FRENCH SETTLEMENTS IN INDIA

FRENCH SETTLEMENTS IN INDIA

TOPIC: Indian History

Context- The Registry Building, a two storey structure at Chandernagore built in 1875 and a symbol of French settlement of the colonial town, has been awaiting restoration for a long time.

Concept-

French Settlements in India:

• The French settlement in India began in 1673.
• By the time of Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat in 1816, the French had the following establishments in its possession:
  • Pondicherry
  • Chandernagore
  • Karaikal
  • Mahe
  • Yanam
  • The lodges at Machilipatnam, Kozhikode and Surat
• Chandernagore, or Chandannagar, was the first trading post on the eastern bank of the Hooghly, set up by the French in 1696. The French purchased Chandernagore from the Mughal Governor of Bengal.
• Next year they acquired Pondicherry from the Sultan of Bijapur.