Explore PONDICHERRY

Explore PONDICHERRY

PUDUCHERRY – THE FRENCH RIVIERA OF THE EAST

The Union Territory of Pudhucherry (earlier Pondicherry) comprises of the four unconnected, erstwhile French settlements of Pudhucherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. While Karaikal lies 150 km south of Pudhucherry on the east coast, Mahe is on the Malabar Coast and Yanam in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. As you travel down the scenic East Coast road you hit Pudhucherry about 160 kms south of Chennai on the Coromandel Coast. It is bound on the east by the Bay of Bengal and by South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu on the other three sides. Pudhucherry traces its origin to Sage Agasthya. Its shores have also been home to different cultures, from the Romans to the French, who ruled for 300 years. Today, it exudes a charming picture

Geography

Puducherry consists of four unconnected districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahé on the Arabian Sea. Puducherry and Karaikal are by far the larger ones, and are both enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahé are enclaves of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, respectively. The territory has a total area of 492 km²: Puducherry (city) 293 km2 (113 sq mi), Karaikal 160 km2 (62 sq mi), Mahé 9 km2 (3.5 sq mi) and Yanam 30 km2 (12 sq mi).

FRENCH INFLUENCE

Puducherry still retains much evidence of its history as a French colony. The design of the city was based on the French. The entire town is divided into two sections, the French Quarter ('Ville Blanche' or 'White town') and the Indian quarter ('Ville Noire' or 'Black Town'). The history of French India is led by Joseph Francois Dupleix, governor general of the French establishment in India, and rival of Robert Clive. Dupleix was primarily responsible for the Carnatic Wars. At first Dupleix was successful in resisting the attacks of the English East India Company, but he lost in the later battles.

There is also French influence in the layout of the city. The numbering of the houses is unique compared to other cities in Tamil Nadu, in that all with the even numbers are on one side and the odd number are on the opposite side of the road.

History

According to mythologies and legends, Pondicherry was once the dwelling place for the great Hindu sage Agastya. It was a major Vedic centre and was called as Vedapuri. Excavations at Arikamedu have revealed that there was a possibility that this could have been a port town and there might be a Roman rule and settlement here before 2000 years. It had trade links with Rome and Greece that continued till the period of the Cholas during the 10th and the 11th century. The Pallavas, the Pandiyas, the Muslim rulers also invaded and ruled over this place for quite some time.

Historical uniqueness

In the early 16th century the Portuguese established their supremacy in Pondicherry. They ruled for a while. Then the Dutch and the French people entered this place for trade reasons and then started ruling this territory. In 1673 the French started ruling the territory. During the rule of the French in Pondicherry there were several minor conflicts and battles fought between the French and the Britishers to capture Pondicherry. After several conflicts finally both the countries came to a conclusion and an agreement was signed where Pondicherry was given back to the French by the Britishers. In the year 1954, Pondicherry was retained back to India by the French.