It is noted [89] in connection with the various classes of Nambutiri Brahmans that "the Vaidyans or physicians, known as Mussads, are to study the medical science, and to practice the same. As the profession of a doctor necessitates the performance of surgical operations entailing the shedding of blood, the Mussads are considered as slightly degraded." Further information concerning native medicine-men will be found in the articles on Kusavans and Mandulas. Vaikhanasa.--Followers of the Rishi Vaikhanasa. They are Archaka Brahman priests in the Telugu country. Vairavan Kovil.--An exogamous section or kovil (temple) of Nattukottai Chetti. Vairavi.--The equivalent of Bairagi or Vairagi. Recorded, in the Madras Census Report, 1901, as "a sub-caste of Pandaram. They are found only in the Tinnevelly district, where they are measurers of grain, and pujaris in village temples." In the Madura district, Vairavis are members of the Melakkaran caste, who officiate as servants at the temples of the Nattukottai Chettis. Vaisya.--Vaisya is the third of the traditional castes of Manu. "It is," Mr. Francis writes, [90] "doubtful whether there are any true Dravidian Vaisyas, but some of the Dravidian trading castes (with the title Chetti), notably the Komatis, are treated as Vaisyas by the Brahmans, though the latter do not admit their right to perform the religious ceremonies which are restricted by the Vedas to the twice-born, and require them to follow only the Puranic rites. The Muttans (trading caste in Malabar) formerly claimed to be Nayars, but recently they have gone further, and some of them have returned themselves as Vaisyas, and added the Vaisya title of Gupta to their names. They do not, however, wear the sacred thread or perform any Vedic rites, and Nayars consider themselves polluted by their touch." Some Vellalas and Nattukottai Chettis describe themselves as being Bhu (earth) Vaisyas, and some Gollas claim to be regarded as Go(cow) Vaisyas. [90] Some Ganigas and Nagartas call themselves Dharmasivachar Vaisyas, [91] and, like the Canarese Ganigas (oil-pressers), the Tamil oil-pressers (Vaniyan) claim to rank as Vaisyas. Vaisya Brahman is noted [92] as being a curious hybrid name, by which the Konkani Vanis (traders) style themselves. A small colony of "Baniyans," who call themselves Jain Vaisyas, is said [93] to have settled in Native Cochin. Vaisya is recorded as the caste of various title-holders, whose title is Chetti or Chettiyar, in the Madras Quarterly Civil List. Vajjira (diamond).--An exogamous sept of Toreya. Vakkaliga.--See Okkiliyan. Valagadava.--An occupational name for various classes in South Canara, e.g., Sappaligas, Mogilis, and Patramelas, who are engaged as musicians.