How Andaman Got Its Name: Shashi Tharoor Reveals The Fascinating Ramayana Connection

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 12:20 IST

Linguists note that terms like ‘Handuman’ and ‘Andaman’ appear in old Malay, Sanskrit, Tamil and Sinhalese texts, highlighting India-Southeast Asia cultural ties spanning millennia

The ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ are known not only for their beauty but also for the blend of history and culture. (Unsplash)

Andaman is one of the most beautiful places to visit. People find peace when they go there. But one question that often comes to mind is how it got its name. Many believe that the name Andaman came during the British era, but the truth is quite different.

Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor shared the real story of this name on social media platform X, saying that it is connected to the Indian epic Ramayana and Lord Hanuman.

“The name comes from the Malay word for Hanuman, which was often pronounced as Handuman by ancient Malay sailors and traders who were familiar with the Ramayana. Over time, “Handuman" evolved into “Andaman." It’s not an English name as many wrongly believe," Tharoor wrote on X.

From ‘Handuman’ In Malay Language To ‘Andaman’

Historians say that when Malay traders from Southeast Asia traveled to India through the Indian Ocean trade routes, they considered these islands as ‘Hanuman’s place’. They called Lord Hanuman ‘Handuman’ and referred to these islands as ‘Handuman Islands’. Over time, the pronunciation changed, and the word became ‘Andaman’.

Ramayana’s Cultural Influence Extended Across Southeast Asia

India’s cultural epic Ramayana was not limited to the Indian subcontinent. It has various forms in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. In many texts and folk tales there, Hanuman is described as a hero who crossed the ocean. This belief connected these islands to Hanuman, establishing their name as ‘Andaman’.

The British Retained The Original Name

During British rule, when prisons and administrative bases were established on these islands, the name ‘Andaman’ was already in use. The British adopted it in English but did not change the name. Thus, the name became famous globally, while its roots were in Indian and Malay culture.

Religious Significance Of ‘Hanuman Island’

Many historians believe that this group of islands is spread out in the sea like the bridge to Lanka (Ram Setu). Ancient sailors might have linked this geographical similarity to Hanuman’s power. Their devotion and language together made the journey from ‘Handuman’ to ‘Andaman’. A word that is a confluence of devotion, culture, and geography.

Verified By Historians And Linguists

According to linguists, words like ‘Handuman’ or ‘Andaman’ existed in old Malay and Sanskrit. It is also mentioned in Tamil and Sinhalese texts. This shows that cultural contact between India and Southeast Asia is thousands of years old.

A Reflection Of Indian Culture Amid The Sea

Today, the ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ are known not only for their beauty but also for the blend of history and culture. The name’s significance reveals that it carries not just a geographical identity but also the essence of civilization, with ‘Andaman’ being a prime example.

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