The bridge, dedicated to Marquis Wellesley, the Governor-General of British India and brother of Arthur Wellesley who participated in the 4th Anglo-Mysore war, stands as a historical landmark.
Following Tipu’s death on May 4, 1799, the British relinquished power to the Wodeyars of Mysore, with Purnaiah assuming the role of Dewan under the young ruler, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who was only 5 years old at the time.
The bridge, constructed of stone, spans 512 feet and boasts square stone pillars and corbels. Its foundation is securely anchored in solid rock, with each row of stones topped by a long stone laid level upon the others. Additional stones are placed atop these longitudinally, creating a continuous structure along the length of the bridge. The road surface is covered with gravel and mud, while the sides are adorned with lime plastering.
Until the construction of a new bridge downstream in 1967, this bridge served as the primary route for vehicular traffic between Bengaluru and the Mysuru region.
Presently, only motorists and light vehicles are permitted to cross. “The Archaeological Department took proactive measures in 2018 to undertake extensive repairs, ensuring the preservation of this historic structure. Today, the bridge stands as a testament to two centuries of endurance, retaining its original native architectural design while serving as a living symbol of the region’s rich heritage.”