On a whirlwind trip to Pondicherry, I visited a quaint little museum in its old parts to better understand some of the charm the city exudes for the hordes of tourists it attracts. From the tiniest bits of Greek and Spanish clay pottery dating back to the Roman Empire to French chariots and carriages from the 19th century donated by old Tamilian families who inherited this past, I was at once unhappy that I had no time to visit the deserted archaeological site of Arikaedu where most of the ancient collections come from. After all, it was just 7 km away from the museum. Ah well.
That notwithstanding, I was happy to shoot some of these pictures of the surrounding area near the museum. Shooting inside the museum was prohibited though I have seen some pictures on the net taken by those who don’t take rules seriously. Good for them!
Pondicherry or Pondy is a town that loves its past. As seen in this picture of an old Fiat being lovingly restored. The Fiat was a symbol of style back in the 50’s and 60’s all over India.
Another dream car of the 60’s being given a facelift. It must’ve been great when the going was good. For now it ain’t going anywhere, not until the tyres are found!
A French street sign with an Indian twist. To me this detailed and subtle graffiti seemed to suggest a contemporary European sensibility.
I haven’t seen stencilled graffiti of this nature in Mumbai, hometown of the Lord Ganesha. Interesting typography.
Graffiti in this case adopts Banksy’s style and attitude, further illustrating Pondy’s connect with Europe in modern times.
The old city is full of little details such as this decorative sculpture which is as Indian as its European. Bohemian chic or new age cum old world charm? It’s hard to decide.
Pondicherry became a part of India as recently as 1954. The transfer marked the end of 224 years of French rule in this tiny part of Tamil Nadu.
Another view of a colonial home lovingly preserved. The French quarter of this city is quiet, clean and shady. The cobbled streets are lined with charming townhouses like this one.
That is one big door; it opens completely only when you are a known visitor to this mansion driving up your vintage car. The partial opening is for the security to pop-up to check your credentials and intention i.e if you come walking.
Most of the old mansions facing the sea are now budget hotels run by locals. Surprisingly, they’re the
least expensive. Their interior design aesthetic is a bit like a Tollywood movie set. Very kitsch and i don’t mean bohemian.
There’s a certain romance in walking around the streets of Old Pondicherry. Plenty of nice places to eat some fusion food. The beer here is dirt cheap as it’s a Union territory. I didn’t realise until we drove back to Auroville, else I would’ve carried a carton for the night.
The horse carriages I saw in the museum were larger, grander versions of this humble cycle rickshaw.
Graffiti everywhere. Especially on abandoned tempos or should I say ‘goods carriers’
Beautiful architecture. Though a weekend in the city should be just about enough to imbibe the atmosphere. Unless of course you are spending time at the Aurobindo ashram learning yoga, meditation or even incense making.
This is the beach front that was badly affected by the Tsunami in 2004. Its pretty windy here on a normal day, swimming is not in the culture, so don’t pack that 2 piece bikini yet. Instead enjoy a stroll in your yoga pyjamas, breathing in the sea air.
The streets have seen some agitations since India gained independence. The French didn’t leave here with the British. This lane where this facade is located is so peaceful, it was hard for me to imagine any anguish, leave alone feeling it.
About shabnamphoto
I'm a graphic artist with a passion for photography. I like to tell a story with my pictures. Sometimes a picture may speak on its own and at other times it may need an explanation. I'm intrigued by the ordinariness of life and enjoy documenting my life in the light and shadow of what surrounds me. Be it people, landscape, flowers, architecture or birds, the camera helps me see what I wouldn't with my naked eye.
I wish to use the rickshaw photograph for a blog post of mine. Hope that would be fine by you?!
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please do, am so sorry have been on and off socialmedia so missed seeing your message! hope all is good at your end
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Yes, please. Thank you. Since I did not hear from you, I did take the liberty of going ahead. Here is the link:
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Reblogged this on DesignCrazzie and commented:
Just recently TOM assisted to a Classical Auto Show, this one could easily become a winner in its category.
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I love all the little details that make this quarter unique. Thanks for the stroll.
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My pleasure and I hope you will come back for a walk around once again dear vagabond 🙂
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hey shabnam super blog and pictures !
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Thanks ever so much for your comment and like, cherish the visit 🙂
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Lovely. Some buildings remind me of Panjim and Margao — that Continental touch.
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Thanks Uttam, wanted so much to shoot those beautiful Panjim streets, shall do so this time 🙂
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I came here via ashok bhatia’s blog… I’ve always loved the sound of the name Pondicherry, so it was wonderful to find out that the place seems to be as quirky and charming as its name! I was also amazed by the graffiti in the first two photos – clearly India has a much higher quality of graffiti than Europe!
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Thank you so much for your comment zanyzigzag, am equally curious about this graffiti art… maybe another subject for interrogation on my next visit, “the garaffiti arists of Pondycherry”
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Lovely place and beautiful photos…some of pictures are nostalgic, it brings back old world memories…choice of photos are mystical.
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Thank you Nihar for your visit and comment, am glad you connect with this great place 🙂
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Reblogged this on ashokbhatia and commented:
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the De facto merger day of Pondicherry with the Indian union, here is a fresh perspective on the territory from the eyes of a shutterbug par excellence. Happy Liberation Day!
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You are the kindest, thank you. How did I miss replying to this comment, i sincerely believe I did!!!
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Thanks again, Shabnam. Pleasure was entirely mine.
Next time you happen to pass by Pondicherry, do remember having an ardent fan of yours here!
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most certainly 🙂
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Great photos story of Pondicherry. Looks very colourful!
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thanks Indah for the visit…. all of India is very colorful!
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Sorry.. Shot it out before identifying…
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Such an enchanting slice of photo beauty shabnam…. and This is such dĂ©jĂ vu… Spent a whole week here and auroville … I was early for the post afternoon timing of the museum but decided to hang around as I did not want to miss the remnants of the roman connect. I hd rented a bike and went around the quarter like a crazed teenager circling the house of his imagined beau… Cannot forget and you have awakened again this about to be recessed memoir.. Kudos.
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Suresh Iyer that is so wonderful, Its the nicest thing I heard all day…. cheers!
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Great writing to go with your colorful photos, very interesting to see and read about this place!
(and great to see you back as well!)
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Awww, Ron, thank you so much for your heart warming comment, cheers to that 🙂
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You have brought a fresh perspective to the place where I happen to live. Thank you!
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Oh really?! Most of the perspectives came out of the museum, have you been there? I was there for just a couple of hours…
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Yes, of course. Would you mind my re-blogging this one?
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Absolutely, this is your town that needs to be seen by as many!
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What a fascinating, colourful place….
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Thank you Sue, when you can’t go all the way to France, you just go to this town in South India.
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But in my case it would be the reverse! 🙂
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hahaha, nice to be where you are, its 3 seasons in this town, hot, hotter, hottest!
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Ouf, that would be too hot for me….
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Your photographs are always so interesting. And beautiful.
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Now now, tell me why you disappeared, never mind the kind compliments 🙂 cheers, good to have you back, as the old Beatles song goes: Isn’t it good Norwegian wood.
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Pondicherry seems like such a colorful place.
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Hope you will visit, as you can see it has charmed many over the centuries.
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Nice set; good to see you again!
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Thanks so much Harry, life got in the way, fodder for a few future posts I hope!
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Gorgeous, detailed prose and I love the photographs. Thank you for creating this lovely post!
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that is so kind of you Victoria, am so happy to hear your fabulous comment, have a great day.
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lovely stories these tell!
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Thank you christy bharath, cherish your visit 🙂
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