The Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is one of the most fascinating and debated geological and mythological structures in the world. Stretching across the shallow sea between India and Sri Lanka, this chain of limestone shoals has long captured the imagination of historians, scientists, and religious believers.

For Hindus, it is the sacred bridge built by Lord Rama’s Vanara Sena to rescue Sita from Ravana, as described in the Ramayana.
For Western explorers and early British cartographers, it became known as Adam’s Bridge, linked to a completely different religious narrative.

So why does one structure have two names?
And which story is closer to the truth?

Let’s explore the real facts, history, science, and myths that led to Ram Setu also being called Adam’s Bridge.

What is Ram Setu?

Ram Setu is a 48–50 km long chain of natural limestone shoals between:

• Dhanushkodi (India)

• Mannar Island (Sri Lanka)

It appears like a long natural causeway that, according to ancient texts, was once walkable. In Sanskrit literature and Hindu theology, it is called:

• राम सेतु (Rama’s Bridge)

• सेतुबन्ध (Setubandha)

It is considered sacred by Hindus worldwide because of its connection with Ramayana.

Why is Ram Setu Known as Adam’s Bridge? – The Real Reason

The name Adam’s Bridge originated from early Islamic and Christian legends combined with British colonial mapping practices.

1. Islamic Tradition: Adam’s Descent to Earth

Certain early Islamic texts and folk traditions describe that:

• The first human, Prophet Adam, after being expelled from Paradise,

• Descended on Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka,

• Walked through a land bridge (Ram Setu) to reach India.

Western travelers and Arab geographers repeated this tradition.
Thus, the natural bridge came to be called “Adam’s Bridge.”

2. British Cartographers Popularized the Name

In the 1800s, British surveyors and geographers preparing nautical charts recorded the name Adam’s Bridge, influenced by Islamic maps and travellers’ accounts.

This English name slowly spread in global scientific and cartographic communities.

3. Christian Mythography

Some Christian scholars proposed that:

• Adam walked from Sri Lanka to India as part of his penance,

• Using this bridge-like formation.

Although not part of mainstream Christian doctrine, this idea reinforced the name “Adam’s Bridge.”

Ram Setu vs Adam’s Bridge: Are They the Same?

Yes, both names refer to the exact same structure.

• Ram Setu is the traditional Indian/Hindu name

• Adam’s Bridge is the colonial-era/Western name

The difference is entirely based on cultural and religious perspectives.

Scientific View: Is Ram Setu Man-Made or Natural?

Scientists offer different theories regarding its formation:

1. Geological Theory – Natural Formation

Indian and international geologists say Ram Setu could be:

• A chain of sandbars and coral reefs

• Created by marine sedimentation

• Later solidified with time

Research by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) also points toward a natural formation.

2. Archaeological Evidence – Signs of Human Intervention?

Contrary to the geological view, several studies suggest that the bridge might have human modification, such as:

• Regularly placed stones found resting on loose sand

• Stones that appear older than the sand bed beneath them

• Unexplained linear alignment over 50 km

A widely discussed 2017 study by scientists from the US (featured on the History Channel) claimed that:

• The rocks are 7,000 years old,

• But the sand beneath them is 4,000 years old,

• Suggesting the rocks were placed intentionally, not formed naturally.

This aligns with the Ramayana timeline, which mentions Rama around 7,000 years ago.

Mythological View: Ramayana and the Construction of the Setu

According to Valmiki Ramayana:

• Lord Rama, Hanuman, and the Vanara army reached the shore of the ocean.

• The ocean deity suggested building a bridge.

• The Vanaras placed floating stones inscribed with the name “Rama.”

• The bridge was completed in 5 days.

• It allowed Rama to cross with his army and defeat Ravana.

Places like Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, Sethu Karai, and Thalaimannar still preserve this legend.

For millions, Ram Setu is a historical and divine creation.

Which Name Is Correct? Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge?

Both names are used, but:

Ram Setu is culturally, historically, and emotionally the Indian name.

It connects to:

• Hindu scriptures

• Traditional beliefs

• Ramanathaswamy Temple

• Sacred geography

Adam’s Bridge is the colonial and foreign-derived name.

It reflects:

• Islamic legends

• European cartographers’ influence

In modern discourse, Ram Setu is the preferred term in India.

Is Ram Setu Visible Today?

Yes!
You can still see the structure from:

• Satellite images

• Drone footage

• Aerial flights between India and Sri Lanka

• Google Earth

It appears as a clear curved chain of shoals, connecting both nations.

Can You Walk on Ram Setu Today?

Historically, it was believed to be walkable until 1480, when a massive cyclone and tsunami reportedly submerged parts of it.

Today, it is:

• Partially underwater

• Very shallow (1–3 meters deep)

• Not walkable end-to-end

But boat tours are available near Dhanushkodi.

Why Was the Sethusamudram Project Controversial?

The Indian government once proposed the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, which involved cutting through Ram Setu to allow ship movement.

This created huge controversy because:

• Hindus consider Ram Setu sacred

• Environmentalists warned of ecological damage

• Scientists expressed uncertainty about the structure’s age and formation

Eventually, the project was stalled due to public opposition.

Facts Summary: Why Ram Setu Is Called Adam’s Bridge

Is Ram Setu Natural or Man-Made? Final Answer

There is no universal consensus yet.

Scientific Evidence Hints at:

• Natural coral + sandbars

• Possible human modification

Mythological Evidence Says:

• Built by Rama’s army

• Using floating stones

Satellite Evidence Confirms:

• A continuous, bridge-like structure exists

Thus, the truth might be a combination of nature + ancient human engineering.

Conclusion

Ram Setu is known as Adam’s Bridge mainly due to Islamic legends and British colonial naming practices, not because of scientific discovery.
However, for India and the Hindu community worldwide, it will always remain Ram Setu, a symbol of faith, devotion, and ancient engineering miracles.

Regardless of its origin, Ram Setu continues to:

• Fascinate historians

• Inspire believers

• Intrigue scientists

• Attract tourists

It stands as a unique example of how one geographical formation can have two completely different cultural identities.