Pondicherry

Pondicherry or Pondichéry: see Puducherry.

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Pondicherry

Union territory (pop., 2001: 974,345), India. It was formed in 1962 from the four former French colonies of Pondicherry, Karikal, and Yanam, on the eastern seaboard, and Mahe, on the western seaboard. With a total area of 190 sq mi (492 sq km), it is united by little other than its colonial past and focus on tourism. The city of Pondicherry is the administrative capital.

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Pondicherry

City (pop., 2001: 220,865), seaport, and capital of Pondicherry union territory, southeastern India. Lying on the Coromandel Coast, it originated as a French trade centre in 1674, when it was purchased from a local ruler. The scene of fighting between the French and Dutch, it was occupied by the British several times from 1761 before becoming a French possession (1816–1954). A seaside tourist resort, it contains an international study centre at a Hindu religious retreat, or ashram.

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Pondicherry

1. a Union Territory of SE India: transferred from French to Indian administration in 1954 and made a Union Territory in 1962. Capital: Pondicherry. Pop.: 973 829 (2001 est.). Area: 479 sq. km (185 sq. miles)

2. a port in SE India, capital of the Union Territory of Pondicherry, on the Coromandel Coast. Pop.: 220 749 (2001)