The territory of Pondicherry has enjoyed and participated in the maritime activities for a long time. Realizing the potential of the territory that is placed by the east coast of India, the Portuguese, Danes, Dutch and the English arrived in Pondicherry and set up their colonies in the region.
The presence of the foreign countries benefited the commerce and economy of the region of Pondicherry. The Portuguese were the first to set up a factory in the region in the beginning of the 16th century. The Danes and the Dutch followed the Portuguese and established their trading centers in Poto Novo and Cuddalore. The rulers of Gingee were influential in deciding the presence of the foreign countries in Pondicherry. Losing the confidence of the rulers, the Portuguese had to abort the trade in Pondicherry. The French were, on the contrary, invited by the rulers to establish their trade in the region.
The architecture of the region flourished under the influence of the foreign countries in Pondicherry who constructed churches and forts that still stands in South India as evidence of the influence of the foreign countries in the region. The strife to control the region continued to shape the modern history of Pondicherry till the region gained independence and became a union territory of India in the year 1954.
The following are the links to the Modern History of Pondicherry:
- Sultans of Bijapur
- French rule in Pondicherry
- Portuguese, Dutch, Danes & English
