The word Brahmin is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit word Brahmana meaning 'knowledge'. The Brahmins were masters of the Vedas and extended advice to the rulers in decision-making. They are also called Ayyar, Aiyar, Ayer, Aiyer or Sastri, Sarma and Bhattar. Brahmins are further divided into two groups of Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins. They are found mostly in Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka are the other states where Brahmin Iyers can be found.