PondicherryHistory of Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a union territory in the country of India. As far as the origin of Pondicherry is concerned, it was formerly known as Vedapuri. The famous sage Agasthya was residing in Vedapuri. Agasthya’s Ashram was situated at the same place as Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram. Around 2000 years ago, there existed here the Roman settlement. Several battles between Dutch, French and British were positioned here as well.
As per Pondicherry history, it was not only a part of the Pallava Empire of Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu, but was under the control of many empires of the South. The Cholas of Tanjavur ruled the city for 300 years which was later on substituted by the kingdom of Pandyas. Till 1638, Pondicherry was ruled by Muslim rulers, the empire of Vijayanagar and then the Sultan of Bijapur, who ruled over Gingee.
Colonial period began in the 17thcentury. In 1673, trading centre was set up in Pondicherry by the French East India Company. Trading companies of British and Dutch were also keen on trading with India. This brought about wars between these two countries. In the year 1693, Pondicherry was captured by Dutch and was returned to France in 1699.
The French took over Mahe in 1720, similarly Yanam and Karaikal in the year 1731 and 1738. In the year 1761, the British attacked Pondicherry and wrenched it from the hold of the French. However in the year 1763, Treaty of Paris returned the city back to the French. When the French revolution war was being held, British again took over Pondicherry and handed over to the French in 1814.In late 1950s, the British acquired complete authority over India and therefore gave an opportunity to the French to carry back its settlements in India. Till 1954, Yanam, Karaikal, Chandernagar and Pondicherry were part of the French.
Soon after India became an independent country in 1947, there was an agreement made between India and France. The agreement was an election which was to be conducted to choose the political prospect. In 1954, Pondicherry was transformed as a part of India. It then became a union territory which was to be administered by the President of India.
Although the city is no more called the French colony, there are still few French families who are residing in Pondicherry. French is one of the languages spoken in Pondicherry even today apart from Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. The prominence of the French culture can still be found in many parts of this territory with few streets still possessing their French names. Pondicherry tourism prompts many travelers from all over the world visit this city to experience the reminiscent French culture and the unique blend of it with the Indian culture.
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