Pondicherry
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Introduction
to Pondicherry
“Pondicherry” is the French interpretation of the original name “Puducheri”. The word “Puducheri” means the new settlement. Many pilgrims have shared the town’s hospitality on their way to the temple town of
Rameshwaram, thus enriching its culture. Pondicherry is the tiny union territory which covers an area of 494 square
kms. Situated on the south coast of Madras, Pondicherry was a French town from 1674 to 1954 when it became part of India. Earlier Pondicherry was the major French trading post but later it became part of the Anglo-French hostilities. Today, it is a provincial town with a distinctive French character. The new city of
Auroville, built by the followers of the 20th century saint Sri Aurobindo is located nearby
Pondicherry. Tamil and French are the common languages which are spoken in
Pondicherry. |
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History of
Pondicherry
Pondicherry also had a flourishing history. The
Romans came to Pondicherry in the 1st century AD
for the trading purpose. The trade included dyed
textiles, pottery and semi-precious stones. The
findings are now displayed in the Pondicherry
Museum. In the 16th and 17th centuries the
flourishing trade by Portuguese, the Dutch and the
Danes attracted the French to establish a settlement
in 1674. Under the rule of Francois Martin and
Dupleix, it grew into a prominent fortified town and
an important sea port. In 1746 the British lost the St.
George fort in Madras to Dupleix, and retaliated by
capturing Pondicherry in 1761 and razing the town to
the ground, sparing only a few structures. However
the Treaty of Paris returned Pondicherry to the
French. A storm water canal separated the French
and Tamil Quarters, and Streets were laid in the form
of grid. By 1768 much of the old town of Pondicherry,
had been laid out and rebuilt on its former
foundations. |
Tourist Attractions in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is rich in architectural and cultural wealth. The major tourist attraction in
Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the
most part of their life. The ashram houses the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the mother.
This museum attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Pondicherry
Museum is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside Promenade and historical monuments.
Some of the other interesting sites include the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museum,
the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Chidambaram and Auroville.
Shopping
The Aurobindo Ashram makes and sells ceramics, handicrafts, perfumes and handmade
paper.
In the city you can also buy attractive papier mache toys, colourful
bedspreads and
rugs.
How to reach here
By Air:
Pondicherry is well connected to Chennai by air. The nearest airport is located at Chennai
which is about 162 kms.
By Rail and Road:
Pondicherry is well connected to Chennai and other cities by rail and road.
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