In Puducherry at Goubert square a statue which attracts tourists and visitors because it’s none of our country’s leader or activist which can be guessed by the dress and long boots. Indeed it’s a memorial dedicated to the last Governor General Joseph Francois Dupleix of Puducherry basically it was an Indian territory but it was occupied by French. He was entitled as Marquis by the French Monarchy.
It’s located on a marble high pedestal with inscriptions providing brief details about Dupleix, in Goubert Avenue, Beach road in a children’s park. He remained the Governor General of Puducherry from 1742 to 1754. Because of his strategies Robert Clive couldn’t succeed on this French territory. He died on 10th November 1763.
In the year 1870 his patriotism, contributions and patronage were recognised. Hence two marble statues were commissioned by the French Government. These statues were sculpted by renowned French sculptor Theodore Gruyere. In the year 1870 one statue was erected nearby to the present location then it remained under the custody of PWD and again in 1979 it was erected at its present location.
In the statue, Dupleix can be seen wearing a court dress with a baggy wig, long boots, and impressive personality. He is holding in one hand city’s map and the other hand on grip of the sword.
During the lifetime of Joseph Francois Dupleix no ordinary man was able to approach and now innocent Crow is sitting on his head.