Yanam: Difference between revisions

Yanam
Nickname:  French Yanam
Country	India
Union Territory	Pondicherry
District	Yanam
Language	Telugu, French
Population  (2001)
• Total	32,362
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)

Location of Yanam

Yanam or Yanaon is a district of the Union territory of Pondicherry and a town in that district. Yanam has some 300 years of history and is well known as French Yanam even now although it was transferred to India in 1954. It forms a 30 km² enclave in the district of East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. It has a population of 32,000, most of whom speak Telugu and, to a very small extent, Tamil.

Geography and climate

Latitude: 16°42' N - 16°46' N; Longitude: 82°11' E - 82°19' E.
Temperatures in Yanam range from 27 °C to 45 °C in summer and 17 °C to 28 °C in winter. In the hot season humidity rates vary between 68% and 80%. The district lies in the delta of Godavari River, the town is situated where the river meets its tributary Koringa River (Coringa River), 9 kilometres from the Bay of Bengal in the Coromandel coast.

Demographics

As of 2001 India censusTemplate:GR, Yanam had a population of 31,362. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49 %. In Yanam, 14 % of the population is under 6 years of age.

Population centres

Apart from the town of Yanam itself, the following villages fall under the district's jurisdiction: Agraharam, Darialatippa, Farampeta, Guerempeta, Jambavanpeta, Kanakalapeta, Kurasampeta and Mettakur.

General statistics

Yanam has an average literacy rate of 64 %, higher than the national average of 59.5 % with male literacy at 68%, and female literacy at 60 %.

Colonial History

See also: French India

Colonial Yanaon

It is mentioned in the book, The botanic garden of Yanam (Le Jardin Botanique de Yanaon) by Médecin-colonel Alfred-Alphonse-Léon Bigot (Colonel A. Bigot), that at first, the French establishment of a warehouse here in 1723 A.D. the La Compagnie des Française Indes Orientales of France established here a trading post of theirs.

People say that this region was presented to the French general the Marquis de Bussy, by Vizianagaram King Pusapati Peda Vijaya Rama Raju as a token of gratitude for the help rendered by Bussy in the fight in 1757, against the rulers of Bobbili. Even now we can see a street named after Bussy in Yanam. It is believed that Bussy had stayed in a certain building in this street.

In 1723, Yanam was the third French colony established in India though it was officially confirmed on 1751. In 1724, Asaf Jah I, governor of Hyderabad, declared his independence from the disintegrating Mughal Empire, claiming the title of Nizam al Mulk of Hyderabad. Since the business became slack and commercial operations had not produced the desired results, Yanam was given up in 1727. Because between 1720 and 1741, the objectives of the French were principally commercial.

Actually it was seized again by Dupleix in 1731 during the time of Pierre Benoît Dumas the then Governor General of French Establishments of India. A firman from Haji Hassan Khan, Nawab of Masulipatam authorized the French Representative Fouquet, then chief of the Company at Machilipatnam to set up a loge at Yanam in the year 1731. Nawab Roustoum khan granted a Paravana dated 1735 for French commerce in Yanam. But it was re-established completely in 1742 during the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. After 1742 political motives began to overshadow the desire for commercial gain. All factories were fortified for the purpose of defence. Mr. De Choisis administered it. He died here on 27 October 1747. Monsieur Sinfray succeeded him. The annual rent was waived off by a document in 1743 for Yanam. Mir Ahmad Ali Khan, Nawab of Arcot, granted all the rights on the lands situated before the quarters at Yanam in 1747. Unfortunately necessary details are not available for this period i.e. from 1723 to 1750. Muzaffar Jang, Nawab Subedar of the Deccan (1750-1751), confirmed the sovereignty of this territory in 31 December 1750 to the French.

Salabat Jang, the son of the Nizam al Mulk, who was indebted for his elevation to the throne to the French East India Company, granted the district of Kondavid to the French in return for their services, and soon afterwards the other Circars. A `firman' was issued by the Mughal emperor, confirming all the concessions made to the French by Salabat Jang, the Subedar of Deccan. These concessions were in the shape of the donations and the name `Inam'(Gift) was changed into Yanam (Yanaon) by the French in the course of time. In December 1753, a Paravana of Salabat Jang, Subedar of Deccan conceded to Bussy the paraganas of Chicacole, Ellore, Rajahmundry and Mustafanagar. with an annual revenue RS.2, 00,000 for the maintenance of the French troops in the Subah in recognition of the help of these Circars amounted up to 10 lakhs of Rupees per year. Bussy helped Salabat Jang to be the Subedar of Deccan. The agreement made between the French and Salabat Jang in Aurangabad bears the signature of Said Loukshur, Minister of Salabat Jang. Yanam acquired considerable importance during the occupation of the Northern Circars by the French.

There is again a dearth of information regarding this place from 1753 to 1765. Another important event in the history was the war between the French and the English fought at Chandurthi in 1758 in which the French were defeated. Salabat Jang made a treaty with British and gave the Northern Circars under a firman to the English. Later Nizam rebelled against the English. A second treaty was the result of war and Northern Circars remained permanently under the control of the British. After 1760 the French lost hold in South India, especially on Northern Circars. In 1765 Lord Robert Clive, the then existing Chief and Council at Vizagapatam obtained from the Mughal emperor Shah Alam a grant of the five Circars.

A document dated 15 May, 1765 showed that the villages of Yanam and Kapulapalem (Capouloupalém) with other lands were handed over by Jean white hill and George Dolben, the Englishmen deputed by Mr. Jean Pybus, the head of the English settlement in Masulipatam to Mr. Yoan Yacques Panon, French Commissioner deputed by Jean Law de Lauriston the then Governor General of Pondicherry, for taking them over. This document mentions that France entered into possession of Yanam and its dependent territories with exemption from all export and import duties. Soon after taking possession of this settlement, Mr. Panon obtained a firman from the ruler of Rajahmundry granting the French full liberty of trade at Yanam and another one from the Nawab Mir Nizam Ali Khan Bahadur (Asaf Jah II) calling upon the Zamindars of the Circar Mustafanagar not to hinder the commerce of the French.

After transfer of Northern Circars to the English, Yanam came under the province of Peddapuram in the jurisdiction of Sri Raja Vatsavaya Kala Thimma Jagapathi Bahadhoor (Timma Raja). The French had a modest building here situated a league from the sea, on the Coringa river into which small vessels could enter.

The documents of 1765 throw light on a dispute of a weekly market or fair in Yanam. A weekly market used to be held here on every Tuesday (Even now market occurs in Yanam on this Tuesday only). People used to come to it for purchasing all their essential commodities once for a week. Neelapalli (Nélapilly), a neighbouring village of Yanam was under the British at that time. It is nearly 3 kilometre away from Yanam. The people in this village also used to hold a fair on Tuesday. Thus there was a clash of interests between Yanam and Neelapalli. After prolonged correspondence with the English authorities at Madras, the French authorities in Yanam succeeded in changing the fair of Neelapalli to another day of the week, Saturday. In this way, Yanam triumphed over its neighbouring village Neelapalli.

Jean Law de Lauriston, Governor of Pondicherry (1765 - 1766) stated in his "Memoire of 1767" as “It is from Yanam that we get our best ‘guiness’ (fine cloth). It is possible to have a commerce here worth more than a million livres per year under circumstances more favorable than those in which we are placed now, but always by giving advances much earlier, which we have never been in a position to do. From this place we also procured teakwood, oils, rice and other grains both for the men as well as for the animals. A port from commerce, Yanam enjoyed another kind of importance. The advantages which may be derived in a time of war from the alliances that we the French may conclude with several Rajas who sooner or later cannot fail to be dissatisfied with the English. Although the English gained an effective control over the Circars, Yanam enabled the French to enter into secret relations with the local chieftains. Yanam had some commercial importance”.

It was a centre for the production of salt and this salt constituted the major part of the quantity imported by the French into Bengal region. It was also an important center of cotton goods and supplied a large part of the return cargo of the French ships visiting India. A few French citizens in Yanam were fully occupied by these two kinds of profitable business and they had no interest in political and administrative matters that were left entirely to the chief or commandant. Indian residents wanted nothing better than to be left in peace to carry on their trading activities.

Between 1778 and 1783, Pondicherry was under British occupation. There is again lack of information because of its subsequent English occupation. Yanam was restored again to the French in 1785. Mr. Mallhendre took possession of it and Mr. Bluter succeeded him. It was recommended to them to favor the business of the French East India Company and to protect the interest of some specified merchants.

The French Revolution had its effects in different ways in all the former French settlements. The French trade at Yanam was considerable at that time.

After Bluter, Mr. Pierre Sonnerat (August 18, 1748 – March 31, 1814) became the chief in 1790 in Yanam. He was a scholar. He had a profound interest in Natural Sciences. He wrote a book "VOYAGE AUX INDES ORIENTALES ET À LA CHINE” in 3 volumes. He appreciated very much the sonority and the music of the Telugu language. He administered Yanam during the time of the French Revolution.

Mr. Pierre Sonnerat, Chief of Yanam, was involved in this business along with other traders. His commercial involvement brought serious consequences to his administrative post. The petitions were made against him in this connection, to the Chevalier de Fresne the then French Governor in Pondicherry. On 5 June 1790 a Frenchman called De Mars complained about him for the first time. By that time, Pondicherry under the influence of the French Revolution had already formed the first representative committee. But no action was taken in favor of De Mars either by the Governor or by this committee. Naturally, the French citizens in Yanam were disinterested in the affairs of Pondicherry owing to his failure.

Once again French lost control over Yanam to the British. During 1793 and 1816 Pondicherry was under British control. So, Yanam fell thrice into the hands of the British. After the Napoleonic wars, by the Treaty of Paris (1814) Yanam along with the factory at Machilipatnam was finally returned to the French on 26 September 1816. From then it was continuously under the control of French till it got independence.

Local Administration in Colonial era

1840 Decree

Local administration was started in Yanaon by a royal decree (Ordonnance Royale) dated 23 July 1840 during July Monarchy. According to that decree Yanaon and Mahé were Provided with Chef de service (Service Chief) who resides in his official residence. After the merger, it is being resided by Regional Executive Officer, Yanam.

Thus a colonial government was formed in 1840. According to Annuaire statistique des établissements français dans l'Inde- 1843 by Pierre-Constant Sicé, the details of colonial government in 1843 were,

• Gouverneur Général de établissements français dans l'Inde - De Nourquer Du Camper (Paul)
• Gouvernement Colonial de Yanaon
  • Chef de service - Jourdain (Jean-Philippe-Paul)
    • Administration - Ribeiro (Dominique-Grégoire), écrivain.
  • Service de Santé - Pithois (Pamphile), officer de santé.
  • Administration financière - Ticanny Tiramalaram, percepteur des revenues à mazulipatam.
  • Justice
    • Tribunal de prèmiere instance
      • Sicé (Eugène), procureur du Roi
      • Calmels (Jean-René-Eucher), greffier-notaire
      • Vingatramaya, interprête.
    • Police
      • P.Condaya, interprête.

1871 Decree

According to a decree dated 1 February 1871, one person can be sent as a député to Chambre des députés.

1872 Decree

Another pivotal incident in local administration was decree of 1872. It was dated 13 June 1872 and was issued during Third Republic. According to that decree Conseil locaux (Local councils) were created at each colony. The elected member was called as Conseiller local (Local councillor). Conseil local de Yanaon had a strength of 4 local councillors. The term of office was 6 years with one half of membership renewed every 3 years.

1878 Decree

According to a decree dated 24 February 1878, one person can be sent as a sénateur to Sénat (French Senate). Senator will be elected by Conseil colonial (Colonial Council) and Conseil local (Local council). First election were held on 26 March 1876.

1946 Decree

By the decree of 1946, French India (Inde française) became Overseas territory (Territoire d'outre-mer) of France. Then an Assemblée Représentative (Representative Assembly) was created for each colony. Yanaon was provided with two assembly representatives (Equivalent to MLA).

Notable assembly representatives from Yanam were Kamichetty Venougopalarao Naidou, Kamichetty Savithiry, Kamichetty Sri Parassourama Varaprassada Rao Naidu and Kanakala Tatayya Naidou.

Municipal Administration in Colonial Era

Main article: Municipal Administration in French India

Though the French established colonies in India in seventeeth century itself, it was not until during the end of 19th century they started civil administration in French India.

French Metroplitan Decree

A French Metropolitan Decree, dated 12 March 1880 adopted a six-year term of office for Mayors (Maire), municipal councillors (Conseil Municipaux) and commune panchayats (Communes). Thus French India has seen a French system of municipal administration. In the past, municipal administration was virtually the pivot of the whole administrative machinery in French India. It had several features that could serve as a role model for hassle-free administration.

Then a total of 10 communes were formed in which Yanaon became one commune with a strength of 12 Municipal Councillors (conseiller municipaux). First elections were held on 30 May 1880.

Structure of municipality

See also: Yanam Municipality

La Mairie (Town Hall) in Yanaon is now called as Municipality Building. It was built in 19th century and is situated next to Court House in the Thiagaraja Street in Yanaon Town. During French colonial rule, Yanam Municipality had 12 Sièges. Then, they were called previously as Sièges instead of wards. Each ward (Siège) is represented by a municipal councilor (Conseiller Municipal). Each commune possesses a Mayor (Maire) and a Municipal council (Conseil Municipal) which manage the commune from the Mairie (Town hall). The life-span of an Municipal council will be 6 six years with one half of the memebership renewed for every 3 years.

Election results of 1948

Elections held on 24 October 1948 and 18 October 1954 are most crucial in the history of French India. In June 1948 the French and Indian Governments came to an agreement as to how the future of the French Settlements should be determined.

Municipal elections were held in Pondicherry, Karikal and Yanam on 24 October 1948. The two main parties were the French India Socialist Party (Socialists), who favoured the continuance of French rule, and the French India Congress (Congress), who favoured union with India. Socialist Party was headed by Kamichetty Sri Parassourama Varaprassada Rao Naidu and Congress Party was headed by Yerra Jaganatha Rao.

• Yanam - 12
  • Socialists - 03
  • Independents - 09

Cession of Yanam

Main article: Coup d'État de Yanaon

Actually, Yanam had an extremely dominant pro-French atmosphere prevailing in its people and its leaders. But in due course of time due to nationalist struggle by some leaders, conditions became intolerable in Yanam after its mayor and other representatives of Yanam adopted the merger resolution. The mayor, deputy mayor, and over 200 people took refuge in the adjacent areas of the Indian Union. Police and hired hoodlums from Yanam assaulted refugees on Indian soil. It was then that the refugees marched into Yanam under the leadership of Dadala Raphael Ramanayya and aided by then Maire De Yanaon, Monsieur Madimchetty Satianarayanamourty alias Satia and took over the administration. After hoisting the Indian National Flag, they formed the revolutionary provisional government of Yanam headed by Dadala Raphael Ramanayya and adopted a resolution declaring "Yanaon A Libéré" (Yanam liberated). The coup d’etat of Yanam was announced by All India Radio and Press.

Aftermath Liberation

The Yanam, coup d’etat had enraged the French authorities of pondicherry. Rumours were spread to the effect that the French government were despatching a cruiser to Yanam to capture Merger Leaders and to re-establish their authority. After the Coup, last administrator of Yanam, George Sala was recalled by André Ménard, then Governor General of Pondicherry in June 1954.

Dadala was also appointed as Acting Commisoner for Yanam for 14 Days. Towards the end of June 1954, Sri Kewal singh paid a visit to Yanam and requested Dadala's return to Pondicherry to continue his activities there. On 3 July, on Kewal Singh’s request, Dadala left Yanam, after making all arrangements for its proper administration.

De facto transfer

Yanam remained under French control till June 13 1954, when it joined the Republic of India by Indian Military Action. On November 1, 1954, after long years of freedom struggle the four enclaves of Pondicherry, Yanam, Mahe, and Karikal were de facto transferred to the Indian Union.

The Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Pondicherry on 16 January 1955. Messrs Edouard Goubert, S. Perumal , Dadala and Sri Pakirisamy Pillai presented addresses to Pandit Nehru in a public meeting in the maidan of Gorimedu.

Treaty of Cession

A treaty of cession was signed by the two countries in 28 May 1956. The de jure transfer was delayed until the end of the Algerian War. The treaty was ratified by the French parliament in May 1962. On August 16, 1962 (De Jure Day) India and France exchanged the instruments of ratification under which France ceded to India full sovereignty over the territories it held.

De jure transfer

Treaty of cession was signed by the two countries in May 1956 was ratified by the French parliament in May 1962. On August 16 1962 India and France exchanged the instruments of ratification under which France ceded to India full sovereignty over the territories it held.

Merger in Pondicherry U.T

Puducherry and the other enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam came to be administered as the Union Territory of Pondicherry from July 1 1963.

French Nationality

Aftermath the liberation French Government offered citizenship to the people living in colonies of French India, i.e., Pondichéry, Mahé, Karikal and Yanaon. Actually, French law made it easy for thousands of colons, ethnic or national French from former colonies of North and East Africa, India and Indochina to live in mainland France. Nearly 50,000 Tamil people chose French Nationality.

In Yanam, Some 10,000 people chose French Nationality. Among those people, we find especially Kapus and Muslims who utilised it fruitfully. Today nearly 120 to 150 Telugu families live in France. Today still we can find some 60 French nationals who are taking French Pension (In Telugu, Guddi Pinchanu) in yanam.

Court House (Palais de justice)

The Court building is situated in a very ancient white monument building of French architect It is called as Palais de justice (Court House) and located at Thiagaraja Street, Yanam to the next of Municipality building. The building consists of two floors. The ground floor is the court and the first floor is the residential quarters of the Judge. The building was renovated in the year of 1967 and inaugurated by Thiru S.L. Silam, the then Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Pondicherry.

Colonial Era

Yanam Judicial Magistrate Court is a very ancient court formed prior to the French domain i.e. before 1725 while Yanam was as a Dutch Colony. The Judicial Magistrate Court was existing then.

Subsequently while this area came under the French on the reorganization of French domain in the year 1725 the same court has been converted as French Court under French Law as a Judicial Court. Both civil and criminal cases tried here.

Aftermath Independence

After Independence, this court was converted as an Indian Court as a Judicial Magistrate Court, Yanam in the year 1956, whereas, the Regional Administrative Officer of Yanam was the Judge of the court having both executive and judicial powers on civil and criminal cases.

After bifurcation of the judiciary, this court came under a separate Judicial Department of Government of Puducherry and under the administration of the Hon’ble High Court, Madras and it was termed as Judicial First Class Magistrate Court cum District Munsif Court. Subsequently under the reform by the Hon’ble High Court, Madras, the Yanam was upgraded to that of Subordinate Judge (Civil Judge-Senior Division)/Assistant Sessions Judge cum Judicial Magistrate of I Class in the year 2000. Now because of this upgradation, all the civil cases upto the pecuniary jurisdiction of Rs.5.00 Lakhs are tirable by this court, in criminal side, this court has got jurisdiction to try all cases upto 307 IPC except cases having death sentence. Further this court is empowered to deal with the motor accident claims, family cases, LAOPs( Land Acquisition of Puducherry) , etc.

Present Situation

The Judge of Yanam Court is the Chairman of the Taluk Legal Services Committee of Yanam. Taluk Legal Services Committee is having its members and a regular duty advocate will be periodically posted for attending the grievances of the litigants. This court consists of a Bar Association having 10 members. Even the records from the year 1900 are available in the record section of this court.

The staff strength of the Yanam court consists of,

• Sarishtadar - 1
• Stenographer - 1
• Senior Clerk - 1
• Junior Clerks - 2
• Copyists/Attendars - 2
• Peons - 3.

Famous people in colonial Yanaon

First Laurel Poet of Andhra, Chellapilla Venkata Kavi (1870-1950), One of the duo of the famous Tirupati Venkata Kavulu lived here. Many poets such as the late Villa Reddi Naidu, V.Venkataswami Naidu. Some important politicians include Kanakala Tatayya Naidou and Md. Abdul Razzaq.

Monsieur Samatam Krouschnaya (Samatam Krishnayya) lived here in Yanam and wrote many books in Telugu. Monsieur Samatam was a pro-French activist. He was Acting Mayor of Yanaon during merger struggle and he was a person of great and unique qualities. He was a poet, historian and even an ayurvedic doctor too. He was killed by Indian military while Yanam being seized during Coup d'État de Yanaon. He died saying "Vive la France". At that time his age is 78. Had he was alive when the coup happened, Yanaon still would have exist as French colony. It is still a controversy whether really Indian military killed him or his enemies (who joined Indian side) killed him.

A prominent leader who was instrumental in the merger of Yanam into the Indian Union was Monsieur Dadala Rafael Ramanayya. He was born in Farampeta and grew up from humble origins to become a forefront leader of the liberation of Yanam. He was appointed as Interim Commissioner to look after excise affairs in Yanaon after its independence up to June 29 1963, until before its merger into the Union Territory of Pondicherry on July 1 1963. Today his statue stands tall in the middle of the town square in reverence to the sacrifices he made for acquiring freedom from the French rule.

Famous politician of Yanam in early 20^th century, Bezawada Bapa Naidou (former Maire De Yanaon), was a humble and powerful politician in his times. Unfortunately, he was murdered in Pondicherry. It was a mystery about the accused for his death. After his death his faction became weak and even his siblings were also not able to continue in Yanam politics as he did.

One of Bapa Naidou's councillors in the "Conseil Municipal de Yanaon" was Monsieur Diwan Bouloussou Soubramaniam Sastroulou (Former Conseiller Municipal de Yanaon). He was very prominent personality and loyal follower of Bapa Naidou. Monsieur Diwan Bouloussou S Sastroulou had been one of "Les jurys de Yanaon" and even he worked as Diwan for "Manyam Zamindar" before being elected as Councilor. He was one of the very rare genuine and humble politicians of his time. Monsieur Bouloussou died in 1941. His elder son Bulusu Jagannatha Sastry was one of the most educated and highly qualified persons who lived in Yanam at that time. However he was completely out of political affairs in Yanam, thereby putting an end to the family of the Bouloussou's influence in Yanam politics.

Bezawada Bapa Naidou's bitter opponent The Grand Old Man of Yanam, Kamichetty Venugopala Rao Naidou (former Maire de Yanaon) was also a famous leader and had been active in politics in French Yanaon. After death of Bapa Naidou, he became Mayor of Yanam (Maire de Yanaon) and even his family became very dominant in Yanam politics for at least 50 years thence.

Venugopala Rao Naidou's son Kamichetty Sri Parassourama Varaprassada Rao Naidu (Former MLA and Speaker, Pondicherry) dominated Yanam politics after its independence for almost four decades. He was elected as MLA more than five times and even had been speaker for Pondicherry. He was a very influential figure in Yanam politics until his death.

Present Situation of Administration

Local Administration

See also: Pondicherry Municipal Council

Following the introduction of the Pondicherry Municipalities Act, 1973, four municipalities came into existence in Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam towns. The entities of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam communes formed the municipalities of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Under the new law, all functions excluding those which were assigned to the Chairman, i.e., those which were hitherto exercised by the Mayor appointed under the municipal decree came to be exercised by the Commissioner. The Mayors were also relieved of their day-to-day administrative responsibilities enabling them to be in greater contact with the public. Commissioners were appointed as the Chief Executive Heads of the Municipalities, in different ranks according to the grade of the municipalities.

Organigramme of Yanam Municipality

At present Yanam Municipality is comprised of 10 municipal wards,

• Mettakur
• Ambedkar Nagar
• Vishnalayam
• Pillaraya
• Giriumpeta
• Farampeta
• Pydikondala
• Pedapudi
• Aghraharam
• Kanakalapeta

Legislative Administration

See also: Pondicherry Legislative Assembly

As the people aspired for a popular government, the Indian Parliament enacted the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 that came into force on 1 July 1963, and the pattern of Government prevailing in the rest of the country was introduced in this territory also, but subject to certain limitations. Under Article 239 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India appoints an Administrator with such designation as he may specify to head the administration of the territory.

File:Map of Yanam Constituency.jpg

Map of Yanam Constituency

Yanam was allocated with one seat in Pondicherry Legislative Assembly. From 1964 to 1989, Kamichetty Sri Parassourama Varaprassada Rao Naidu held this constituency as his pocket borough until his death without facing any challenge in winning the seat consecutively in 1964 (INC), 1969 (IND), 1974 (IND), 1977 (JP), 1980 (IND) and in 1985 (INC). Present MLA of Yanam was Thiru. Malladi Krishna Rao.

Culture

Yanam has a mixed culture of French and Dravidian. People of Yanam are more polite and respectable. The people of Yanam are very generous and well cultured. Even in France, we can easily distinguish the Yanam telugu people from the other kinds of telugu immigrants because of their historical presence of double cultural influence. Even we enter Yanam, we see Soyez le bien venue displayed (by Govt of Pondicherry) and when leaving Merci Bien (Thanks, very much).

Festivals

Every year around march, there will a two day festival for God, Venkanna Babu (Lord Balaji). First day is called Rathotsavam, it was started during the time when Monsieur Kanakala Tatayya Naidou was Assemblée Répresentative of Yanaon. Second day is Chakra tirtham. Both days are declared in Yanam region as public holidays by Govt of Pondicherry.

Trivia

• Yanaon was a dutch colony before french overtook it in 1720s. In the west of Yanam, we can still find `Neelikundilu' (Indigo wells). People say that the Dutch constructed a fort here and it is called by locals as 'saali kota'. In this fort, they used to keep their currency, minted in the mint at Neelapalli, a nearby village.

• It was previously also called as kalyanapuram. Because many Telugu people from Surrounding areas of Madras Presidency used to visit Yanam and used to do marriages (mainly Child marriage) here since French government does not oppose child marriages in French Establishments of India.

• In 1885, Yanam population was 4,266 and in 1936, it was just 5,220.

• Last administrator of Yanam was George Sala. After the Coup d'Etat de Yanaon, he was recalled by André Ménard, then Governor General of Pondicherry in June 1954.

• Last Mayor of Yanam
  • Maddimchetty Satianandam (De jure)
  • Samatam Krouschnaya (De facto) - Acting Mayor

• Coup d'État de Yanaon was occurred in 13 June 1954, Sunday.

See also

• Causes for Liberation of French colonies in India
• Municipal Administration in French India
• Pondicherry (Lok Sabha constituency)
• Pondicherry Legislative Assembly
• Pondicherry Municipality
• Yanam Municipality
• French East India Company
• Coup d'État de Yanaon
• French colonial empire
• French India

External links

• District website
• Pravasandhrulu in France: identity and integration by Jonnalagadda Anuradha, France
• Official website of the Government of the Union Territory of Pondicherry
• Indian Ministry for External Affairs - 1956 Treaty of Cession
• THE FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENTS IN INDIA