an island situate on the N.W. coast of Ceylon, giving name to the gulf which separates Hindustan from Ceylon. The island, which is about 15 miles in length by 3 in average breadth, is separated from Ceylon by an arm of the sea about 2 miles broad, and at low water almost dry, excepting a small channel in the middle, of no greater breadth than about 30 or 40 yards. The distance from the western point of this island to that of Ramiseram is 12 leagues, and the intervening space is occupied by a line of sandbanks called Adam's Bridge, but which, according to a tradition of the Hindus, was constructed by their demigod Ram when he invaded Ceylon. Between these two islands small boats constantly ply, and thus keep open the communication between the two coasts. This island, which was first occupied by the Portuguese in 1560, was taken from them in 1658 by the Dutch, who banished thither their refractory subjects. It was subsequently transferred to the British. A survey of the gulf was completed a few years since, and resulted in the formation of the Paumbaum Passage, the particulars of which will be found under that head. E. Long. 80°, N. Lat. 9° 3'.