Consider this. What if a bridge transformed from a British engineer into a Tamil barber? That is the curious story of Barbers Bridge.
Barbers Bridge in Chennai is more than just a way to cross a drainage channel. It is a tale of linguistic twists and turns. It is a testament to the city’s rich history.
Once upon a time, this bridge was likely built by the Portuguese. This was before British influence took hold. We know this because there is a mention of it during the French occupation of San Thome between 1672 and 1674. French troops had a skirmish near a bridge north of St. Thome.
Popular belief credits a man named Hamilton with the bridge’s construction. But Henry Davidson Love’s book, Vestiges of Old Madras, suggests an older origin. The book mentions a natural drainage channel crossed by Barbers Bridge on the north side of St. Thome.
Locals corrupted the name Hamilton to Ambattan. Ambattan means barber in Tamil. So, Hamilton Bridge became Barbers Bridge. An old plaque on the bridge stated it was built around 1600 before being rebuilt.
H.D. Love’s research raises questions about the Hamilton connection. He notes that Ensign James Hamilton, an engineer, died in Madura in 1764. Was he the one who rebuilt the bridge in the 1700s? The mystery remains.
Caraneeswarar Covil Road was once named Barbers Bridge Avenue. It led to what was then known as Hamilton or Barbers Bridge. Today, that road is called Paripurna Vinayakar Koil Street.
Today, Barbers Bridge exists in a different form. It stands near Citi Centre mall. It was recently renamed Dr. Ambedkar Bridge. This bridge has seen bullock carts and now bears the weight of city traffic. Its architecture showcases the strength of brick, mortar, and lime.
Hemachandra Rao, an architect and Madras enthusiast, says Madras has about 29 arched bridges. They have been a part of the city for many years. These bridges connect villages across rivers and canals. They helped Madras grow from a fishing village to a bustling city.
So, as you cross Dr. Ambedkar Bridge, remember its past. Think of the Portuguese origins. Consider the elusive Hamilton. Smile at the barber’s tale. Barbers Bridge is a reminder that history is full of surprises. It shows that even a name can have a story to tell.