Adam's Bridge

Adam's Bridge is a chain of shoals and islets stretching for 48 km in the Polk Strait between mainland India and the island of Sri Lanka, which used to be called Ceylon. Hindus call this place the bridge of Rama, and Muslims - the bridge of Adam. The elevation, which is clearly visible even from space, protrudes from the water in small islands almost all the way, and during high tide it is located at a depth of a meter or more under water.

According to medieval nautical charts, it was possible to cross the Adam's Bridge from India to Sri Lanka until the very end of the 15th century, when the isthmus was damaged by an underwater earthquake and the subsequent tsunami.

The Indian Legend

Indian scriptures associate the amazing structure with the name of Emperor Rama, who is deeply revered by the followers of Hinduism. According to legend, Rama's wife, the virtuous beauty Sita, was abducted and taken to Ceylon by the ruler of the island Ravana. To bring back his beloved, Rama instructed his subjects to build a grand bridge. Rama's ally in the construction of the bridge was also an amazing army of gigantic monkeys. Rama won, freed his beloved wife and successfully ruled for 11 thousand years, which were an era of happiness, peace and harmony.

The Muslim version

According to Muslims, Adam ended up in Sri Lanka after being exiled from paradise, and in search of Eve he left the island by a miraculous bridge.

Disputes about the origin of the Adam Bridge

There are still disputes between scientists about the origin of the ferry. Geologists have come to the conclusion that this could not have happened as a result of natural processes in the depths of the earth's crust. Man-made origin is supported by the fact that rounded boulders ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.5 meters are laid on a uniform layer of sea sand, as if by the hands of a giant. Some of them are very light, and seem to float in water. Satellite images, which clearly show the structure of the ferry, also indicate its artificial origin.

In any case, Hindus consider Adam's Bridge to be their national treasure. It is also of great interest to tourists, many of whom are ready to make an excursion from India to Sri Lanka over the ancient bridge.

The Ferry destruction project

In 2007, the Indian government initiated the development of a project to deepen the navigable channel of the Polk Strait. To do this, Adam's Bridge will have to be destroyed. As a result, by 400 km. the length and duration of the passage of ships between the mainland and the island will be reduced by 30 hours, which, according to politicians, promises great economic benefits.

Interestingly, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated the destruction of the Adam Bridge in the middle of the last century. But he didn't dare to destroy the sacred bridge either. Modern Indian politicians are going to do this, trying to prove that the Adam Bridge is a natural natural formation, which means it has no historical or cultural value. It is unknown how long the ancient ferry will last.