french heritage
Pondicherry has a rich French cultural
heritage, having been the capital of the French colonies in
India since the 17th century. Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam
and Mahe were transferred to the Indian Union in 1954.
This French legacy is visible in the well-planned town,
neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful
promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public
buildings and statues of Joan of Arc and Josep Francois
Dupleix who was the Governor of the French colonies in India
from 1742-54. The town also has an Alliance Francaise and
the French Institute.
Among the notable French personalities who left their
indelible mark on Pondicherry, four names stand out.
Francois Martin who was appointed the Administrator after
the Treaty of Ryswick, brought stability and was responsible
for its growth. Dumas, who succeeded him, built on Martin's
foundations. The third notable Frenchman was Joseph Francois
Dupleix, the Governor of French India from 1742-54.
The fourth French personality who made an impact on modern
day Pondicherry was 'The Mother', a Paris-born
painter-musician and Sri Aurobindo's close companion from
1920 until his death in 1950. She was responsible for
developing the Ashram as it is today.
Auroville
Govt. Museum
Botanical Garden
Chunnambar
French Heritage
Sri Arbindoashram
Bharathi Park
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