[1][2] Leslie in his comparative study of Asian medical systems explains that although Vaidiyar title is adopted by members of Ambattars in Tamil Nadu, only some of them practice medicines and are more highly esteemed than the others who are barbers.
The social life of Tamil Ambattars is regulated by Brahmanical code, who act as priest in their marriage ceremonies.
Similar group is also found in South Travencore who work as physician-surgeons, midwives, barbers and priests.
[8] The Siddhars, the ancient Tamil physicians who claimed to have attained siddhi, hailed mostly from the Ambattar community.
[9] According to the folklore of the Ambattar of Sri Lanka, they arrived in the Jaffna Kingdom as attendants of warriors.