the tamil meaning of "eelam" is homeland. the word "ஈழம்" (eelam) has similarities with the tamil word "இல்லம்" (illam), which means home or homeland. the earliest use of the word is found in a tamil-brahmi inscription as well as in the sangam literature. the tirupparankunram inscription found near madurai in tamil nadu and dated on palaeographical grounds to the 1st century bce, refers to a person as a householder from eelam ("eela-kudumpikan"). the inscription reads,