In the Ramayana, Nala is the monkey commander credited with helping Rama build the bridge to Lanka.
Nala is described as an engineer or builder among Rama’s vanara allies. With the assistance of the monkey army, he constructs the causeway across the sea so Rama’s forces can reach Lanka and confront Ravana. The bridge is commonly called Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge in later geographical and religious discussions.
Some versions and retellings also give Nala’s brother Nila a major role in organizing or building the bridge. This is why Nala and Nila are sometimes confused. Their exact responsibilities vary across Ramayana traditions, but Nala is the answer most specifically associated with the bridge’s engineering.
Nala is not the same figure as Sugriva, the vanara king who becomes Rama’s ally, or Hanuman, the celebrated messenger and devotee. Jambavan is an aged bear-king, while Angada is the son of Vali and a prominent envoy. The bridge episode belongs to the war narrative’s preparation for the journey to Lanka.