History is full of astonishing marvels and unresolved mysteries. Many ancient structures, forts, and sites remain enigmatic to both historians and archaeologists, with several vanishing or getting submerged over time. One such fascinating and mysterious structure in India is the Ram Setu, also called Adam’s Bridge. While we have some knowledge about Ram Setu, there’s one intriguing question: What exactly is a “tombolo”?
A “tombolo” is a geographical formation that links an island to the mainland or another landform via a narrow strip of land. Among the numerous tombolos worldwide, Ram Setu is recognized as the largest one.
So, what sets Ram Setu apart from other tombolos? Let’s dive into the history and significance of this exceptional bridge.
Understanding Ram Setu’s Tombolo
Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge internationally, is a natural limestone reef structure that stretches between India’s Pamban Island and Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island. While most tombolos connect an island to a nearby landmass, Ram Setu is remarkable as the only tombolo that connects two countries: India and Sri Lanka. Historical and geographical evidence suggests that it was once a natural land bridge connecting the two nations.
Mythological Origins of Ram Setu
According to Hindu mythology, Ram Setu has deep connections with the epic Ramayana. The story revolves around King Ravana of Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) and his sister Surpanaka, who, after being rejected by Lord Rama, sought revenge by kidnapping Sita. In response, Rama, aided by his brother Lakshmana and the Vanara (monkey) army, resolved to build a bridge to cross the ocean and rescue Sita. Nala and Neela, the Vanara engineers, built a bridge across the sea with divine blessings, leading to the defeat of Ravana. This mythical tale attributes the construction of Ram Setu to Lord Rama’s quest to rescue Sita.
Archaeological Perspective
From an archaeological viewpoint, many experts suggest that Ram Setu is a naturally occurring tombolo formed long before the time of Lord Rama. Evidence suggests that the structure was once a walkable bridge between India and Sri Lanka, with historical records indicating that such a bridge existed until the 15th century. In 1480, a cyclone caused significant damage to the bridge, leaving only remnants of it visible today.
Discovery of Ram Setu
The existence of Ram Setu became known to the outside world in 1966, when NASA’s Gemini-11 satellite captured images of a long, narrow landmass stretching across the sea between India and Sri Lanka. The bridge measures approximately 48 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. Although there has been considerable debate about the origin of this structure, some believe it is a natural phenomenon, while others attribute its creation to Lord Rama.
Tombolos Around the World
In addition to Ram Setu, several other tombolos are found across the globe. A tombolo is generally defined as a land formation that connects an island to a larger landmass. Let’s explore some other notable tombolos in Asia:
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Ram Setu, India
The world’s largest tombolo, Ram Setu spans 48 kilometers between Pamban Island (India) and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka).
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Angel Road, Shodo Island, Japan
This 500-meter-long sandbar connects three small islands to Shodoshima Island, forming a picturesque and tranquil landscape.
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Bennett Island, Russia
Bennett Island, the largest of the De Long Islands in Russia, features a tombolo at its eastern end.
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Bijia Mountain, China
Bijia Mountain, located in China’s Liaodong Bay, features a unique underwater tombolo visible during low tide, connecting the island to the mainland.
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Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Cheung Chau, a small island near Hong Kong, is connected to the mainland by a tombolo formed by two granite masses.
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Gwadar, Pakistan
The tombolo near Gwadar in Pakistan’s Balochistan province forms a peninsula that connects to the mainland, creating two semicircular bays.
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Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate, a volcanic island, is connected to the Hokkaido Peninsula by a sandbar, forming a tombolo.
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Kapıdağ Peninsula, Turkey
This tombolo, located in northwestern Anatolia, connects the Kapıdağ Peninsula to the Sea of Marmara in Turkey.
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Sharp Island, Hong Kong
Sharp Island, formed by a volcanic caldera, is connected to Kiu Tau by a tombolo formed from sand and rock.
Conclusion
The world boasts over 70 known tombolos, with Ram Setu standing as the largest and most famous. It is a natural marvel that attracts not only geologists but also mythologists, historians, and tourists, creating a fascinating intersection of history, legend, and geology. From ancient scriptures to satellite images, the mystery of Ram Setu continues to intrigue, symbolizing a perfect blend of nature and mythology.