Arya.--Arya or Ariya (noble) occurs as a class of Pattar Brahmans, a division of Samagaras, and an exogamous sept of Kurubas. Some Pattanavans call themselves Ariya Nattu Chetti (Chettis of the country of chiefs), Ariyar, or Ayyayirath Thalaivar (the five thousand chiefs).
Asadi.--The Asadis of the Bellary district are summed up, in the Madras Census Report, 1901, as "a sub-caste of Mala or Holeya, which, in Bellary, are almost interchangeable terms. They are prostitutes and dancers." Among the Madigas, men called Asadi, who have undergone an initiation ceremony, go about, in company with the Matangis (dedicated prostitutes), playing on an instrument called the chaudike, and singing the praises and reciting the story of Ellamma. (See Madiga.)
Asan (teacher).--The title of Variyans, who have held the hereditary position of tutors in noblemen's families. Also a title of Pisharati and Kanisan.
Asari.--In most parts of the Madras Presidency, Mr. H. A. Sturat writes, "Asari (or Achari) is synonymous with Kammalan, and may denote any of the five artizan castes, but in Malabar it is practically confined to the carpenter caste. The Asari of Malabar is the Brahman of the Kammala castes. The Kammala castes generally pollute Nayars by approaching within twelve feet, and Brahmans by coming within thirty-six feet; but an Asari with his measuring rod in his hand has the privilege of approaching very near, and even entering the houses of higher castes without polluting them. This exception may have arisen out of necessity." At the census, 1901, some Sayakkarans (Tamil dyers) returned Asari as a title.
In a Government office, a short time ago, the head clerk, a Brahman named Rangachari, altered the spelling of the name of a Kammalan from Velayudachari to Velayudasari in the office books, on the ground that the former looked Brahmanical.
Ashtakshari (eight syllables).--A sub-division of Satanis, who believe in the efficacy of the eight syllables om-na-mo-na-ra-ya-na-ya in ensuring eternal bliss. The name ashtabhukkulu, or those who eat the eight greedily, also occurs as a sub-division of the same people.
Ashtalohi.--The name, meaning workers in eight metals, of a small class of Oriya artizans. According to one version the eight metals are gold, silver, bell-metal, copper, lead, tin, iron, and brass; according to another, gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, load-stone, iron, and steel.