3. Introduction
Rama Setu is a chain of limestone shoals between India and
Sri Lanka. It holds religious significance in Hindu mythology as
the mythical bridge built by Lord Rama to rescue his wife Sita
from the demon king Ravana.
4. • The Ram Setu bridge, also known as Adam's Bridge, gets
its name from early Islamic sources linking it to Adam's
Peak in Sri Lanka. According to the sources, Adam crossed
this bridge from Sri Lanka to India after his expulsion from
the Garden of Eden.
5. Geological Information
• The Geological Survey of India stated that between
7,000 and 18,000 years ago, the islands of
Rameswaram, India, and Talaimannar, Sri Lanka
were exposed.
• The “bridge” is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates
the GULF OF Mannar from the Palk Strait .
• Some of the sandbanks are dry, and many of the
shoals are less than 4 feet (1 metre) deep.
• Latitude: Approximately 9.29° N (Rameswaram) to
8.97° N (Mannar Island)
• Longitude: Approximately 79.31° E (Rameswaram)
to 79.99° E (Mannar Island)
• It is not a continuous bridge but a series of
formations.
6. Historical and Cultural Significance
• Valmiki’s Ramayana, a Hindu epic,
first mentioned the famous Ram
Setu bridge. It is mythologically
believed to be constructed by Lord
Rama’s Vanara Sena.
• Nala, a vanara from the sena, is
considered the chief engineer
behind the bridge who instructed
other members of the sena to build
the bridge.
• The bridge was constructed to help
Lord Ram reach Lanka in order to
rescue his wife Sita from Raavana.
7. • Divine Assistance: In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama sought divine intervention
to build the bridge (Ram Setu) by enlisting the help of Hanuman, the monkey-
god, and an army of monkeys. This assistance was crucial for the righteous
cause of rescuing Sita from the demon king Ravana.
• Symbol of Righteousness: The bridge's construction symbolizes the power of
righteousness and unwavering devotion to duty. It allowed Lord Rama's forces
to cross the sea, marking a significant episode in the Ramayana where good
triumphs over evil through virtuous actions and divine support.
JAI
SREE
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8.
9. • Scientists and geologists believe coral reefs, sandbanks, and
limestone shoals formed Ram Setu throughout time
• Rama Setu is created from pumice stones, which result from
explosive volcanic eruptions. These stones originate from
magma with a high silica content, akin to the magma
responsible for the formation of granite or rhyolite.
• Geological and oceanographic factors, including changes in sea
levels over time, could have influenced the visibility and
accessibility of the bridge.
Scientific Perspectives
10. Environmental Protection -
Conservation policies for the
unique shallow marine
ecosystem around Ram Setu
pose limitations for shipping
and transport activities
leading to economic disputes
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
11. • The studies of Oceanography suggests that the bridge is
7000 years old. Interestingly, the carbon dating of beaches
near Dhanushkodi and Mannar Island sync with the date of
Ramayana
• The pumice stone is formed when lava is mixed with water
12. Ram Setu is also called as Nala Setu and Setu Banda. Ram
Setu as it was built by Rama and his army. It is said Nala
Setu because it was Nala who was the architect (designed)
the bridge in Ramayana.
13. • Vibhishana wish as
maha padma puranam.
• Why ram setu
is beneath the
sea level?
14. Role in Trade and Connectivity
• Shipping restriction
• Canal dredging proposals
15. Challenges and Controversies
• Origins and Age Dispute - There is debate around whether Ram Setu is a
natural geological formation from thousands of years ago when sea levels
were lower or an ancient man-made bridge dated to 1500 BCE as mentioned
in Hindu texts.
• Administrative Control - There are conflicts between India and Sri Lanka over
managerial control and maritime boundary issues regarding certain parts of
the Ram Setu shoals that fall in the disputed Palk Bay area
16. Tourism
• Religious Tourism: Ram Setu area attracts Hindu religious tourism due to beliefs that the
shoal structure was built by Lord Rama's army of monkeys. Many devotees undertake
pilgrimages to areas near the structure on both Indian and Sri Lankan sides
• .Ecotourism Potential: The unique shallow ecosystem of Ram Setu provides
opportunities for ecotourism activities like snorkeling, glass bottom boat riding to see
corals and marine life. But environmental concerns need addressing
• Opportunities for Joint Tourism: India and Sri Lanka could jointly develop tourism in the
region focused on protection of ecology and meeting religious sensibilities. This would
also enhance cultural connectivity between the two countries.
18. • Ram Setu: Myth, Nature, or Both?
• Chain of limestone shoals stretching ~50km between India & Sri
LankaHolds
• religious significance in Hinduism as site of Rama's Bridge
• However, possible natural formation from thousands of years ago
• Ecologically diverse marine environment but facing dredging threats
• Disputes arise from economic, religious, environmental & political concerns
• Transportation constraints but tourism opportunities if sensitivities
respected
• India & Sri Lanka must manage sensitively factoring varying perspectives
• Balancing ecology, faith and facts key for this legend laden & bio-rich
system
