Subject of Akshay Kumar’s new movie, why Ram Setu is the bridge across history, mythology and controversy

Source: The post is based on the article “Subject of Akshay Kumar’s new movie, why Ram Setu is the bridge across history, mythology and controversy” published in Indian Express on 28th September 2022

What is the News?

The teaser of Akshay Kumar’s new movie, Ram Setu has once again generated buzz around the Ram Setu or Adam Bridge which many believe is the bridge to Lanka mentioned in the Ramayana.

What is Ram Setu?

The Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge is a 48-km chain of limestone shoals between Rameswaram on India’s southeast coast and Mannar Island near Sri Lanka’s northwest coast.

Significance: The structure has significance in both Hindu and Muslim mythology – while Hindus believe this is the bridge (setu) built by Lord Ram and his army to cross to Lanka and fight Ravan.

– On the other hand, as per Islam, Adam used this bridge to reach Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, where he stood on one foot for 1,000 years in repentance.

Is it a natural or man-made bridge: Scientists believe Ram Setu is a natural structure formed due to tectonic movements and sand getting trapped in corals. However, over the years, evidence has been offered to claim that the bridge is man-made. 

What is the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project?

The project aims to create a shipping route between India and Sri Lanka by building an 83-km-long deep water channel which would also reduce travel time between the eastern and western coasts of India, as ships would no longer have to circle Sri Lanka to travel between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 

However, the project has been opposed on religious and environmental grounds.

Current Status of the project: In 2018, the Government of India told the Supreme Court that the Ram Setu will not be affected in the execution of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project.

– Another plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction from the Centre to declare the Ram Setu a national heritage monument.