Lanka
Summary
This article reviews the long‑standing debate over the location of Ravana’s Lanka. While tradition identifies Lanka with Sri Lanka (Ceylon), some writers have argued for sites in central India, such as hills near Amarakantaka or in Madhya Pradesh. They claim that distinctions between ‘Sinhala’ and ‘Lanka’ in the texts imply different localities and that certain geographical descriptions suit mainland locations better. The author systematically assesses these arguments and finds them unconvincing. He points out that the Ramayana and Puranic texts consistently equate Lanka with Sinhala and that early commentators never distinguished the two. Even the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang’s transcription of Ceylon as ‘Leng‑ka’ reflects the Sanskrit ‘Lanka’. The author argues that attempts to relocate Lanka in India stem from nationalist sentiment rather than textual evidence. After reviewing linguistic analyses, geographical descriptions and historical references, he concludes that the identification of Lanka with Ceylon remains the most plausible and widely supported interpretation.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that textual and historical evidence overwhelmingly supports identifying Ravana’s Lanka with Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Alternative theories placing Lanka in central India rely on selective readings and nationalistic motives. Since ancient sources consistently equate Lanka with Sinhala and Chinese records also use the term for Ceylon speculation about other sites should be abandoned.