Chapter: 15. Bienvenue À Puducherry
A. Choose the correct answers for these questions.
Which building was once the old Port Office in Pondicherry? What are ‘kolams’ made with, as seen outside homes in the Tamil Quarter during festivals? b. Rice flour and coloured powder Which of these is NOT a place to visit for exploring historical artifacts like sculptures or paintings? b. Auroville Visitor’s Centre What is the weather like in Pondicherry during the monsoon season? c. Torrential rainfall and lower temperatures B. Answer these questions.
When did the British leave India, and how many years after that did Pondicherry officially become part of France? The British left India in 1947, and Pondicherry officially became part of France 15 years later, in 1962. Describe the main architectural feature of traditional Tamil houses mentioned in the chapter. Traditional Tamil houses have half-covered verandahs that lead into open courtyards surrounded by pillars. What kind of hotels are described as “old buildings that have been rebuilt or restored” in the French Quarter? These hotels are called “heritage hotels.” Besides coffee, what typical French pastry can you enjoy at Le Café? You can enjoy a croissant at Le Café. What is the purpose of the Visitor’s Centre in Auroville? The Visitor’s Centre is where you can learn more about Auroville and the people who live there. C. Think and answer.
If a friend wanted to experience both the historical French influence and traditional Indian culture in Pondicherry, what two specific activities would you recommend from the brochure, and why? (Sample Answer) For French influence, I would recommend taking a walk around the French Quarter, visiting the Government Museum to see French furniture and paintings, and having a coffee and croissant at Le Café. For traditional Indian culture, I would suggest exploring the streets of the Tamil Quarter, visiting its busy bazaars and ancient temples, and seeing the house of the famous Tamil poet Subramania Bharathi. This way, they would see how both cultures have shaped the city. How does Pondicherry’s location by the sea affect its climate throughout the year, and what advice does the brochure give based on this? Pondicherry’s location right by the sea makes it humid all year round. During summer (April and May), temperatures can soar up to 42 degrees Celsius, and the monsoon season (June/July to September) sees torrential rainfall. Based on this, the brochure advises that the best time to visit is winter, from October to February, when the weather is mild and temperatures hover between 15-25 degrees. The warm-up section states that “History is the study of the past.” How does reading this brochure about Pondicherry help you understand the history of a place? Give two specific ways. (Sample Answer) Reading this brochure helps me understand the history of Pondicherry in two main ways. Firstly, it tells me about the different groups who traded there for over a thousand years, like the Romans, Dutch, Portuguese, and French, showing its long past as a port. Secondly, it highlights how the French ruled the city until 1962, much later than India’s independence, explaining why their influence is still visible in buildings, street names, and even cuisine. 
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