Pondicherry History, India

Pondicherry is one of the few union territories of India and it is the only union territory which is very rich in terms of historical heritage due to the heavy French influence which the region experienced during the historical years.

The history of the union territory of Pondicherry is as old as that of 1st Century. The famous Greek Periplus named as Periplus of Erythraean Sea which is dated to have been created during the 1st century mentions about a place called Poduca or Poduke. Later on G.W.B. Huntingford (a famous traveler) identified as the region of Arikamedu (which is now the part of region of Ariyankuppam). This region is located around 2 miles from the union territory of Pondicherry. Thus, one can understand why the history of Pondicherry is said to be as old as 1st century.

It was the 4th century that Pondicherry became part of Pallava Kingdom. Cholas ruled Pondicherry during the 10th century while Pandya Kingdom ruled Pondicherry during the 13th century. Later on Muslim rulers did take control of Pondicherry for some years but soon the famous Vijayanagara Empire took control of the region. This empire remained in control till the year of 1638 and after this the Sultan of Bijapur overtook the control of this region.

The French took control of Pondicherry by the year of 1674. By 1693, the Dutch has become the rulers of Pondicherry but soon by the year of 1699 French Armies were again ruling the region of Pondicherry. After this, the control of Pondicherry kept changing within short intervals. British were in control of Pondicherry in the year of 1761 and later on by 1763, again French had control of Pondicherry.

By 1793, British took advantage of the revolution of France and overtook the region of Pondicherry by this year. France again returned in power by the year of 1814. Finally, Britain did take over the complete country by 1850s but they never fought with France for the control of this region. Hence, it was till the year of 1954 that the French were in total control of Yanam, Mahé, Chandernagar, and Karaikal.

This region got the status of union territory by the year of 1963. The history of Pondicherry faced many ups and downs and it was this weird control of powers on this region which never let Pondicherry experience growth.

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