Puducherry
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Overview
Puducherry is a Union Territory that was a French possession until 1954 (de facto) and 1962 (de jure). Its elected MLAs vote in presidential elections, a right added by the 70th Amendment. The ancient port of Arikamedu lies nearby.
The UT has four separate parts: Puducherry and Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Mahe in Kerala and Yanam in Andhra Pradesh.
The town has a French-planned grid around the seafront, and Sri Aurobindo's ashram and Auroville nearby are well known.
French remains one of its official languages.
The city has French architecture.
The Promenade beach is popular.
It is a tourist destination.
Tamil is the main language.
Geography and key facts
- UT capital
- French until 1954/1962
- Arikamedu nearby
- MLAs vote for President (70th Amendment)
- Four enclaves: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam
- Aurobindo Ashram; Auroville nearby
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on presidential elections and on decolonisation.
Note for UPSC
Capital of Puducherry.
Useful for orientation questions and for locating other features relative to the capital.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Puducherry yet.
Key facts
- Type
- State / UT capital
- State / UT
- Puducherry
- Coordinates
- 11.930°N, 79.830°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Mauryas, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms and the Guptas
- Parliament, the Executive, the Judiciary and Federalism
- Post-Independence Consolidation (1947–1970s)
- The President: Election, Impeachment and Constitutional Position
- The Vice-President and the Attorney General of India
- Parliament: Composition, Membership and Presiding Officers
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Other places in Puducherry
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