is illaichi dana brown cardamom seeds or green cardamom seeds?

Illaichi just means cardamoms. Without an additional qualifier, it's hard to tell which type the author of the recipe is referring to.

chhoti illaichi (small cardamom) and hari illaichi (green cardamom) both refer to the smaller green variety.

bari illaichi (big cardamom) or kali illaichi (black cardamom) both refer to the large, dark brown variety.

I think the dana refers to grains, or seeds, so none the wiser, really. Can you say whether its from a regional recipe or book, that may help.

i was looking at the sri lankan curry powder on site and it mentioned that ingredient.

thanks.

I've not seen a Sri Lankan curry powder with brown cardamoms in it, so I would think it is green cardamom seeds.

I have friends who are in Sri Lanka whose mother makes Sri Lankan curry powder for a living. When I smelt them (two types, one using roasted spices for beef, and one unroasted for fish and chicken) I could only identify coriander, much to her disgust!!

If you really want confirmation, I could contact my friends in Sri Lanka, but they are busy building a home for their mother!

i did have a look around online and i think you are right about it being green cardamom. i will use the green cardamom seeds.

thanks again.

Yes, dana is indeed seeds, i.e. the little seeds inside the cardamom pods.