Marquis Dupleix Statue — Attraction in Puducherry

Joseph Marquis Dupleix (Jan 1697 – Nov 1763) was Governor-General of French India and rival of Robert Clive (British).

The STATUE of Joseph Francois Dupleix at Puducherry Beach, the Monument to Dupleix in Puducherry!!

With the commissioning of Two Statues (one in Puducherry & the other in France – by the French Government), his contributions were recognised only in 1870, although Dupleix left Puducherry in 1754. The Pondicherry Statue was erected first in July 1870 (at the present site of the Nehru statue). Later, in 1979, the (2.88m tall) statue of Dupleix was moved to its current location, at the southern end of the Pondicherry Beach (Promenade – Rock Beach), in Goubert Avenue. A restoration of the Dupleix statue was conducted in 2014!

Well maintained Park and Beach Clean & Neat Well light in Night Tall Statue (2.88 Meter) visible from long distance Very breezy place The avenue is closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 PM to 7:30 AM Lot of area of enjoyment Fully Safe & secured Family zone Many options of Bars and Food courts, etc. Handicrafts Shops and road side hawkers

Brief History: Dupleix was born in France on January, 1697. His father, François Dupleix, a wealthy General, wanted him to become a merchant. To distract his taste for science, Dupleix was sent on a voyage to India in 1715. He made several voyages to the Americas and India. And in 1720 became a member of the superior council at Bengal. He displayed great business aptitude and acquired a huge fortune. In 1730 became The Superintendent of Dutch affairs in Chandernagore. In 1741, he married Jeanne Albert (Joanna Begum – died in 1756), a widow, and she helped her husband in his negotiations with the native princes.

In 1742 he became the Governor General of all Dutch establishments in India. Dupleix saw constant disputes among the Princes of India and took initiative to advance the interests of France in India. He made relations with the native princes. He built an army of native troops (Sepoys).

With many victories in India, he conquered Burma too. After a Long history of wars, success & defeats, in 1754 the British ‘Poisoned Dupleix’, during the War of Bay of Bengal. And then The Dutch surrendered In ‘The...

In Puducherry at Goubert square a statue which attracts tourists and visitors because it's none of our country's leader or activist which can be guessed by the dress and long boots. Indeed it's a memorial dedicated to the last Governor General Joseph Francois Dupleix of Puducherry basically it was an Indian territory but it was occupied by French. He was entitled as Marquis by the French Monarchy.

It's located on a marble high pedestal with inscriptions providing brief details about Dupleix, in Goubert Avenue, Beach road in a children's park. He remained the Governor General of Puducherry from 1742 to 1754. Because of his strategies Robert Clive couldn't succeed on this French territory. He died on 10th November 1763.

In the year 1870 his patriotism, contributions and patronage were recognised. Hence two marble statues were commissioned by the French Government. These statues were sculpted by renowned French sculptor Theodore Gruyere. In the year 1870 one statue was erected nearby to the present location then it remained under the custody of PWD and again in 1979 it was erected at its present location.

In the statue, Dupleix can be seen wearing a court dress with a baggy wig, long boots, and impressive personality. He is holding in one hand city's map and the other hand on grip of the sword.

During the lifetime of Joseph Francois Dupleix no ordinary man was able to approach and now innocent Crow is sitting...

Marquis Joseph François Dupleix was a key figure in French colonial history in India during the 18th century. As the Governor-General of French India, Dupleix played a pivotal role in expanding French influence across the region, particularly through his aggressive military campaigns and diplomatic strategies against the British East India Company.

His tenure in Pondicherry, the capital of French India, was marked by efforts to strengthen French military and economic standing in the subcontinent.

The statue of Marquis Dupleix in Pondicherry is a significant monument that stands as a testament to his influence and legacy. Located on Goubert Avenue by the Bay of Bengal, the statue is an imposing figure, standing at 2.88 meters tall. Erected in 1870, it symbolizes the erstwhile French colonial aspirations and serves as a reminder of the rich, albeit complex, history of colonial interactions in India. The statue faces the sea, symbolically looking towards France, perhaps as a nod to Dupleix's connection to his homeland even while in India.

The presence of this statue in Pondicherry is significant as it not only commemorates a key historical figure but also enhances the colonial aesthetic and French legacy that characterizes the city. This historical and cultural landmark attracts tourists and serves as a focal point for those interested in the colonial history of Pondicherry and the broader...