Indian Columbus

Tucked within the serene lanes of White Town, not far from the bustling seafront promenade, Sri Aurobindo Ashram stands as one of Puducherry’s most cherished and spiritually significant landmarks. A visit here is less about tourism and more about introspection – a unique blend of calm, discipline, and inner exploration. Among the top things to do in Puducherry , a visit to this ashram offers an experience that touches both the soul and the senses. The Beginnings of a Spiritual Community In 1910, Aurobindo Ghosh – a philosopher, poet, and Indian freedom fighter – withdrew from active politics and settled in Puducherry to pursue a spiritual path. Over time, a small group of followers gathered around him. The ashram’s formal inception took place on 24 November 1926, when Sri Aurobindo chose complete seclusion and entrusted the community's care to his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa , later revered as The Mother . Under The Mother's leadership, this small gathering of d...

Right in the center of White Town, Pondicherry’s historic colonial quarter, lies Bharati Park – a tranquil green space that offers a gentle escape from the bustle of urban life. Located in the heart of White Town and bordered by streets such as Rue Romain Rolland and Rue Saint Louis, this park is not just a spot for relaxation, but also a silent witness to centuries of history, colonial transitions, and civic pride. A Historical Backdrop In the early 1700s, the French captured the Puducherry region from the Dutch and soon constructed Fort Louis , a well-planned fortification with defensive walls and bastions to protect their new settlement. This fort became the administrative and military center of French power in the region. However, during the Carnatic Wars in the 1760s, the British forces defeated the French and demolished Fort Louis , leaving behind only fragments of its once-imposing structure. For many decades after, the area remained an open ground, occasionally used for ...

Tucked within the serene expanse of Bharati Park , surrounded by well-manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and tall swaying palms, stands a striking ivory-white monument — Aayi Mandapam . Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Promenade in what is now known as White Town , this elegant structure might easily be mistaken for a colonial arched gateway at first glance. But beyond its European-style architecture lies a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and unexpected legacy. Who Was Aayi? Aayi was not royalty, nor a noblewoman. She was a courtesan from the 16th century. The legend goes that during one of his visits to the region, the Vijayanagara King Krishnadeva Raya mistook her well-lit and ornate home for a temple and stopped to offer prayers. Upon realizing his error, he felt deeply humiliated. Enraged, he ordered that the house be demolished. Faced with shame and heartbreak, Aayi pleaded for a chance to make amends. She offered to tear down her own home and requested permi...

In the heart of Puducherry, just opposite Bharati Park, stands a statue that often catches the eye of visitors. It is the life-size figure of Édouard Goubert , a man whose contributions to the city’s history were both complex and significant. The avenue leading to the beach also bears his name — Goubert Avenue — a tribute to a leader who played a crucial role during a turning point in Puducherry’s political journey. Early Life and Education Édouard Goubert was born in Pondicherry on 29 July 1894 to a French father and a Franco-Indian mother. He grew up in a world where French culture and Tamil heritage coexisted, a blend that would later shape his political vision. Goubert pursued his early education in French Indochina and went on to study law in France , equipping himself with both European academic credentials and a deep understanding of colonial governance. Political Career and Ideological Shift In the early days of his political life, Goubert was a staunch supporter of Fren...

Puducherry, with its rich blend of Tamil roots and French flair, has long stood out as a cultural mosaic. A visit to the Puducherry Museum , located near Bharathi Park and the Governor’s residence, offers a deep and fascinating look at this unique heritage. Established in 1983, the museum serves as a gateway to understanding the city’s layered past — from ancient geological formations to the colonial grandeur of French India. French India Gallery – A Glimpse into Colonial Elegance As you enter the museum, you’re greeted by the French India Gallery , which is arranged in segments that recreate the refined interiors of colonial office rooms, complete with vintage furniture and décor. In the central section is a replica of a chair once used by Governor Dupleix, a name deeply intertwined with the city’s colonial history. Among the striking displays is a hand-operated Gutenberg-style printing press , once used in the Imprimerie du Gouvernement . Next to it are journals and books printed ...

Tucked away on Eswaran Dharmaraja Koil Street in Puducherry is a modest house that once echoed with the powerful voice of freedom — the voice of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati . Though small in size, the house at Door No. 20 stands tall in India’s history. Bharati spent a decade in Puducherry from 1908 to 1918. Though Bharati stayed in five other residences in Eswaran Dharmaraja Koil Street, this particular house is where he spent majority of his time in Puducherry. Importantly this is where many of his literary masterpieces were created. (A small house diagonally opposite to this museum is believed to be another house where Bharati stayed for a few months.) During those ten transformative years, this little house became more than just a shelter. It was a hub of intellectual exchange, political thought, and poetic brilliance. It drew in like-minded patriots and thinkers, serving as a quiet but powerful bastion of resistance. Today, the house has been preserved as a Memorial Museum-cum-R...

Tucked in the south-western part of Puducherry , the Botanical Garden is a refreshing blend of history, science, and natural beauty. Spread across 11 hectares in an elegant oval layout, this serene green space has been a part of the city’s landscape for centuries. While the garden was formally established by the French in 1826, references to its existence go as far back as 1740. The garden’s original purpose was rooted in research. It served as a living lab to study how various plant species adapted to Puducherry's unique climate. By 1829, the renowned French traveler Victor Jacquemont reported that 800 to 900 species were already flourishing here in an area of 7,500 square meters. A significant chapter in the garden’s story began in 1838 when eminent botanist S.G. Perottet took charge. He not only introduced rare and exotic species but also transformed the space into a living herbarium. His efforts in plant collection and landscaping gave the Botanical Garden its character an...

Puducherry, with its laid-back charm and French colonial flavour, is dotted with quiet corners that often surprise visitors with their character and depth. One such spot, tucked away in the serene lanes of White Town, is the Police Museum—a lesser-known but intriguing window into the history of law enforcement in this Union Territory. Located on Dumas Street, this modest museum is housed within the Puducherry Police Headquarters. Though compact—a single-room setup that takes about 30 to 45 minutes to explore—it offers a fascinating look at the evolution of the police force from the days of the French regime to the present. The museum was originally inaugurated on 10th July 1992 in a modest, dilapidated building. It was later shifted to its current location on 30th June 2018, giving it a more accessible and prominent space. Inside, the museum showcases a wardrobe filled with uniforms and headgear (locally referred to as kipes ) used by the police over the decades. Three cabinets hold...

About 13 kilometers from Tirunelveli lies the historically rich village of Krishnapuram , home to an exquisite temple dedicated to Venkatachalapati . Tradition holds that those unable to undertake the pilgrimage to the famed Tirupati temple can offer their prayers here instead, at this 16th-century shrine. While most temple narratives begin with the presiding deity, the architectural layout, and associated legends, Krishnapuram calls for a different approach. The true marvel of this site lies in its magnificent, life-sized sculptures from the Nayaka period —masterpieces so vivid and refined that one could return time and again, each visit revealing new layers of artistic brilliance. With photography strictly prohibited inside, viewing these works in person becomes all the more special. Since my focus is on these awe-inspiring sculptures, I’m deliberately departing from the usual order and beginning this article with them—before exploring the rest of the temple's elements. Just b...

Located on the bustling South Boulevard of Puducherry, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a striking example of Gothic architecture with an oriental touch. This century-old church is not just a place of worship but also a remarkable symbol of history, art, and devotion. Step inside, and you're greeted by vibrant stained glass panels , depicting scenes from the life of Christ and various saints of the Catholic Church. The basilica’s architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and intricate craftsmanship make it one of Puducherry’s most visited landmarks. For the benefit of beginners:  Gothic architecture originated in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages (12th to 16th centuries) and is especially associated with churches and cathedrals. Its key features include:  Pointed arches (instead of rounded Romanesque ones), Tall spires and towers,  Large stained glass windows , often with Biblical scenes and Intricate carvings and sculptures...