Unveiling treasures of the past
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, has a rich colonial history influenced by several European powers. The Portuguese were the first to establish a trading post there in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch, who took control in the late 17th century. In 1674, the French East India Company founded a settlement, which became a key part of French India, despite brief occupations by the British during the Anglo-French wars in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city's connections to other countries during this era were pivotal, with trade routes linking it to Roman, Southeast Asian, and Far Eastern markets, making Puducherry a melting pot of cultures.
The Puducherry Museum stands proud in an exquisite colonial edifice, surrounded by manicured gardens and lush vegetation - providing an idyllic haven for history and culture enthusiasts. Housed within its walls is a treasure chest of precious artifacts from sculptures to textiles to coins and memorabilia that shed light on Puducherry's vibrant heritage. Notably, an exclusive exhibit features revered Indian philosopher and yogi Sri Aurobindo which will leave visitors spellbound.
A window to the past
Establish in 1983, the Puducherry Museum stands as a testament to time, evoking an earlier era within its beautiful colonial walls that once housed jail cells and later government offices.