In the heart of Pondicherry, amidst the echoes of French colonial history, stands the imposing statue of François Dupleix. This statue pays tribute to a man whose influence left an indelible mark on the town’s cultural and architectural landscape.The Statue of Dupleix is located prominently in the historic White Town, telling the story of a bygone era and the lasting legacy of a key figure in Pondicherry’s past.the mesmerising statue of the French governor, Joseph Francois Dupleix, has a history of more than 150 years. The French recognized Dupleix’s work in 1870, and his two statues were commissioned the same year. One was established in France, and the other was sent to India in Puducherry.
Joseph Francois ruled the Indian territory of Puducherry from 1742 to 1754. His efforts resulted in preventing British domination in Puducherry. However, he left for France after being defeated in the second Carnatic war.
The statue was initially established on 16th July 1970 at the Gandhi Thidal, where Jawaharlal Nehru’s statue stands. Later in 1979, the statue was relocated to its current location.The Statue of Dupleix is a 2.88-meter tall statue standing on a granite column. The long statue is a significant landmark of the city and a recommended tourist spot. What adds to the statue’s beauty is the bustling children’s park located nearby.Dupleix can be seen wearing a court dress with a bag wig in the statue. His long riding boots, prominent nose, and gigantic jaw show his commanding stature. In his right hand, he is seen holding a map of Puducherry, and his left hand is reposed on the hilt of his sword.#Trivia: The Public Works Department (PWD) of Puducherry undertook the restoration work of the statue in 2014.
