like Jabatan Warisan and Jabatan Muzium,” said Nadarajan. “They support us because they know that the community is very unique. I only wish the Government would produce one book for us so that people will know about this community.”

Clockwise from top left- Chittys gorgeous headwear, footwear and accessories.

He has been documenting the history and customs of the Chitty for years, and he hopes that a book on the community will someday become a reality.

Until then, he will continue to open his house to visitors and tour groups as an alternate effort to preserve the community.

“I hope that the people come to see me to write the book before my ‘CPU’ goes out,” he said, jokingly.