Home > Indian History > History of India > History of Indian Bridges
History of Indian Bridges
History of Indian bridges began with monumental glory under British rule, strengthened with girders.

Share this Article:

History of Indian BridgesThe British in India had to play much dual roles when they were concerned with Indian administration and welfare of the `natives`. On one hand the Raj was busy establishing their domination over the Eastern society by implementing ruthless measures and, on the other hand there were also a few handfuls of Englishmen who did show empathy towards the Indian citizens. The latter was made fruitful in several innovative ways of bringing in western cultural and scientific sources and assimilating them to make India a better place to live in. One such marvellous instance was the building and constructing of bridges across rivers and uncharted lands. History of Indian bridges thus commenced from crucial moments, together with nails, girders, steel and solid plates.

Some of the bridges in particular were unforgettable. They often carried roadways too, the double-track bridge becoming a speciality of British engineering. In many other ways they were boldly innovative, especially in dealing with problems of river flow and sediment. History of Indian bridges quite justifiably began with solemn attempts by the Britons trying to bridge the wide gaps along rivers and mountainous terrain. The bridges did not generally aim at beauty; many of them were built with sophisticated techniques of suspension or cantilever. In their time, though, they were some of the most ambitious and technically interesting in the world.

Aesthetically, too, bridges could be stunning in their power. History of Indian bridges and commencement of building definitely starts with the Attock Bridge across the Indus River. The bridge which took the Punjab Northern State Railway up to Peshawar (presently in Pakistan) and the frontier, was a marvellous spectacle. Completed in 1883 to the designs of engineer Guilford Molesworth, it was built on two decks, the railway crossing above and the Grand Trunk Road below. Attock Bridge was approached through huge iron gates, sentry-boxes and gun-posts. Slowly and carefully the trains eased their way across its exposed upper deck, high above the river.

The gradual development of history of Indian bridges can further be illustrated with the spectacular Lansdowne Bridge over the Indus River at Sukkur. During British times, the bridge was nicknamed as perhaps the ugliest ever built, but also among the most memorable. Sir Alexander Rendel, one of the great bridge-builders of the day, was responsible for the design of this structure. Lansdowne Bridge was opened for thoroughfare in 1889 and was variously described in contradicting terms of good and bad, but with a design in which `the lamp of truth shines with too lurid a flame`. There was something suggestively timeless to the bizarre mass of ironwork by which this edifice carried the Indus Valley State Railway across the river. Two enormous cantilever structures held the weight of the bridge, like a couple of dozen cranes bolted permanently together in thick meshes of struts and girders. Each was 170 feet high and the whole thing then served as the longest cantilever span ever built.

Some of the Indian railway bridges were built on tall wooden trestles. Some, like the ones that carried the trains to Shimla, resembled Roman aqueducts, with piled rows of masonry arches. History of Indian bridges under British Raj seemed like a prolonged stretch of lines, growing together with native population. Some had become so familiar that they became an essential part of the Indian scene. Of the last bunch, the most familiar of all was undoubtedly the Howrah Bridge across the Hooghly River in Calcutta. It did not carry a railway proper, only a tram-line, but it served as the only connection between the main railway termini of the city, one on the east bank of the river, with the west. Engineered by Hubert Shirley-Smith, Howrah Bridge was completed in 1943, replacing a bridge of boats as the only bridge across the river in a city of two million people. It was built in a single cantilever span, approximately 1500 feet long (it stretched some four feet in the heat of every Calcutta noonday, contracting again each evening), and stood so high that it dwarfed all the buildings around it. Quite evidently, Howrah Bridge became at once the popular hallmark of the bustling city.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.