Bridging the Divide: The Remarkable Story of Sulochana Mudaliar Bridge

Let's journey back to the 1800s when Tirunelveli, a bustling town, faced its share of challenges. It was a time when anti-social activities, theft, and even gruesome murders were all too common. However, it's important to clarify that these issues were primarily concentrated around the boat stands rather than affecting the entire city.

Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai, the twin cities linked by the winding Tamraparani River, experienced both the advantages and disadvantages of this vital waterway. The Tamraparani was a unique feature in the region, being the only perennial river. It served as a crucial lifeline for the people while also presenting its fair share of challenges.

To traverse the Tamraparani, the folks of Tirunelveli had to rely on boats, a time-consuming and costly affair. Brave souls would often venture into the river's currents, risking their lives to cross. The result was long queues and, unfortunately, opportunities for anti-social activities to rear their ugly head.

Then, in 1836, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. The British Collector Eden, recognizing the need for change, decided to undertake a monumental task - building a bridge over the Tamraparani River. The wheels of approval began to turn.

However, it was under the tenure of E.P. Thomson as the British Collector of Tirunelveli that a harrowing incident ignited the urgency to forge ahead. Within a span of just five days, a fierce altercation resulted in multiple casualties at the Kurukkuththurai boat station. It was abundantly clear that the bridge connecting the twin cities was not a mere convenience but a necessity to curb the riots and chaos plaguing the boat stations.

In a pivotal meeting attended by Collector Thomson and his office officials, a decision was made - construct a bridge across the Tamiraparani River without delay. The responsibility fell into the capable hands of Captain Faber.

The vision for the bridge was grand, drawing inspiration from the illustrious Westminster Bridge over the River Thames in London. It was to span an impressive 760 feet, stretch 21.5 feet in width, tower to a height of 60 feet with 11 arches supported by double piers. A meticulous model plan was prepared and submitted for approval, accompanied by an estimated cost of fifty thousand rupees for the ambitious project.

However, the British government hesitated to allocate nearly half a million rupees for the bridge. Undeterred, Collector Thomson resolved to raise the necessary funds through taxation for the collective benefit of the people. It was in this pivotal moment that Sulochana Mudaliar, a dedicated Sirasdar - a position akin to a Tahsildar - came into the picture.

Sulochana Mudaliar was a man of means, hailing from a family that had migrated to Tirunelveli from the village of Tirumanam. His father, Ramalinga Mudaliar, served as a Dubashi to Major Bannerman, a key figure in the defeat of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman. Despite his wealth, Mudaliar was a man of unwavering resolve. He refused to impose additional taxes on his fellow citizens and instead decided to shoulder the responsibility himself.

Over the course of three years, Mudaliar made monumental sacrifices. He sold his house, his fields, and even his cherished jewels to fund the construction of the bridge. Finally, the day arrived when the bridge stood as a testament to his sacrifice and determination.

In a moment of profound significance, the bridge was unveiled, and Mudaliar, accompanied by his wife Vadivambal, became the first to walk upon it. An elephant led the way, while the resounding beat of a drum filled the air. Behind Mudaliar followed Captain Faber, the bridge's builder, Engineer WH Horsley, and Collector Thomson.

To immortalize this noble gesture, the Britishers installed inscriptions in both English and Tamil, extolling Mudaliar's extraordinary service. They also bestowed upon the bridge a name that would forever echo in the annals of history - the Sulochana Mudaliar Bridge. It was a remarkable distinction, for it marked the first time in British India that a bridge was named after an Indian individual.

And so, dear traveler, as you cross the Tamraparani on the Sulochana Mudaliar Bridge, remember the story of great sacrifice and unwavering determination that led to its creation. This bridge is more than just a means of transport; it's a living testament to the indomitable spirit of a man who gave his all for the people of Tirunelveli.

Happy travelling.