Those who assume an indigenous origin say that Nalavar are derived from a Sinhalese social group speculated to be Nilavo that was left behind during the ascendancy of the Jaffna Kingdom where as competing theory suggests that Nalavar are similar in composition to Sanar or Nadar of Tamil Nadu who have a different local name.
Nalavar |
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, they are variously known as Edigas, Goud, Billava, Bhandari, Srisayana, or Setti Balijas and Nadar, Illathu Pillaimar in Tamil Nadu and Jaiswal, Poojary in Maharastra and Nalavar, Durave in Sri Lanka and also spread over in different cstes name in all over India.