Lanka

/ˈlæŋkə/ noun

Definition

Most commonly referring to Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, or the mythical island in Hindu epic literature.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'Lanka' meaning island. In Hindu mythology, Lanka was the kingdom of Ravana in the Ramayana epic. The modern nation adopted this ancient name when it gained independence.

Kelly Says

Sri Lanka was known by three different names to the Western world - Serendib (giving us 'serendipity'), Taprobane to the Greeks, and Ceylon to the British - but its people always called it Lanka, the ancient Sanskrit word for island.

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