Tamil Nadu replaces Madras on Saidapet bridge – Times of India

Chennai News

CHENNAI: It was the last emblem of the state government featuring the word Madras, until the highways department began a renovation project about four months ago. Now, the seal over the pylon on Maraimalai Adigal bridge in Saidapet, built across the Adyar river, reads ‘Tamil Nadu Government’. The ‘Government of Madras’ seal painted on top of the pylon has remained untouched for more than 50 years as it did not attract the attention of the highways department that maintains the bridge. Heritage enthusiasts say such words on a state government emblem cannot be found anywhere in the city. Writer R Venkatesh said Madras began to be replaced on emblems after the state was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968. The Maraimalai Adigal bridge has a historical value, with the original Marmalong bridge built in 1726 by Armenian merchant Coja Petrus Uscan to record the Madras Tercentenary Commemoration Volume. While the bridge is believed to have been named after the village of Marmalong or Marmalan identified with Mambalam, it still has a commemorative plaque in multiple languages including Arabic and Armenian regarding the construction of the original structure. Later, the bridge was rebuilt in 1966 when all government structures had Government of Madras tag. The bridge was also renamed after Tamil scholar Maraimalai Adigal.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-replaces-madras-on-saidapet-bridge/articleshow/74359439.cms