Place Du Gouvernment

Location

The Place Du Gouvernement is a brilliant example of town planning in Pondicherry. Comprising the 18th century Palais Du Gouvernemei/t - now the Raj Nivas (not open to the public) - and the old tribunals - now housing the Legislative Assembly - alongwith a neat three-sided line-up of other handsome buildings.

At the centre, surrounded by a well-tended garden, stands the Water Monument, sculpted to commemorate the introduction of good drinking water for the population. Latin and Tamil inscriptions bear out the story. Some exquisitely carved monolithic pillars, brought to Pondicherry from the Gingee Fort after its capture in 1751, adorn the place.