Coastal vulnerability assessment typically involves climatic and geologic factors, often omitting dynamic socio-economic indicators. This chapter focuses on the links between physical, social, economic, and political capital in characterizing district-level vulnerability. The first attempt was to estimate the coastal vulnerability of India's East and West coastal districts stressing more on socio-economic and governance dimensions. Limited funding and insufficient cyclone/flood shelters have hindered coastal adaptation, increasing vulnerability in specific districts. The presence of poor socio-economic conditions and extreme climatic variations also contribute to the overall degree of vulnerability. Apart from economic and climate-related risks, factors like underlying political structures and social capital play an extensive role in defining coastal households' adaptive capacities and vulnerability. The study argues that political structures like elitism and clientelism promote an uneven distribution of relief funds and hinder communities from achieving equitable adaptation targets. Secondly, by applying the Alkire–Foster dual cut-off method, the study estimates that around 49 percent of coastal households are multidimensionally vulnerable. This chapter also suggests that effective adaptation strategies work with ample local community participation and government funding. This chapter therefore develops a deeper understanding of vulnerability research and aims to address one of the most vital challenges confronting coastal communities in achieving much needed effective adaptation.