Pondicherry

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Pondicherry waterfront 1900

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Nehru à Pondichéry, janvier 1955

Long exposure shot of Beach road near Pondicherry harbour

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VNR-Commune-Office-LV

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Puducherry train station

Pondicherry (officially known as Puducherry) is a Union Territory of India, consisting of four small unconnected districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the Tamil Nadu coast, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh, and Mahe on the Kerala coast. The territory was formerly a French colony, known as the French East India Company's establishment, and it has a rich blend of French and Indian culture, especially in its architecture, cuisine, and linguistic practices.

History

The history of Pondicherry is recorded back to the 2nd century. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions a marketplace named Poduke, which G.W.B. Huntingford identified as possibly being Arikamedu (near present-day Pondicherry). The region was part of the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram in the 4th century. The Cholas of Thanjavur held it in the 10th century, followed by the Pandya Kingdom in the 13th century.

French influence in Pondicherry began in 1674 when it was acquired by the French East India Company and became the chief French settlement in India. The town was taken by the Dutch in 1693 but returned to France under the Treaty of Ryswick (1697). The British took control of the town several times during the Anglo-French wars, but it was finally returned to France in 1814. Pondicherry remained under French rule until 1954 when it was integrated into the Indian Union.

Geography

Pondicherry is located in the southeastern coast of India. The Union Territory covers an area of 492 km² and is bordered by the state of Tamil Nadu, which surrounds it on all sides except for the coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The geography of Pondicherry is characterized by a flat terrain, with a few rolling hills in the northern and western parts of the territory.

Culture

Pondicherry's culture is a unique blend of French and Tamil influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The French Quarter, with its colonial villas and chic boutiques, and the Tamil Quarter, with its traditional houses and vibrant markets, illustrate the cultural dichotomy. The Union Territory celebrates both Indian and French national days, and its cuisine features French dishes alongside South Indian staples.

Economy

The economy of Pondicherry is diversified, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing contributing to its GDP. Tourism is a significant sector due to the territory's historical sites, beaches, and cultural festivals. Agriculture employs a large portion of the population, with rice, sugarcane, and coconuts being the major crops. The manufacturing sector includes textiles, chemicals, and electronics.

Education

Pondicherry is known for its educational institutions, including the prestigious Pondicherry University, which offers a wide range of courses in arts, sciences, and engineering. The territory also hosts several research institutes, such as the French Institute of Pondicherry and the Pondicherry Institute of Linguistics and Culture.

Governance

As a Union Territory, Pondicherry is governed by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India, with an elected legislative assembly and a Chief Minister. The territory enjoys a degree of autonomy and has its own legal system, though it is ultimately under the jurisdiction of the central government.

Tourism

Tourism is a vital part of Pondicherry's economy, attracting visitors with its colonial heritage, spiritual centers like the Aurobindo Ashram, and natural beauty. The beaches of Pondicherry, such as Paradise Beach and Auroville Beach, are popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists.

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