What is Puducherry, What is the capital of Puducherry

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a union territory located on the southeastern coast of India. This area was under French colonial rule for about 300 years, and remnants of French architecture and culture can still be seen today. The official name was changed to Puducherry in 2006, which means “new village” in Tamil, What is Puducherry, What is the capital of Puducherry.

The capital city is also called Puducherry, covering an area of approximately 492 square kilometers with a population of around 711,934. The main languages spoken here are Tamil, French, and English. Puducherry is often referred to as “Little France” or “The Paris of the East,” highlighting its unique cultural blend and beauty.

Puducherry is home to many historical sites and temples that reflect its rich cultural heritage. It is also a significant center for spirituality, attracting thousands of visitors each year seeking peace and meditation. The Aurobindo Ashram is particularly well-known as a place for meditation and spiritual exploration, What is Puducherry, What is the capital of Puducherry.

The establishment day of Puducherry is celebrated on July 1, marking its integration into the Indian Union. This region not only attracts tourists but also captivates people with its remarkable culture and history.

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, has a rich and diverse history. This region was established in the 17th century by the French East India Company when French Governor François Martin developed it into an important trading center in 1674. Puducherry faced various colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The Dutch occupied Puducherry in 1693 but returned it to the French in 1699.

In the 18th century, Puducherry experienced conflicts between the British and French. The British took control for a time in 1761 but returned it to France under the Treaty of Paris in 1763. After India gained independence, Puducherry sought to merge with India, which was achieved on November 1, 1954. On this date, Puducherry became a Union Territory, and by 1962 it was officially recognized as part of India, What is Puducherry, What is the capital of Puducherry.

Today, the French influence is still evident in Puducherry’s culture and architecture, earning it nicknames like “Little France” or “Paris of the East.” Its beautiful beaches and historical sites make it a popular tourist destination.

What is the capital of Puducherry

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is the capital of the Union Territory of Puducherry in India. This city is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and was officially renamed Puducherry in 2006, which means “new village” in Tamil.

List of all the Governors of Puducherry and their working period

Puducherry is a Union Territory of India, and it is headed by a Lieutenant Governor instead of a Governor, as it comes under the direct administration of the central government. Below is the list of all Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry along with their tenures:

List of Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry

S. No.	Name	Tenure Start	Tenure End
1	S. L. Silverstone	16 August 1962	31 May 1964
2	Chakravarti Rajagopalachari	1 June 1964	15 March 1965
3	K. Ambalagan	16 March 1965	4 October 1966
4	B. D. Sharma	5 October 1966	5 September 1968
5	S. K. Shetty	6 September 1968	3 February 1972
6	Gopal Swarup Pathak	4 February 1972	10 November 1976
7	N. N. Wanchoo	11 November 1976	27 February 1980
8	T. K. Jagannathan	28 February 1980	18 March 1983
9	R. Rajamani	19 March 1983	1 December 1988
10	Hari Swarup Singh	2 December 1988	5 July 1990
11	Dr. B. D. Jatti	6 July 1990	22 December 1990
12	Chandravijay Singh	23 December 1990	26 May 1993
13	Hari Jayapal	27 May 1993	19 March 1996
14	Dr. Raj Kishore Sinha	20 March 1996	14 March 1998
15	Balwinder Singh	15 March 1998	23 April 2002
16	Mohanpal	24 April 2002	12 January 2004
17	Mukut Mithi	13 January 2004	22 July 2008
18	Surjit Singh Barnala	23 July 2008	13 March 2010
19	Iqbal Singh	14 March 2010	21 July 2014
20	A. K. Singh	22 July 2014	28 May 2016
21	Kiran Bedi	29 May 2016	16 February 2021
22	Tamilisai Soundararajan	18 February 2021	Incumbent (2024)

Who is the Governor of Puducherry

K. Kailashnathan is the current Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. He was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on July 28, 2024. Before this role, he was a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Gujarat cadre, having held several significant positions throughout his career. K. Kailashnathan is known to be a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His term as Lieutenant Governor began after he retired from the Gujarat government on June 30, 2024.

Which are the neighboring states of Puducherry

Puducherry is a union territory in India, divided into four different districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. It is bordered by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The districts of Puducherry and Karaikal are completely surrounded by Tamil Nadu. Yanam shares its border with Andhra Pradesh, while Mahe is surrounded by Kerala. This unique geographical layout makes Puducherry distinct, as its districts are not connected to each other and are located in various places.

How many districts are there in Puducherry

The Union Territory of Puducherry has a total of 4 districts. Below is the table with their names and details:

S. No.	District Name	Geographical Location
1	Puducherry	Located on the mainland, surrounded by Tamil Nadu
2	Karaikal	Located on the mainland, surrounded by Tamil Nadu
3	Mahe	Situated in Kerala, on the western coast
4	Yanam	Situated in Andhra Pradesh, near the Godavari River

Which is the largest district of Puducherry

The Puducherry district is the largest district in the Puducherry union territory, covering an area of about 293 square kilometers. This district is a significant part of the Puducherry territory and was previously known as Pondicherry. Surrounded by Tamil Nadu, it had a population of approximately 950,289 according to the 2011 census, making it the most populous district in the region.

One notable feature of Puducherry district is its rich colonial heritage, which is reflected in the French architecture and culture that can be seen throughout the area. The district’s beaches and historical sites attract many tourists, establishing it as an important tourist destination. Other districts in Puducherry include Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahé, but none match the size or population of Puducherry district.

What kind of food is there in Puducherry

Puducherry’s cuisine is rich in variety and reflects its cultural heritage. This region offers a unique blend of Indian and French foods. Popular dishes include South Indian specialties like idli, dosa, sambar, and rasam, which are favorites among the locals. Additionally, Puducherry features many French dishes such as baguettes, croissants, and various pastries.

Street food in Puducherry is also well-known, with snacks like samosas, pani puri, and bonda being particularly popular. The street food emphasizes local flavors and freshness, attracting many tourists eager to try it. For seafood lovers, Puducherry is an excellent destination, offering dishes like crab masala fry and fish fry.

Moreover, frozen vegetables and health foods are available in local markets. Overall, the food in Puducherry is not only delicious but also highlights the area’s cultural diversity.

What are the major tourist destinations of Puducherry

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory famous for its unique cultural blend and historical significance. It has several major tourist attractions that draw visitors.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Established in 1926, this ashram is an important center for spirituality. It practices yoga and meditation, making it an ideal place for those seeking peace.

Auroville: Also called the “City of Dawn,” Auroville is an experimental township founded in 1968. Its aim is to promote human unity and it welcomes people from various countries.

Puducherry Museum: This museum boasts an impressive collection of sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Many artifacts were excavated from the ancient port of Arikamedu, making it significant for history enthusiasts.

Promenade Beach: A popular spot for leisurely walks, this beach attracts tourists with its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views.

Sacred Heart Basilica: This beautiful Roman Catholic church is known for its architecture and religious importance.

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is very popular among locals.

In addition to these sites, Puducherry features many other monuments and temples, such as the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and I Mandapam, showcasing its rich culture and history. The blend of French architecture and Indian culture makes it a unique tourist destination.

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