French India

French India

French Colony (1666-1954)

Location: Indian Subcontinent

Capital City: Surat (1666-1699), Pondicherry (1699-1954)

Government type: French Colony

Main languages: French, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali

Main religions: Catholic Christianity, Hinduism

Chronology

1666: France establishes its first outpost in India at Surat

1668-1793: French India administered by the French East Indies Company

1761-1765: Occupied by Britain

1793-1816: Occupied by Britain

1940: Aligned with Vichy France for 3 months

1950: Chandernagore given to India

1954: Remainder of French India transferred to India

Currency

Rupee (1700-1946)

1 Rupee = 8 Fanon = 16 Annas = 120 Biche = 128 Doudou = 512 Cash • 1 Pagoda = 3.5 Rupees • 1 Mohur = 15 Rupees

Coins from French India in the collection

•1 Doudou, 1715-1835 (bronze, Pondicherry mint, KM#35)