Palk Strait

Lore & Background

The Palk Strait extends between Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, connecting the Bay of Bengal to the Laccadive Sea. It is bound by the Ram Setu shoals on one side and the Gulf of Mannar on the other. The Palk Bay forms the south-western part of the strait. Several rivers, including the Vaigai, flow into the strait. The strait is relatively shallow, with the region around the shoals typically 1–3 m deep, while the central part is around 20 m deep, reaching a maximum depth of 35 m. It became submerged around 7,000 years ago as sea levels rose during the Holocene. The waves to the north in the Bay of Bengal are mostly swells, while those to the south in the Palk Bay are smaller wind waves, with significant wave heights averaging around 0.5 m near Ram Setu. The shallow waters and reefs make navigation difficult for large ships, though fishing boats and small craft navigate the waters. Dredging and a bridge have been proposed.

Reader's Guide

The Palk Strait holds geographical and historical significance as a narrow sea passage between India and Sri Lanka. Its shallow waters and the Ram Setu shoals have long influenced maritime navigation, making it difficult for large ships to pass through. The strait is named after Robert Palk, a British colonial governor, reflecting its place in the history of British India. Its legacy lies in its natural constraints, cultural resonance, and ongoing debates over development.

Did You Know?

• The Palk Strait is named after Robert Palk, a governor of Madras from 1755 to 1763.
• The strait was entirely dry land during the Last Glacial Period due to lower sea levels.
• The Ram Setu shoals are traditionally identified with a bridge from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
• A railway line to Dhanushkodi was destroyed in the 1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone, killing around 200 people.