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| Location map |
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Map of the different quarters in Pondicherry |
The Union Territory of Pondicherry comprises four enclaves in three South Indian States and includes the seaside towns of Pondicherry and Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe in Kerala. |
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Pondicherry region includes the communes of Ozhukarai, Ariankuppam, Villianur, Mannadipet and Nettapakkam. They are scattered within the state of Tamil Nadu. |
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| Colonial History |
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1705
In 1521 the Portuguese were the first Europeans to return to trade in textiles. In the 17th century the Dutch and the Danes followed suit. The flourishing trade attracted the French to establish a settlement in 1674.
1750
Under Governors such as Francois Martin and Dupleix, it grew into a prominent fortified town and an important port of call. In 1746 the British lost Fort St. George 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.
1770
Under Governors such as Francois Martin and Dupleix, it grew into a prominent fortified town and an important port of call. In 1746 the British lost Fort St. George 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.
1800
The streets in the French and Tamil parts have distinct characteristics. The contrasting French and Tamil styles, and in many cases, a harmonious blend of the two, form a special feature of the town.
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| Pre-Colonial History |
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| Pondicherry had a flourishing maritime history. Excavations at Arikamedu, about 7 kms to the south of the town, show that Romans came here to trade in the 1st century AD. The trade included dyed textiles, pottery and semi-precious stones. The region was part of the Pallava, the Chola and the Pandya empires from the 4th to 14th centuries, and thereafter it became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire, followed by Islamic rule. |
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