It is noted, in the Mysore Census Report, 1891, that "the caste divides itself into two main branches, the Kallu and Mannu Vaddas, between whom there is no social intercourse of any kind, or intermarriage. The former are stone-workers and builders, and more robust than the latter, and are very dexterous in moving large masses of stone by rude and elementary mechanical appliances. They are hardy, and capable of great exertion and endurance. The Kallu Vaddas consider themselves superior to the Mannu Vaddas (earth diggers). Unlike the Kallu Vaddas, the Mannu Vaddas or Bailu Vaddas are a nomadic tribe, squatting wherever they can find any large earthwork, such as deepening and repairing tanks, throwing up embankments, and the like. They are expert navvies, turning out within a given time more hard work than any other labouring class." The Mannu Oddēs eat rats, porcupines, and scaly ant-eaters or pangolins (Manis pentadactyla).
Of exogamous septs, the following may be cited: —
| Bandollu, rock. | Sampangi (Michelia |
| Bochchollu, hairs. | Champaca). |
| Cheruku, sugarcane. | Thātichettu, palmyra palm. |
| Enumala, buffalo. | Bandāri (Dodonœa viscosa). |
| Goddali, axe. | Dēvala, belonging to god. |
| Gampa, basket. | Donga, thief. |
| Idakottu, break-down. | Malle, jasmine. |
| Jambu (Eugenia | Panthipattu, pig-catcher. |
| Jambolana). | Panthikottu, pig-killer. |
| Kōmāli, buffoon. | Upputhōluvaru, salt-carrier. |
| Santha, a fair. | Pitakāla, dais on which a |
| Sivarātri, a festival, | priest sits, |
| Manchāla, cot. | Thappata, drum. |
At the Mysore census, 1901, a few returned gōtras, such as arashina (turmeric), huvvina (flowers), honna (gold), and akshantala (rice grain).
