Delving into the pages of the
ancient history of Pondicherry reveals that the region was a well developed commercial and trading center even before the development of the other major cities and towns of India. Archaeological excavations of the region show that Pondicherry has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties that has contributed to the rich and distinct history of the union territory of Pondicherry.
The historical excavations conducted in the region of Arikamedu that lies at a distance of 7 kilometers in the south of the town reveal that the region has successfully developed trading relations with the Roman empire through the sea. The region was then one of the most popular and flourishing maritime centers of the country. The town had developed trading relations with the Romans as early as the 1st century. The roman manuscripts mention the emerging trading center of Poduca or Poduke along the eastern coast line of India. The historians believe that the trading center referred to is Pondicherry.
The reign of the region of Pondicherry came under the Pallava Kingdom in the fourth century. The region flourished under the reign of the Pallavas. Evidence of a strong academic background lies in the reference of the Sanskrit University mentioned in the Bahur Plates. Inscriptions on the Vedhapuriswara Temple suggest that the powerful sage Agastya had established his ashram in the region of Pondicherry.
The
ancient history of Pondicherry ends with the beginning of the medieval era that witnessed the rise and growth of several empires in the region.
The following are the links to the ancient history of Pondicherry:
