Talk:Adam's Bridge

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This question arises frequently on the talk page concerning Adam's Bridge.

Why is the article titled Adam's Bridge instead of Rama Setu, Rama's Bridge, Shree Ramsetu, Ram Setu or something else?

For the origins of different names, see the Adam's Bridge § Etymology.

English Wikipedia's policy on article titles and guideline on naming conventions require that the title of an article be the modern name generally used in English-language reliable sources, such as (in this case) scholarly works on geography, history, and religion. Several discussions requesting the retitling of the article have been held since 2011, and the Wikipedia community's consensus has been that Adam's Bridge is the proper title in accordance with Wikipedia policy and guidelines.

Why was my request or comment removed?

Because of the frequency of meritless and disruptive requests, any further requests to move the page or to change the name will be removed without consideration, unless the request complies with all relevant Wikipedia guidelines, including WP:Requested moves, WP:Common name, WP:Article titles, and WP:Reliable sources.

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Adam's Bridge vs Ram Setu

I disagree with the arguments used to call this page "Adam's Bridge". The rule cited to justify it is:

"modern name generally used in English-language reliable sources, such as (in this case) scholarly works on geography, history, and religion."

However the chosen name is not neutral. "Adam's Bridge" is rooted in Abrahamic religion, while "Ram Setu" is rooted in Hinduism. Either way, we're picking a religious significance. Abrahamic religions are largely based in the middle east, and this story of Adam was clearly co-opted later when followers of Abrahamic religions reached India and Sri Lanka. It's one in a sea of many attempts by Western colonizers historically to erase and overwrite the local culture. The article itself states the Ramayana was written between 8th century BCE–3rd century CE, while the name Adam's Bridge appeared probably around the time of Al-Biruni around CE 1030. And yet Wikipedia chooses to call it by the name given much later.

"modern name generally used in English-language reliable sources" is just a polished way of saying the name given by British colonizers under whom India suffered greatly for more than a century. Do we really think it's more appropriate to call this bridge by its Abrahamic name, than by the name referred to by 1.1 billion Hindus living in the country it's actually in?

Also where are all these English speaking Wikipedia users who are supposedly searching up "Adam's Bridge" to read about this bridge? It's highly more likely Hindus are searching for "Ram Setu" to read about the bridge mentioned in the Ramayana. Tartarus1312 (talk) 05:46, 24 July 2026 (UTC)

Tartarus1312 Wikipedia cannot correct all the wrongs of colonialism. See right great wrongs. Once broader society corrects those wrongs, then Wikipedia can follow that coverage. The Indian government is free to pressure other countries and academic sources to use its preferred name/the local name over other names- or do to what Australia has done and adopt a dual name system.

Contrary to your claim, not all 1.1 billion Hindus or all India citizens use that terminology. Our policies do not favor local names over that which is commonly used by reliable sources globally across the English speaking world; see WP:COMMONNAME.

Ram Setu is a redirect to this article, for those searching for that term. 331dot (talk) 09:25, 24 July 2026 (UTC)

Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 10 September 2026

Please change "Adam's Bridge" to Ram Setu because the official location is called "Ram Setu" by the government. 1234gemstone (talk) 23:38, 10 September 2026 (UTC)

 Not done. No consensus established, as found by numerous previous discussions. Hemiauchenia (talk) 23:44, 10 September 2026 (UTC)

Please see the FAQ at the top of this page. 331dot (talk) 08:56, 11 September 2026 (UTC)