#Review: Ram Setu by Arup Chatterjee

Arup K. Chatterjee’s Ram Setu: The Memoirs of an Enchanted Bridge is not just a book about a mythical formation—it is a wide-ranging inquiry into how history, faith, and politics intersect at one of South Asia’s most debated sites. What impressed me most was the way Chatterjee moves beyond legend to uncover layered perspectives, from colonial cartographers and archaeologists to fishermen and climate activists. These voices ground the narrative, reminding us that Ram Setu is more than a symbol; it is part of lived reality for many communities.

The strength of the book lies in its ambitious scope and deeply researched storytelling. Chatterjee blends myth and science with an ease that makes the bridge feel both timeless and immediate. However, this ambition sometimes results in density. Certain passages are ornate to the point of slowing the narrative, and I occasionally wished for a sharper focus rather than sweeping digressions.

Still, the book rewards patience. It is evocative, thought-provoking, and lingers long after the final chapter. For readers interested in mythology, environmental justice, or cultural memory, Ram Setu offers not only an exploration of a natural wonder but also a meditation on identity, belonging, and belief.

Find the book here.