The Nassuvan are a caste of Tamil barbers,[1] who also serve as village doctors, and assist in death rituals.[2]
A sub-caste, also Tamil, Nasavan-Vetta was noted in the 1981 Indian census.[3]
Other synonyms for this caste include Navidan, Nasuvan, Nasavan, Nosivan, Maruttuvar and Ambattan
The term Nassuvan may come from the words "unholy", "one who should not be touched", or "one sprung from the nose."[1]
Ambattan derives from the Sanskrit amba (to be near) and stha (to stand); thus "one who stands near his patients to treat them." The term Maruttuvar derives from maruntu (medicine), in reference to their status as village doctors.[2]