Pondicherry Architecture

Pondicherry architecture is one of the most interesting subjects to be noticed and studied about this union territory of India. The architecture here is highly influenced by the culture of the place.

An interesting fact about Pondicherry is that the city is divided into two quarters. While one is the French sectors the other is the Tamil section. The cityscapes of the two different sectors strongly reflect the lifestyle and practices of the people living in this place. The architectural styles of the buildings in the two sectors are completely different from each other. There are also some excellent structures in Pondicherry that represent the fusion of the two dominant architectural styles of this place. These houses belong to the Franco- Tamil category.

In the Tamil section of the city a visitor can notice houses with 'thalvaram' and 'thinnais'. The thalvarams are street verandas with a leaning roof which is supported by wooden posts. Vertical columns and pillars with ornamented parapets are characteristic features of typical Tamil style of houses. The thinnais are public verandas with masonry seats for guests and visitors.

The interiors of the houses in the French quarter are more embellished than the exteriors. French architectural influences are marked by the tall arched windows and door along the with high ceilings. The French houses were generally built with street frontage. The window shades were generally made of wood or light metals.

Thus the most interesting parts of the Pondicherry architecture are the products of fusion of the two styles. There are some houses in the Tamil streets where the architecture reflect remarkable French influence.