Beneath our feet lies a story etched in stone. It is a story of connection and transformation. We are standing before a silent witness. This witness is the Marmalong Bridge Monument. This seemingly unremarkable plaque marks the spot of a bridge. The bridge was the first to span the Adyar River.
Picture Madras in the early 18th century. The year is 1726. Coja Petrus Uscan, a wealthy Armenian trader, decided to leave his mark on this city. Uscan commissioned the Marmalong Bridge. He used his own funds for this ambitious project. He spent 30000 pagodas for the construction. 1500 pagodas went to upkeep.
Uscan was more than just a wealthy trader. He was a devout believer in St. Thomas. He wanted to make it easier for people to visit St. Thomas Mount. The river and the lack of proper steps were major obstacles. Uscan addressed both issues. He built the Marmalong Bridge. He also constructed 160 steps leading up to the mount.
The Marmalong Bridge quickly became vital. It facilitated the expansion of the city towards the south. Mount Road emerged about 60 years after the bridge was built. The British later constructed Mount Road in the 1800s. Chennai developed around it. In a sense, the Marmalong Bridge laid the foundation for the city’s growth. It is very close to the city’s heart. The bridge was named after Mambalam. Mambalam is a village near the Adyar River.
The original arched bridge no longer exists. It was replaced by the Maraimalai Adigal Bridge. However, a plaque remains. It commemorates Uscan’s contribution. The plaque bears inscriptions in three languages. These languages are Persian, Armenian, and Latin. The Armenian inscriptions are difficult to read. Time and neglect have faded the writing.
This plaque is a tribute to the Armenian community. They helped build Chennai. Uscan was highly respected in Madras. He was even allowed to reside in Fort St. George. It was usually reserved for the British. When the Nawab of Arcot visited Uscan, Armenian Street was covered with red silk. Uscan willed all his property to the city. He also built St Rita’s Church inside Santhome High School. A plaque there reads: “In Memory of Armenia.”
Today, the Uscan plaque faces threats from urbanization. The Saidapet Metro construction poses a risk. Historians are campaigning to preserve this relic. They want the CMRL to give the stone a place of honor. The plaque is a crucial piece of Chennai’s history. It deserves recognition and protection.
So, as you stand here. Remember the legacy of Coja Petrus Uscan. Remember the Marmalong Bridge. Remember the Armenian connection to Chennai’s past. This plaque is not just a stone. It is a symbol of a city’s evolution. It embodies the spirit of connection and progress.