Delft Island Archaeological Heritage
Located next to the Island of Punkudutivu, the Delft Island (Tamil: Neduntheevu) is the second-largest island in the Jaffna Peninsula extending into an area of 48.05 square kilometres (Dias et al., 2016). During the Portuguese period (1597-1658 A.D.), the island was called Ilbadas Vacas (Dias et al., 2016). However, Delft is the current name of the island and it is of Dutch origin. There is a town in the Netherlands by the same name and scholars in the opinion that the Dutch gave that name because the physical characteristics of this island are similar to that of the Dutch town (Dias et al., 2016). Compared to the other islands in the Jaffna peninsula, Delft Island is a prominent place in respect of the presence of archaeological artefacts. Ancient Stupas including Buddhist ruins , remnants of Hindu temples, Meegaman Fort , Baobab Tree , Dutch Stable , hospital, court, Pigeon Nest , cemetery, and Queen's Tower are several such artefacts and monuments visible on the island. Buddhist ruin…
