Pondicherry History

Pondicherry's ancient history dates back to the Vedic era. The Romans traded here two millennia ago. The Portuguese arrived in 1521. Dutch and Danish traders also followed. It was finally the French, who purchased the town in the late 17th century and colonized it, left the most permanent heritage. French had a stranglehold on the place till 1954. 

Pondicherry and the French influence

Now, Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India, 189 km (117 miles) south of Chennai, has its own local government.  However, this seaside colony retains its French fragrance, mixed with South Indian warmth, making it one of India's most relaxing destinations. Pondicherry consists of four small unconnected districts, namely, Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahé on the Arabian Sea.

Puducherry (Pondicherry) 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.

An ancient trading town for the Romans

The history of Pondicherry can be traced back to 2 AD.  The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, of the early 2 AD, mentions a marketplace named Poduke.   Roman pottery was found at Arikamedu in 1937, and archeological excavations between 1944 and 1949 showed that it was a trading centre to which goods of Roman manufacture were imported during the first half of the 1st century AD.

French-style streets and houses

Puducherry was designed based on the French grid pattern and features neat sectors and perpendicular streets. The entire town is divided into 2 sections, the French Quarter (Ville Blanche or 'White town') and the Indian quarter (Ville Noire or 'Black Town').

Many streets still retain their French names and French style villas are a common sight in Puducherry. In the French section, the buildings are typically in colonial style with long compounds and stately walls.

The Indian (Tamil) section consists of houses lined with verandas, and houses with large doors and grills. This architectural diversity is preserved from destruction by government authority called the INTACH. Demolition/Reconstruction of houses in the reserved areas needs the approval of this organization. 

Apart from the monuments pertaining to the French period, there is the French Consulate in Puducherry and several French cultural organizations. Another important one is 'Le Foyer du Soldat'. It is a Legion hall for soldiers who served in the different French wars.  The local police still adorn themselves with French style cap and belt!

Go back to Pondicherry Travel Guide or See Pondy's attractions