From Arikamedu to the Foundation of Modern Pondicherry

This book argues that Arikamedu is not an ancient port town, but only a coastal mart. It also claims on the basis of proofs that Arikamedu has nothing to do with Pondicherry or Puducherry town. The book retraces the history of Pondicherry since the ancient times up to its modern foundation by the French during 1673-1706. It puts forward the fact that Pondicherry or rather the Tamil 'Pandichery' was derived from 'Bandikeri' or 'Vandicheri' which was in existence in the 15th century. As 'Vandicheri' or 'Pandicheri' was a new coastal town, the word 'Puducery' was applied to it during the sixteenth century by the locals. 'Pandikasala' meaning godown for goods might have also contributed to the name Pandichery. The French and the English derived 'Pondichéry' and 'Pondicherry' respectively from the Tamil 'Pandichery'. Similarly Arikamedu was derived from 'Arippou medu' as it is found in the French records of the 19th century and Ariyankuppam from 'Arayankuppam' which simply means fishermen's village.