Statues of Francois Dupleix

Statues of Francois Dupleix

Statues of Francois Dupleix, the Governor, were commissioned in Pondicherry and in France in honour of his able administration. Originally, the2.88 meters tall structure was erected over six exquisitely carved granite pillars. The statue of Joan of Arc, a typically French marble statue commemorates the heroic spirit of French damsel, Jeanne d’ Arc. It is set in triumphant posture as well as laid out garden in front of the L’Eglise de Notre dame des anges, the famous church of Pondicherry.

Subramanya Bharathi house

Subramanya Bharathi

Tamil poet-patriot, Subramanya Bharathi came to the French ruled Pondicherry and found it to be peaceful. He penned down some of his finest patriotic poems and romantic compositions. His residence is converted to a museum and is literally a pilgrimage for the Tamilians. He too has struggled for the freedom of India through creating enlightenment among people as to know what is going on.

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion

The magnificent mansion, Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion, the famous Dubash (Indian representative of a European ruler) of the French Governor Francois Dupleix is one of the oldest surviving buildings of the west side - then known as Ville Noire or the Black Town. The mansion was built around 1738 and is a unique combination of French and Indian architectural styles. Pillai’s diaries are preserved here and provide good information of the 18th century French India.