The stem "Eela" is found in Prakrit inscriptions dated to 2nd century BC in Sri Lanka in personal names such as "Eela-Barata" and "Eela-Naga". The meaning of "Eela" in these inscriptions is unknown although one could deduce that they are either from "Eela" a geographic location or were an ethnic group known as "Eela". From the 19th century onwards, sources appeared in South India regarding a legendary origin for caste of toddy drawers known as "Eelavar" in the state of Kerala. These legends stated that "Eelavar" were originally from Eelam.