Pondicherry is a small town located on the East coast of Southern India, a few hours drive south of Chennai. Its earliest history dates back to pre-historic days when it is believed that it was the seat for the great sage, Agasthya. At the time it was known as Vedapuri.

The excavations at Arikenmedu are proof that later, Pondicherry was a fishing village that was one of the major ports of trade during the Greco-Roman period. Artifacts from the excavations are preserved at the Pondicherry Museum and well worth a look.

Pondicherry then came under the Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayangara Kingdom and sultans. Sometime later several European settlements (Dutch, Portuguese, Danes, English and French) stepped in. They all influenced the city.

But it was the French who controlled Pondicherry for almost 300 years. Pondicherry was settled by the French in the early 18th century. Although the French relinquished control of Pondicherry 50+ years ago, the French influence is still there.