French Colonies In India, 1858 Map
This 1858 map shows the French colonies in India. The colonies include those that are underlined in red. The French colonies shown on the west coast of India are Mahe and Calicut (now Kozhikode). The colonies on the eastern coast are Karaikal, Pondicherry, Yanaon (Yanam), Balasore, Chandernagore (Chandannagar), and Dacca (Dhaka).
This map seems to be an eye-opener about Calicut being a French protectorate. In 1774, the French flag was hoisted on the Zamorin’s palace. A treaty was signed with the Zamorin where Calicut was placed under the protection of the French. In return, the Zamorin granted the French a monopoly over trade and the right to build fortifications wherever they pleased on his territory.
The French first arrived at Surat in 1667 establishing a trading post there. Thereon they rapidly opened further settlements: at Masulipatam (Machilipatnam) in 1669, and Chandernagore in 1773. Pondicherry was acquired by the French from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1674. Mahe was occupied by them in around 1720. The inset images display – Lauriston, a map of Cochinchine (Vietnam), a caparisoned elephant, and Pondicherry harbour. Click on the image for better view.
Also read A French Calicut?
Did you know – Jean Law De Lauriston was a military commander and Governor General of Pondicherry twice. Born in Paris in 1719, of Scottish origin
From the collection – Antique Painting of Madras Fort St George., Biplane Flying Boats In British India, 1930 Photo., Newly Completed Parliament House New Delhi, 1927., Bowring Institute Club In Bengaluru – Old Postcard 1907.
