What is "setty"

Setty is a variant of the Sanskrit word Shreshti which means an Important person, similar variants of the title are used in various parts of India. Setty and Chettiar is derived from the Tamil and Dravidian language root, eti which means to Trade and not surprisingly all these titles are used mainly by mercantile communities irrespective of their forward or backward caste status.

Communities like Arya Vysya's, Balija's and Ganiga's use the Setty titles and are found in the Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh. Bramhins consider all of these castes as Vaishya's and conduct their day to day rituals and religious rites as per Hindu customs.