for caste of toddy drawers known as Eelavar in the state of Kerala. These legends stated that Eelavar were originally from Eelam. The consciousness of the South Indian Eelavar caste being of Sri Lankan origin is not older than 150–200 years. Names of Sri Lanka The following words are cognates: Eelam, Eela, I'la, E'lu, He'la, Seeha'la, Simha'la, Sinhala, Greek Salai and Seiladiba, the Arab Serendib, Portuguese Ceilão and the colonial Ceylon. References Further reading External links Detailed etymology of Eelam Sri Lankan Tamil history Tamil Eelam Names of Sri Lanka