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The Statue of Dupleix in Pondicherry

Pondicherry speaks in volume about the French supremacy in India. Though the French supremacy was not spread all over India, in Pondicherry it was supreme. When we talk about the French supremacy then one name we should never forget, that is of Joseph Francois Dupleix. The Statue of Dupleix in Pondicherry gives us some idea about the immense contribution of the once Governor General in trying to consolidate French supremacy, at least in some parts of India.

Dupleix can be held primarily responsible for the Carnatic Wars as a repercussion of the trouble between England and France in Europe. At first Joseph Dupleix was successful in resisting the attacks of the English East India Company but he lost in the later battles. When you go for sightseeing in Pondicherry then you must not forget to go and look at least for once at The Statue of Dupleix in Pondicherry. Then you will realize that this Statue of Dupleix at Pondicherry is actually Pondicherry's tribute to the contribution of him towards the building of the city of Pondicherry. Joseph Dupleix was the ablest governor of Pondicherry and served the city very well and it can be said that with the end of his governorship in 1754, the dream of France to become the supreme power in India also came to an untimely end.

The Statue of Dupleix in Pondicherry was commissioned by France in 1870. Another statue was built in France and thus homage was paid to the great French soldier who did a lot to serve his country's interests in India. When The Statue of Dupleix of Pondicherry was first built, then this 2.88 m tall statue stood over six granite pillars, heavily decorated and curved, at the Place du Republique. Later on, the position of the statue was changed. Now, the grand statue of Dupleix stands in another place. When you walk in the promenade, now known as Goubert Avenue, then you will find this statue at its southern end. You will find the Statue of Dupleix in Pondicherry now overlooking a children's park.