Puducherry was discovered by Romans in 200 BC and has since been ruled by various powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and French who established control in 1654. Under French rule until 1954, Puducherry developed a strong French cultural influence seen today in its architecture, grid street plan named after French figures, and French cuisine. It also became known for its spiritual centers like Sri Aurobindo Ashram which aims to transform human nature, and the universal township of Auroville just outside the city.

3. Puducherry… the mystical place
that attracts thousands of tourists every year from all
over the world was discovered by Romans in 200 B.C.

4. Ever since, this place has been commanding attention…
• The Portuguese established a factory in the 16th century
• But the ruler of Gingee (The Vijayanagra empire) forced them
out in the same century
• The Dutch who found this place attractive established their
presence in the 17th century
• Then came the French who really defined this place in 1654

5. • Since then Puducherry was under French Rule until 1954
• On 01.11.1954 Puducherry merged with the Indian
Government
• Option given to choose Indian/French nationality.
Puducherry has about 50,000 French nationals of
Indian origin
• Pondicherry is synonymous with French Heritage in India and
centuries of French rule has imparted this place a strong
French feel in its architecture and monuments

6. The heritage that Puducherry is known for…

7. • Architecture: The French built houses at the
French quarter is otherwise called the „Ville
Blanche‟
• Road plan: A typical French style; grid plan
where the streets meet each other at right angles
• Street names: Carry respective names at the
French / Indian quarter like “Rue Dumas” and
“Bharathy Street”
• Furniture: Franco Pondicherrian furniture are
famous for its style and finish
• Cuisine: Is known for original French cuisine with
Poulet, Poisson and Crevette. It attracts a lot of
tourists during January for the Gourmet Festival
• Language: Thousands of ethnic Indians retain
their French citizenship and are in command of the
language that has become part of everyday slang
like; “Bonjour Monsieur”

8. And the spirituality in Puducherry
that one gets to experience is something unique…

9. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the oneness of Sri
Aurobindo. The Ashram aims at providing a
complete method of Yoga that would
transform human nature to divine life.
Auroville a small township is a
city of dawn established just 10
kms from Pondicherry, and
universal town where people of
world countries live in peace and
harmony. The major tagline of
Auroville is realizing "human
unity".

10. Puducherry is more than just
history, heritage
& spirituality…