Tamilakam refers to the ancient Tamil country, and the correct answer is option 2. Tamilakam encompassed the land between the present-day Tirupati hills and the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. This region included areas that are currently part of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Sri Lanka, as mentioned in option 1, was not part of Tamilakam.
Option 3, which states that Tamilakam included present-day Tamil Nadu and Mid Maharashtra, is incorrect. There is no historical evidence to support the inclusion of Maharashtra in Tamilakam. Similarly, option 4, which includes Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka, is also incorrect. While Kerala and parts of Karnataka were once part of Tamilakam, Telangana was not included.
It is important to note that the boundaries of ancient kingdoms were not fixed, and they varied over time. However, based on historical records and evidence, option 2 is the most accurate description of the extent of Tamilakam.