Portuguese, Dutch, Danes & English

The Portuguese, Dutch, Danes & English found it propitious to indulge in trade and commerce in the coastal territory of Pondicherry. The region had indulged in maritime activities since a long time. The strategic location of the region also facilitated the foreign countries in commerce. The presence of the European countries in Pondicherry had far reaching consequences.

The Portuguese were the first to settle in Pondicherry. In the beginning of the sixteenth century the Portuguese established a factory in Pondicherry which was later abandoned after a century. The Portuguese lost the confidence of the ruler of Gingee who compelled them to evacuate the region. The Danes and the Dutch followed the Portuguese and established trading centers in the regions of Porto Novo and Cuddalore. However, the impact of the Portuguese, Danes and the Dutch were not as lasting as the influence of the English and the French in the territory of Pondicherry.

The French were invited by the ruler of Gingee to compete with the Dutch and establish their trade in Pondicherry. The French in Pondicherry were in constant conflict with the English who prevented the French from expanding their territory. The reign over the region of Pondicherry was moved between the French and the English till 1816 when the French gained complete supremacy over the territory of Pondichery. The region gained independence in 1954 when it was acceded to the Union of India.

The presence of the Portuguese, Dutch, Danes & English played an important role in shaping the modern history of Pondicherry and led to the growth of commerce, trade, infrastructure and education in the region of Pondicherry.