Vettuva refers to a caste or social group of people in Tamil Nadu who practised hunting during early days but later adapted agriculture.The name has its origin from vettakar which means hunters. They are spread throughout Tamil Nadu. They are known by the names Vettuvar, Veduvar, Vedar, Malaivedan, Vettaikarar, in the different regions of Tamil Nadu
In southern Tamil Nadu districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari, they are known by the name Vettuvan (not to be confused with Vettuva Gounder) or Vetan. In central Tamil Nadu districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai, they are known by the name Vettaikarar. In Coimbatore district and in Nilgiris district they are known by the name MalaiVedar. InErode district, they are referred to as Kongunadu Vettuva Gounder. They are largely found in Coimbatore, tirupur, namakkal , karur, erode and tiruchy districts respectively