Historical Sights and Heritage

Ancient Trade & Early Settlements (Before 1674)

Long before European colonization, Pondicherry was an important port city and trade center. It was known to have had connections with the Roman Empire, as evidenced by Roman coins and artifacts found in the region. The city was also ruled by several South Indian dynasties, including:

✔️ Pallavas (4th–9th century) – Developed early settlements and trade routes
✔️ Cholas (9th–13th century) – Expanded maritime trade and cultural influence
✔️ Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th century) – Strengthened regional control and economy

The region was also an important center for Tamil culture and spirituality, with numerous temples and religious sites.