Situation of Ravana's Lanka : On the Equator
By V. H. Vader
Summary
The paper presents a fourth theory on the location of Ravana's Lanka, arguing it was situated on the equator as the capital of the large island Raksasa Dvipa in the southern ocean, approximately 700 miles (100 yojanas) from southern India. This challenges the common identification of Lanka with Ceylon (Simhala Dvipa), supported by evidence from the Mahabharata, Markandeya Purana, Bhagavata, and works like Varaha Mihira’s Brihat Samhita and the 10th-century Dala-Ramayana. These texts distinguish Lanka and Simhala as separate kingdoms, with Lanka described as larger (100 yojanas long, 40 wide) and located southwest of Simhala. The author critiques Professor Dikshit’s uncertain identification of Ceylon as Lanka due to the distance discrepancy. The theory aligns with Ramayana’s geographical details, including Hanuman’s journey, and ancient Sanskrit sources, suggesting Lanka’s equatorial position rather than its conflation with Ceylon.
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Conclusion
This analysis challenges conventional theories by proposing that Ravana’s Lanka was situated on the equator as part of the Raksasa Dvipa, a large island in the southern ocean, approximately 700 miles from southern India. By examining ancient Sanskrit texts—including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and works like the Dala-Ramayana—the study demonstrates that Lanka and Simhala (Ceylon) are distinct entities, countering long-held assumptions equating the two. The evidence from literary and astronomical sources underscores Lanka’s equatorial position, its separation from Ceylon, and its role as a major island kingdom. This theory, supported by textual and geographical data, offers a novel perspective on the historical and mythological context of Lanka’s location.