What is "valaiyar"

The Valaiyar, or Valaiyars (also Valiyans) are a Tamil-speaking community found in parts of Tamil Nadu. They are one of the subcastes of the Mutharaiyar community. The name Valaiyar is derived from valai or valei (meaning "to net"), and they have traditionally engaged in netting game in the jungle. Many of them still live in by netting, some catch fish, and others smelt iron.