Lanka - NYT Mini Crossword Clue Answer

"Lanka" is a geographical clue that refers to Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia. The word "Lanka" is used in the name of the country "Sri Lanka," so the answer "SRI" completes the name.

This is a straightforward geographical clue that requires knowledge of country names. The crossword constructor expects solvers to recognize that "Lanka" is part of the full name "Sri Lanka" and identify the missing prefix.

Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia, near southeast India. The name "Sri Lanka" has been the official name of the country since 1972, when it replaced the colonial-era name "Ceylon."

"Sri" is an honorific prefix in Sanskrit meaning "venerable" or "holy," while "Lanka" is the ancient name for the island. In the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, Lanka is described as the kingdom of the demon king Ravana.

Today, Sri Lanka is known for its diverse landscapes, ancient Buddhist ruins, and beautiful beaches. The country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its location at the crossroads of maritime routes.

Geographical clues are common in crosswords, and they often require basic knowledge of world geography. Names of countries, capitals, major rivers, mountains, and oceans frequently appear in puzzles. When you see a geographical term in a clue, consider whether it might be:

• Part of a larger name (as in this case, where "Lanka" needs "SRI")
• A capital city (needing the country name)
• A country (needing the capital)
• A geographic feature with a common descriptor

Familiarizing yourself with basic world geography can significantly improve your crossword-solving skills. Countries and their capitals, major bodies of water, and famous landmarks are frequent crossword answers.