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Stupas of Delft Island – evidence of earliest human habitation – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Known as “Neduntivu” or “Nedunthivu” by residents in Jaffna, Delft Island is commonly referred as “Delft Island”, inherited from Dutch Colonials during their rule in Jaffna. Although, Delft Island is a vast island, it is mostly uninhabited. At the northwestern coast of Delft Island, there are ruins of three ancient Buddhist stupas (dagobas) known as “Cholan ruins.” Two stupas are of medium or small size, yet the largest stupa has a circumference of 32 meters. Their ground walls are restored by the Department of Archaeology. Buddhist ruins on the Island were first reported in 1832, by a person utilizing the pseudonym “Pen” (PENN) to “Colombo Journal” newspaper. Around the main stupa, there are remains of four smaller stupas. All these are bell shaped. There had been two stupas on the sides of the steps towards the ...