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.