1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Palk Straits

PALK STRAITS, the channel lying between the mainland of India and the island of Ceylon. It is named after Robert Paik, governor of Madras (1755–1763). The straits lie north of the line of reefs called Adam’s Bridge, while the Gulf of Manaar lies south of it. The two channels are connected by the Pamban passage.