Archive · 14 Jan 2026
France's Imperial History in India Revealed
A historian named Robert Ivermee talked about how France was not just a peaceful trader in India but also a powerful empire that controlled parts of the country for a long time.
He showed maps and pictures to explain how France had colonies in places like Pondicherry and Chandannagar.
He said France even fought with other European countries like Britain for control.
The French started trading in India in 1664 and stayed until the 1950s.
Ivermee wants people to remember this part of history that is often forgotten.
Historian Robert Ivermee challenges the notion of France as a 'good coloniser' in India.
France had a territorial empire in India from 1664 to 1950, controlling areas like the Deccan and the Carnatic.
The French East India Company was established in 1664, aiming to expand French power beyond Europe.
France's empire in India included colonies like Chandannagar, Yanaon, Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Mahe.
Conflict with other European powers, particularly Britain, marked France's imperial history in India.
- Who
- Historian Robert Ivermee
- What
- Discussion on France's imperial history in India
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India International Centre, New Delhi
- Why
- To challenge the portrayal of France as a 'good coloniser' and highlight its imperial and territorial activities in India
- Historian
- Robert Ivermee
- Book Title
- Glorious Failure: The Forgotten History of French Imperialism in India
- French Colonial Period
- 1664 to 1950
- Key French Colonies
- Chandannagar, Yanaon, Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe
- French East India Company
- Established in 1664
- Conflict Period
- 1744 (War of the Austrian Succession)
- Event Location
- India International Centre, New Delhi
- Moderator
- Zohra Chatterji