The Mairie was a symbol of French authority
The Hindu
Considered a symbol of their power, the French named the premises ‘Town Hall’ (Hotel De Ville), which housed the office of the Puducherry Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Registry and other offices, including the office of Registrar of Births and Deaths
Built in 1870-71, the Mairie was an important landmark in Puducherry. It formed part of an ensemble of important structures such as the old lighthouse, the customs house and the French Consulate on Goubert Avenue.
Considered a symbol of their power, the French named the premises ‘Town Hall’ (Hotel De Ville), which housed the office of the Puducherry Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Registry and other offices, including the office of Registrar of Births and Deaths.
“It was the biggest administrative building for 100 years and a symbolic landmark during the French regime. It was in this building that the first attempt at democracy for Puducherry was tried out in 1870-1900, long before the first general election was held in British India,” said Ashok Panda, co-convener, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
The building housed the Legislative Assembly of Puducherry for four years from 1964 (when the first general election was held in the wake of de jure transfer of power). The Assembly was shifted to the present premises in 1969. It provided facility for marriages and other public functions.
The eastern and western façade of the building featured arcaded entrance with a verandah on a high plinth accessed by a broad flight of steps in dressed granite. The first floor had coloured galleries and a large ceremonial hall with wooden flooring, Mr. Panda added.
Having braved the elements for over 100 years, the building started showing signs of decay. The cement plaster peeled off the ceiling, and the building started crumbling in 2012, with one part remaining closed. The main part was cleared out and the offices were shifted after the building was declared unsafe. It collapsed in incessant rain in November 2014.
Telangana Legislature's winter session on December 9, 2024 to focus on new legislation, rectifying past Acts, and addressing social indicators and financial issues.
Central government officials raise concerns over vague replies on vacancies and recruitments in Central ministries, highlighting data discrepancies.
Supreme Court directs five states to provide facts on illegal sand mining activities, emphasizing the need for control.
Vazhndhu Kattuvom scheme in Tiruchi district empowers women entrepreneurs through vocational training and e-commerce platforms for business growth.
Chennai airport passengers face challenges with defective trolley wheels, but improvements are underway by AAI officials.
J&K leaders oppose new railway lines cutting through agriculture and horticulture land in south Kashmir, citing ecological and livelihood concerns.
Preliminary study at IIT Madras' Vana Vani School raises concerns over unauthorized clinical trials on students.
Shortage of clinical psychologists in India due to discontinuation of MPhil program raises concerns about education and accreditation standards.
Producers of Tamil movie Amaran apologize for displaying student's number, leading to legal action and removal of scene.
Telangana Chief Minister initiates recruitment of transgender Traffic Assistants in Hyderabad Police for inclusivity and representation.
Forest Minister K. Ponmudy launches 60 mobile medical units for Cyclone Fengal relief in Villupuram district.