Vettuvar refers to a caste or social group of people in Tamil Nadu who practised hunting during early days but later adapted agriculture. They are spread throughout Tamil Nadu. They are known by the names Vettuvar, Veduvar, Vedar, Malaivedan, Punnanvettuva gounder, Vettuva gounder, Vettaikarar, Poluva gounder in the different regions of Tamil Nadu.^[1]

In southern Tamil Nadu districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari, they are known by the name Vettuvan or Vetan. In central Tamil Nadu districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai, they are known by the name Vettaikarar. In some western districts and in some of the central districts like Tiruchirapalli, Karur and Perambalur they are known by the name Vettuva Gounders. In Coimbatore district they are known by the name Pooluva Gounders and in Nilgiris district they are known by the name MalaiVedar.^[2]

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