Is Ram Setu man-made or myth? TV show claims to settle debate


New Delhi, Dec 13 (HT): The promo for a show on Discovery Communications-owned Science Channel claims the Ram Setu that connects India and Sri Lanka is not a natural formation but is man-made.

“Are the ancient Hindu myths of a land bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka true? Scientific analysis suggests they are,” claims the promo of a show called Ancient Land Bridge to be aired at 7.30 am Wednesday on the Discovery Communications-owned Science Channel in the US.

The show puts the spotlight once again on the Ram Setu by quoting American archaeologists who say the 50-km stretch — between Pamban Island near Rameshwaram in India and Mannar Island off Sri Lanka — is man-made. The Ram Setu is also called Adam’s bridge.

The promo has got more than 1.1 million views since it was shared by Science Channel on social media 16 hours ago.

Smriti Irani, the minister for information and broadcasting, also retweeted the video, with the caption ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

A shipping canal project proposed by the UPA-I government in 2005 that would have required dredging the area and damaging the formation was opposed by the BJP-led NDA, which is expected to file an affidavit against project in the Supreme Court later this month.

Satellite imagery show formations that scientists believe are limestone shoals. Creating a 83-km-long deep water channel under the Sethusamudram canal project would require extensive dredging and removal of the limestone shoals.

The project was criticised not just for hurting religious sentiments but also for threatening the marine biodiversity of the region.

The Science Channel trailer supports the theory that the bridge is man-made based on studies found atop the formation and quoting scientists from Indiana University Northwest, University of Colorado Boulder, and Southern Oregon University. At the time of the publishing of this article, the researchers had not responded to calls for comment.

“The sand bar may be natural but what is sitting on top of it is not,” says the narrator in the promo, pointing out that the rocks are 7,000 years old and the sand bar is only 4,000 years old.

“The rocks on top of the sand actually predate the sand, so there is more to this story,” said Chelsea Rose, historical archaeologist and adjunct faculty member at Southern Oregon University.

Irani’s retweet of the trailer met with an outpouring of support and some ridicule. One Twitter user wondered why the Archaeological Survey of India wasn’t doing anything to resolve the matter.

“Jai Sri Ram....but what was ASI doing? This could have been done by us rather than science channel telling us. But no even after 2014 leftist thugs will still rule academics, ncert, history,” a twitter user by the name Sandeep Singh, said.

The Indian Council of Historical Research announced in March that it would conduct underwater studies to answer this very question. A report was expected in November, but archaeologist and former ASI director Alok Tripathi, who submitted the proposal, said work is yet to begin.

“We have not done the fieldwork. There are some formalities pending for the project to start,” Tripathi said. “Our conclusions will depend on what we find.”

The UPA-I government stirred up a storm when it filed an affidavit in Supreme Court saying there was no evidence that Ram Setu was a place of worship. The affidavit was later withdrawn.

On November 12, the court gave the government six weeks’ time to file an affidavit on their stance, reported ANI. Subramanian Swamy, who filed the petition in the court opposing the project, told reporters that the Narendra Modi government had decided to file a new affidavit suggesting alternative routes for the Sethusamudram project.

  

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Comment on this article

  • NISHAR, Mangalore / Kuwait

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    MOST MISUSED, HOLY NAME IN THE CENTURY - "RAM".

    DisAgree [7] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Mythological events may not have any evidence in most of the cases

    DisAgree [13] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Americans must concentrate on how to avoid a nuclear war that may destroys whole world in near future...rather time waste

    DisAgree [20] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    If you all have finished pestering me for the comment I posted, here is what I have to say :

    Please remember, we are Indians. We don't address ourselves as a Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Buddist nor a Sikh. We have are a unique nation where all of us dwell harmoniously. Where, we are ruled by a constitution, a democracy voted by us. Our Gods reside in our hearts in our places of worship. If somebody have dragged our Godly personalities to the street, its the politicians. First by climbing on top of a monument and pulling down and secondly by promising to build it if the party comes to power. And, refusing to clear out a ocean pathway for the vessels commute through a shorter voyage just because centuries ago a bridge happen to be there.

    As for the location where the 'Ram Sethu' is believed to have existed - no contradictory thought that it may have existed but presently, it is no more existing in a complete bridge but some fallen rocks at the bottom of the ocean. Proposal was to clear the path to ease out trade, commerce, logistics which otherwise take place on a larger scale by circling the island of Sri Lanka.

    How many of you know, that when our PM was the CM of Gujarat, he demolished several temples, churches and mosques that come on the path of modern infrastructure ? Could anybody dare protest ? If you don't know about it, you better get into your cocoon and not lock horns with those who call for infrastructure as required by today's need.

    Finally, don't dictate me not to talk about a faith that is not mine, I am a liberated citizen of India so are you. Nobody has stopped you from discussing matters related to Christianity, Islam or any other faith. As long as I don't abuse your faith and worship, you dare not ask me not to discuss a faith other than mine - this is India, not Ayodhya. When I am a subject of the kingdom of XXXXX a Hindu king, you have your say.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charan Amin, Mlore/Dubai

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Jenifer,

    Why Rajeev Ghandhi pressurized the then UP chief minister to open the disputed site in Ayodhya and permitted the hindus to perform religious rituals. From here the politics started on Ayodhya issue. You should mention this also in your comments, than trying to hold one party responsible for it. You will remember the constitution, democracy when it comes to the issue of Hindus. Anything for other faiths, you will start dividing the society as minority and majorities. Regarding Rama Sethu no need to break it and allowing the sea route, as it hurts the sentiments of billions of Indians.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Charan,

    When did Rajiv Gandhi open anything related to Ayodhya ? After the demolition of the monument - right ? So, what is the precursor to the dispute ? All those thugs, gathering people called 'Kar Sevaks', going on as if on a battalion and demolishing the mosque. If some invader demolished a temple and built the mosque at that spot, why these heroes did not build on at that spot since 1992 (25 years) ? At-least why not in past 3.5 years when their own political party is in full majority power ? Don't give me a lame excuse that the matter is in the court - (1) Did they go through the court to demolish it ? (2) Did they promise citizens of India during 2014 election campaigns that they will build the temple (did they have court order ?) ?

    Now, I gave an example about how PM Modi, when being CM of Gujarat, demolished places of worship of all religions because his motive was development. Why is he not clearing away the remains of Ras Sethu because the marine development is in need of it ? What will you people gain by keeping some remains of something existed millions years ago and how much will India gain by shortening a sea voyage by some thousands of miles ? What are you guys first (patriots) or (Hindus) ? Demonetization, GST was all alright even if people of India had to sustain loss because you guys supported Modi's schemes. Why not support now when the nation is in need of this project through Ram Sethu site ?

    If you are saying 'no need to break it' now, why did you (or at-least Gujaratis) not protest when Modi went on with the demolition spree ? He is more powerful now as a PM than the times he was a CM. Let him show his courage now ??

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Beowulf, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    There are some fools in the comment section who have mentioned to respect other faith. What these fools don't understand is that by uttering those comments they are going to open a can of worms that they cannot contain.

    Now that being said, critical thinking is surely lacking in many people. Its high time, our education institutions start introducing in the early age.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Banglore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    I had visited Dhanushkoti in Tanilnadu, from where Ramsethu starts. The stones used to built is very unique and it doesn't sink in water. This stones are available only in those parts of Tamilnadu. Ramayan is not mythology, its our history. And some one mentioned above that its also called Adams bridge. This name was given by British.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prajwal, mlr

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Jai Shri Ram

    DisAgree [11] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Seenha, Shirva

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    "Jai Shri Ram", Sahasra Koti Pranam to great Lord Ram.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek, Hirebyle / Abu dhabi

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Hindu is a Great Religion...But Hindutwa is a Dangerous Agenda.....so Findings of Rama setu is good News for Hindus ........and Not for AFTER-ALL a Political Party B.J.P

    DisAgree [36] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    When god created this Universe then why not RAMSETHU , let us not destroy anyones faith .

    DisAgree [9] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse

  • mahesh, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Ram is a god for the Hindus.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Some of the Great Leftist Names
    Sitaram Yechury
    Somnath Chatterjee
    Achuthanandan
    Mamatha
    From where did their parents derive these names ?
    Anyone ?
    Let all Buddhijeevies , thinkers, ponderers and all.decipher their names first.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Don't get so ecstatic, this is just a channel trying to get more trp.

    DisAgree [78] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    No need to be Caustic either.
    It is our belief and we need no Channel's help either.

    How's the weather there ?

    DisAgree [14] Agree [88] Reply Report Abuse

  • Beowulf, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    R Bhandarkar,

    Beliefs are meant to be questioned. Do you think that thunder you hear is the two clouds crashing into each other?

    DisAgree [19] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Satya, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    In what way does another person's faith affect you or harm you? Would you like anyone else to poke fun at your faith and beliefs? Religion and faith are one's personal business and nobody has any business to comment or offend another faith.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • SHAHID, SHIRVA

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    The Ram Setu is also called Adam’s bridge.

    DisAgree [76] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • mahesh, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    That's what the British called it.
    It was known as ramsethu from centuries.

    DisAgree Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sharan, Banglore

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Why would Adam build bridge between India and Srilanka? Can u tell me?! You are still in 7th century!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 14 2017

    Sharan,

    Who told you the bridge was built by Adam ? Mahesh says the British 'Called' it Adam's bridge.

    If you have any problems with it, please ask the British why they called it. At the same time, please do a favour to India - also ask them why they called Bhaarat 'India' Mumbai 'Bombay', Madikeri 'Marcara' and so on.

    Good luck.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Satya, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    India can build a new bridge along the remains of this Ram sethu. This could benefit in two ways. First create land access to Sri Lanka which will help increase trade and travel between both nations and secondly encourage religious tourism. The profits made from the toll collection will help pay for the bridge construction and thereafter this money could be used for social development projects, both in India and Sri Lanka..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    How did our country get the name Bharat Desh ?
    Does anybody know ?
    We do not need outsiders to teach us about our heritage culture and God.
    Try it in other countries and see what fate will befall you.
    There should be a limit to anything.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh, Kasaragod

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Jai Shree Ram..

    DisAgree [17] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh, Dubai

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Shri Rama Jayarama Jaya Jaya Rama.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAGDISH, mumbai

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    " Jai Shree Ram "

    DisAgree [23] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • santhu birve, Mumbai/Udupi

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    'Jai Jai Shree Ram'

    DisAgree [23] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jenifer, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Ram is being dragged by no other than the very Hindutva based party.

    No Setu nor Mandir is build but just Ram is being 'Ghaseetau'

    DisAgree [95] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAGDISH, mumbai

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Dont come to teach us and you be away from the Ram sethu issue.

    DisAgree [33] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Jenifer
    Never hurt anyone and never question anybody's faith.
    This was thought by the Lord remember?

    DisAgree [22] Agree [72] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Thought as well as Taught ..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • santhu birve, Mumbai/Udupi

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    if one respects his own religion and faith he will never comment on others faith...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • amrutha, mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    if you dont no anything about hindu culture and rama sethu dont interfere

    DisAgree [17] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashant Karkera, Hejamady/Mumbai

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Please stay away from this, this is our faith, do not hurt anyone's religious sentiment

    DisAgree [14] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Surendra Poojari, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Killing people in the name of religion/caste/creed is also part of your faith? Is that real hindutva? Preaching violence is hindutva? Go hell with such fake hindutva. Show off business. Politicians played in Ram's name to gain votes and still mandir is not built since 1992. Ram never wanted this violence in the name of religion. And you guys don't tell anyone to shut their mouths. India is a democratic country. Don't you poke nose into others affairs always? Fake deshbakths talking about faith. Hypocrites.

    DisAgree [43] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • R. S Fernandes, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    That is not you cup of Tea

    DisAgree [9] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • R. S Fernandes, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    That is not your cup of Tea

    DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nayak, Udupi/Blore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    "Sumne erakke agadavaru eruve bitkondranthe" a prime example

    DisAgree [5] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Jenifer, you are wrong. It's not hindutva based party but it is fake hindutva based party.

    DisAgree [32] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • JAGDISH, mumbai

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    @ Reshmi

    Next seat confirm in DONGI PARTY

    DisAgree [13] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • mahesh, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 13 2017

    Don't poke your nose in others religions.
    You can comment ,when we seek your advice.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Is Ram Setu man-made or myth? TV show claims to settle debate



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