Architecture of Indian Cities: Puducherry

Puducherry, known for its leather, wood, metalcraft and architecture, has a deep-rooted history with the French. While walking on the streets of Puducherry, one will notice two different worlds. One world contains French-inspired architecture, and the other includes traditional Tamil houses and customs. The art of architecture of Puducherry lies in balancing both worlds and its love for conserving the monuments of the past while still appreciating the present. 

Eglise Notre Dame des Anges 

Eglise Notre Dame des Anges, also known as Kaps Koil or White Chapel, is known for its white marble architecture. This is the world’s only church where prayers are spoken in French, Tamil and English. Crafted by Louis Guerre in 1855, this church is inspired by the Greco-Roman architecture, the principle that the ancient Greeks established. The white chapel earned its name from marble and contained limestone and eggshells to resemble the texture of white marble. Later this Chapel’s colour was changed to a pink hue during the 1900s and 2000s for a few reasons. 

One was historical restoration, in which the restorers wanted to bring the original charm of European buildings. The second was to give the church an aesthetic appeal, while the last one was for maintenance, as over time, the white colour became prone to stains and led to discoloration. This perfect blend of Gothic and baroque offers a bell tower that adds extra extravagance to the Puducherry skyline. The interiors in the White Chapel are the cherry on top, with the grand and spacious halls paired with high ceilings and stained glass windows, which is the perfect combination for creating an experience that will leave the visitor speechless. 

Maison Perumal 

The Maison Perumal in the Tamil Quarters of Puducherry, which was built over 130 years ago, is a hotel that preserves Tamil architecture. The Maison Perumal celebrates the local artists and their work. The walls are decorated with different vibrant canvases by local painters. This determination to promote the rich culture of Puducherry sums up the whole idea of Maison Perumal. They have an inner courtyard often used in Tamil homes for ventilation and social gatherings. Verandas are used for guests to relax, and sloped roofs are seen, which are used in Tamil homes to drain rainwater from the roofs. The pillars and beams are handcrafted and made with wood. The flooring contains the Athangudi tiles, a type of patterned tiles that are a staple in Tamil homes. As the temperature increased, Puducherry lime-plastered walls were used to cool the indoors. This beautifully restored house is a must-visit for people who love art and history. 

La Maison Rose 

Located in White Town, is an Italian dining restaurant built in the French colonial period. The façade, painted in pastel colours, preserves the colonial pink exterior while following the traditional courtyard layout of the Tamil culture. La Maison Rose has a high ceiling and tall French windows that are a source of ventilation and aesthetics, paired with Tamil-styled wood shutters. The roof is a sloping Tamil style with a French touch of terracotta tiles, a traditional Tamil roofing with French design principles. The Veranda is paired with European columns. This veranda has a raised platform in the centre, typically seen in Tamil homes. Most elements are made from wood, like the Tamil-inspired doors and wrought iron balconies, a European decorative element. This restaurant offers elegant décor and a warm atmosphere, which can be paired with wines and cocktails; this restaurant captures the European ambience combined with the rich heritage of Puducherry.

What lessons can we learn from Puducherry architecture?

1. Blending Cultures can lead to beautiful designs. Puducherry architecture shows that two very different styles can blend beautifully. This way, we can combine other cultures with local architecture without losing our identity.
2. Climate-Responsive Design: Regulating air temperature through sloped roofs, high ceilings, large windows or lime-plastered walls for cooling are a few ways in which aesthetics and sustainability will go hand in hand. 
3. Preservation and adaptation: Puducherry preserves buildings while adding their identity and modern methods, showing that conservation not only means to conserve but can also be redesigned carefully. 

Why should your next trip be Puducherry?

The French Riviera of the East, or Puducherry, is where history, architecture, culture, and nature come together. Besides the architecture, Puducherry is known for its beaches, which are lined with colonial-era buildings. The golden sand and the blue water give a serene view, perfect for relaxing. Puducherry is also known for its food, like the French bakeries and cafes, paired with South Indian food, making the ideal whole meal. The local market’s handmade leather, pottery, and crafts are sold and made from traditions passed down from many generations. Puducherry is a great escape from the fast-paced city life, where it slows you down, gives a sense of peace and amazes you with its architecture.

References:

1. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, Puducherry: Architectural gem (no date) Incredible India. Available at: https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/puducherry/puducherry/eglise-de-notre-dame-des-anges 
2. (No date) La Maison Rose: A culinary gem in Puducherry. Available at: https://evendo.com/locations/india/pondicherry/restaurant/la-maison-rose 

Image References:

1. A street in Puducherry Magik India (Website) Available at: https://magikindia.com/en/pondicherry-puducherry/ 
2. Exterior of Eglise Notre Dame des Anges 123RF (Website) Available at: https://fr.123rf.com/photo_34179129_notre-dame-des-anges-%C3%A0-pondich%C3%A9ry-%C3%A9glise-chr%C3%A9tienne-inde-du-sud.html 
3. Interior of Eglise Notre Dame des Anges Indian Columbus (Website) Available at: https://indiancolumbus.blogspot.com/2024/04/Eglise%20de%20Notre%20Dame%20des%20Anges.html 
4. Maison Perumal’s inner courtyard Booking.com (Website) Available at: https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/maison-perumal.html 
5. La Maison’s Exterior Th3rdwave (Website) Available at:  https://www.th3rdwave.coffee/la-maison-rose/ 
6. A luscious street of Puducherry Expedia (Website) Available at: https://www.expedia.co.in/stories/india/pondicherry-riviera/ 
7. Beach of Puducherry Incredible India (Website) Available at:  https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/puducherry/puducherry