The Velans and Mannans eat at the hands of all castes above them, namely, Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Nayars, and Izhuvans. The former take food from Kammalans, while the latter abstain from so doing. They do not eat the food prepared by Kaniyans, Panans, Vilkurups, or other castes of equal or inferior status. They have to stand at a distance of twenty-four feet from Brahmans. They have their own barbers, and are their own washermen. They stand far away from the outer wall of the temples of high castes. They are not allowed to take water from the wells of high caste Sudras, nor are they allowed to live in their midst. The following note on the Velans of Travancore has been furnished by Mr. N. Subramani Iyer. The word Velan has been derived from vel a spear, and also from vela work. The usual title of the Velans is Panikkan. They are believed to be divided into four classes, viz., Bharata Velan, Vaha Velan, Pana Velan, and Manna Velan. While the last of these sections, in addition to their traditional occupation, are washermen and climbers of areca palm trees, the Pana Velans take sawing as a supplementary employment. Some of the members of the first and second classes are also physicians. This classification is gradually going out of vogue. The Velans are said traditionally to have been descended from Siva, who, on one occasion, is believed to have removed the evil effects of the sorcery of demons upon Vishnu by means of exorcism. As this kind of injury began to increase among men, a man and woman were created by this deity, to prevent its dire consequences. In the Keralolpatti, this caste is mentioned as Velakkuruppu. But at present the Puranadis, who are the barbers and priests of this class, are known by this name. A Puranadi means one who stands outside, and is not admitted as of equal rank with the Velans proper. The Puranadis are not washermen. Commensal relations exist only between the male members of the Velans and Puranitis (Puranadi females).