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| The War Memorial was constructed to commemorate the French fall in World War II |
Puducherry, the union territory of India, has always been a historical destination renowned for its countless conquests, sieges, disturbances and warfare dating from the 17th century to the 19th century. The old town’s history dates back to 1672 when Puducherry was bought by the French from the King of Bijapur. Two years later, the town was established into a trading settlement by Francois Martin. In 1693 the town was taken over by the Dutch and was subsequently restored four years later by the Treaty of Ryswick. Following this, the town changed hands between English and French around nine times. From 1741 to 1754, under Joseph François Dupleix, the governor general of the French establishment in India, the town regained its former glory. But in 1761, during the Seven Years War, the British took over the town and destroyed its buildings. The town again went through a series of exchanges before it was finally restored to the French in 1817. Though Puducherry has witnessed several exchanges and numerous influences, the French influence has been prominent because of their consistent foothold over the town. This fascinating history of Puducherry has always attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world majorly from European countries. “Most of the tourists that come to Puducherry for colonial heritage walks are usually from Italy, France and Spain. Domestic tourists generally do not opt for these tours since they are more interested in spa and wellness when they are travelling down south,” states K Gopalkrishnan, proprietor, Pondicherry Tours, a travel agency specialising in South India tours and colonial heritage walks. “The ratio of foreign to domestic tourists that we get for this segment would be 65:35,” added Gopalkrishnan.
Popular colonial structures
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| The French Consulate General, the only diplomatic mission in town, is still open to French citizens |
The War Memorial, located at Goubert Avenue, is a renowned landmark of Puducherry. The memorial was constructed to commemorate the French fall in World War II. On July 14 (Bastille Day) every year, the memorial is illuminated to pay tribute to the soldiers. The memorial of Dupleix can also be seen at the Goubert Avenue. The 2.88 m tall statue was built to recognise the governor general’s contribution to the town. Two of his statues were commissioned to be erected – one in Puducherry and the other in France. Another example of French influence is the statue of Joan of Arc, located in front of Church of Our Lady of the Angles built in 1852 in the Greek Roman architectural style. The statue was erected in 1923 and is situated in Dumas Street. Also located on this avenue is The Mairie (town hall), called Hotel de Ville, a 19th century municipality French building situated near Beach Road. The Romain Rolland Library, another historical structure, established in 1872, has a wide collection of more than 3,00,000 books in both French and English. It also boasts of a mobile library service which has a collection of more than 8,000 books. The Palais Du Gouvernement, now known as Raj Nivas, is a fascinating instance of French town planning. The Palais Du Gouvernement comprises of old tribunals and a three sided-line-up of several buildings. Located near this monument is a 19th century lighthouse, lighted for the first time on July 1, 1836. The French Consulate General, the only diplomatic mission in town, is another colonial heritage of Puducherry. The consulate still retains some of its French colonial charm and is open to French citizens. Another colonial structure is the Government Park at the centre of which lies Aayi Mandapam built in the Graeco Roman style of architecture. Many churches depicting French architecture can also be found in Puducherry. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated at South Boulevard, reflects the Gothic style of architecture. The church contains rare stained glass panels which depict events from the life of Jesus Christ. Other notable churches include – Church of the Capuchins, one of the first churches of Puducherry now houses an orphanage; Notre Dame de’, built in 1791 bears a strong resemblance to a church in France; Church of the Assumption, houses one of the finest glided altarpieces including a crucifix surrounded by flying angels; The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, is modeled on the Basilica in France and Church of Our Lady of Good Health, makes for an interesting cycling expedition.
