With reference to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements:
1. The first European power

Question

With reference to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements:
1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese.
2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French.
3. The English never occupied Pondicherry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

The Portuguese were the first European power to establish a settlement in Pondicherry in the 16th century. Following them, the French arrived and took control of Pondicherry in 1674, making them the second European power to occupy it. While the English were rivals of the French and fought for control of territories, they did eventually occupy Pondicherry for brief periods during conflicts, notably after the Seven Years' War, thus statement 3 is incorrect.