A Chronological Study of Bridges in Tirunelveli District: A Special Reference to Sulochana Mudaliar Bridge & Thiruvalluvar Bridge

Abstract

Most of the bridges in Tirunelveli District were built in the mid 19^th century. Some bridges were constructed with the help of the funds raised by the local citizens and some with the financial assistance of the government. The bridge across the Tamirabarani River connecting Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai is an important bridge in the district. There is an interesting history behind this bridge. Sulochana Mudaliar is a testament to a man who sacrificed his wealth for the common people. The people of Tirunelveli found it very difficult to cross the Tamirabarani River between Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai. Therefore, during the British rule in India, a noble family in Tirunelveli was financed and the entire construction cost was borne by the Sulochana Mudaliar family. The Iradukku flyover, an important bridge in Tirunelveli District, is the first bridge built in Asia. .This article focuses on The History of Bridges in Tirunelveli District – A Special Reference to Sulochana Mudaliar & Thiruvalluvar Bridges constructed by the Government of India and some of them by the efforts of esteemed individuals.