Tracing the myth: The ancient stone bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka -by Kaif Shaikh Source:Interestingengineering If you look at satellite imagery, you will notice a faint hint of a connecting strip between India and Sri Lanka. This is Adam’s Bridge, also known as Ram’s Bridge or Ram Setu (राम सेतु), a vast chain of natural limestone shoals that spans an impressive 30 miles (48 km) over the Indian Ocean. This ancient land bridge is celebrated for its geological, historical, and mythological significance, and it fascinates scientists and scholars alike. Let’s uncover the history, myth, and geology layers that shape this formation. The natural history of Adam’s Bridge/Ram Setu  Adam’s Bridge, linking the Indian island of Rameswaram with Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island, holds significant archaeological and historical importance. Once passable by foot until the 15th century, it has been shaped by natural forces over millennia. Geological surveys, including those by ...

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The Mythical Origins of Adams Bridge – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Website: www.Doctorharold.com Historical significance and mythical beliefs surrounding the Adams Bridge: According to Hindu mythology, Adam’s Bridge was constructed by the vanara (monkey) army of Lord Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana, to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Hello viewers, today’s discussion deviates from a medical topic to a mythical story about a bridge built by monkeys, or Hanumans, as they were called in the Ramayana epics. Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama Setu, is a limestone shoal chain connecting India’s Rameswaram Island to Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island. The natural rock formations visible at the sea’s surface have captivated people for centuries due to their mythological associations with the Hindu epic Ramayana. Mythological Significance According to Hindu mythology, the Adams Bridge was constructed by the vanara (monkey) army of the divine hero ...

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Talaimannar Pier: A Gateway to the Past and Present of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka Nestled at the northernmost tip of Mannar Island, Talaimannar Pier is more than just a historical landmark in Sri Lanka; it’s a symbol of the island’s rich heritage and its strategic importance in the region. This picturesque pier has witnessed centuries of history, from ancient maritime routes to colonial influences, making it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique experience. Historical Significance Talaimannar Pier holds a special place in Sri Lankan history. It was once a vital link in the transportation network between Sri Lanka and India, particularly during the British colonial period. The pier was part of the Indo-Ceylon Railway, connecting the Indian town of Rameswaram with the Sri Lankan rail network. This link facilitated trade, travel, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The railway service, ...

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Adam’s Bridge – indicating a primordial bond – By Arundathie Abeysinghe A chain of pale gold limestone shoals that stretch between *Mannar Island, off the Northwestern coast of Sri Lanka and Rameswaram, off the Southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu indicate an ancient connection between Sri Lanka and India by land. According to chronicles, during the British Colonial Era, the British had named this chain of limestone shoals as “Adam’s Bridge” after the theistic legend regarding *Adam, the first man on the Earth. The British were of the view that Adam had used this bridge to reach *Adam’s Peak. The Bridge is also known as “Rama’s Bridge” or “Ram Setu”.   The Indian epic *Ramayana has also described a bridge over the ocean connecting India with Sri Lanka. According to the epic the credit of constructing the Bridge is attributed to the ape army that was assisting *Rama in his war ...

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A Journey to Mannar and the ‘Dancing Islands’ – 1 – by Nimal Chandrasena  “Imagine being on one of those legendary islands of ‘Adams Bridge’ or ‘Rama Setu’ of the Ramayana fame! Many centuries ago, this 30 km stretch was a natural bridge connecting Sri Lanka to the southern tip of India; now, the ocean has reclaimed its own, leaving a only a chain of sprinkled islands. On 9 December 2011, I and a few friends were standing on the second island of the chain of limestone shoals between the Rameshwaran Island, off the south-eastern coast of India’s Tamil Nadu and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. If the legends and folklore regarding Rama, Seetha, Ravana and Hanuman are to be believed, this ‘bridge’ is a critical part of the Sri Lanka’s past.  The Indian Ocean gently lapped my feet; and the warm sand ‘sucked’ at my ...

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