Underwater study to decode Ram Setu

Is Ram Setu a natural phenomenon or a man-made structure? The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) under the HRD ministry will conduct an underwater exploration study to find out.

ICHR chairman Y Sudershan Rao said no underwater exploration has so far been done to find out whether Ram Setu or the Adam’s Bridge is a myth or artificial phenomenon. A theoretical training under a pilot project will begin in May and exploration will be done in October.

The bridge between the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka has been at the centre of controversy since the Sethusamudram shipping canal project was planned.

While some claim the Setu was a bridge was built by Lord Rama’s “Vanar Sena”and hence cannot be touched, others insist it is a naturally formed chain of lime shoals. It is a 30-km-long stretch that runs from Pamban Island near Rameshwaram to Mannar Island off the northern coast of Sri Lanka. The development assumes significance as it comes in the wake of a fresh demand to build the Ram Temple.

The matter has reached the SC, with petitions challenging the government’s decision to construct the Sethusamudram Canal by dredging a portion of the Setu.

The project is being commissioned under the marine technology training programme of ICHR dealing with under-water archeology and research scholars will be given training for this purpose.

“It has been found that even Helen of Troy did exist through research. So unless we make an enquiry how will we know whether something exists or not? To know whether it is a myth or aberration or it did exist we need to undertake a physical study. The aim of the project is to collect material evidence,” said Rao.