French rule in Pondicherry

The French rule in Pondicherry started in the 17th century when the French officer, Bellanger set up his residence in the Danish Lodge in the region of Pondicherry. The French had been invited to start trading units in Pondicherry by the ruler of Gingee. The invitation was forwarded to raise competition in trade between the French and the Dutch who had already settled in the region and set up their business unit.

The first governor of Pondicherry was Francois Martin who assumed office in the year 1674. The efforts of the governor converted Pondicherry into an emerging port town from a small fishing village. The Dutch occupied the territory of Pondicherry in the year 1693 and fortressed the territory. The reign of the region returned to the French in the year 1699 after the countries Holland and France signed an alliance.

Pondicherry became a part of the conflicts between the French and the English. The ambitious plans of the Governor Dupleix were ruined with the arrival of the English governor Lord Robert Clive. Attempts to regain Pondicherry was made by the French under the command of Lally Tollendal but in vain. The British captured the region in 1760. The plunders of the British army led to the devastation of Pondicherry. After a peace treaty is signed between the English and the French in 1765, the territory of Pondicherry is returned to the French. It was in 1816 that the French gained supremacy over Pondicherry.

The French rule in Pondicherry lasted till 1954 when the territory acceded to the Union of India.