Hybridity and Ethnic Invisibility of the “Chitty” Heritage Community of Melaka

A long-standing Tamil community in Melaka, known as the 'Chitty,' has played a significant but underrecognized role in shaping the city's sociocultural and economic landscape over seven centuries. Despite their marginal numbers, the Chitty have demonstrated remarkable adaptability through hybridity, allowing them to navigate shifting political, economic, and demographic dynamics. However, their ethnic visibility has diminished due to the influx of newer Indian migrants, leading to a paradoxical 'ethnic invisibility' despite their historical contributions. The study combines historiography and ethnographic observations to highlight this community's enduring yet overlooked legacy in Melaka.

Moorthy, R. (2021). Hybridity and Ethnic Invisibility of the “Chitty” Heritage Community of Melaka. Heritage, 4(2), 554–566. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4020033