Lanka
/ˈlʌŋ.kə/noun
A traditional name for the island of Sri Lanka in South Asian literature, especially Sanskrit epics.
Did you know?In the Ramayana, Lanka is the glittering fortress-city of Ravana, so the name carries an epic, mythic charge far beyond ordinary geography.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Skt
लङ्का
“A place-name for Lanka, especially the island-city of Ravana in epic tradition”
Classical Sanskrit Epic
Skt
लङ्का
“The fortified golden city of the demon-king Ravana”
Pali / Prakrit traditions
Pali
Laṅkā
“A literary and sacred name for the island”
Medieval South Asian usage
Skt
Laṅkā
“A revered epic-geographic name for the island now associated with Sri Lanka”
Modern English
English
Lanka
“A shortened form used in reference to Sri Lanka or in literary/historical contexts”