Ananda Rangapillai House

Ananda Rangapillai House in Pondicherry

  • Ananda Rangapillai House Overview

The Ananda Rangapillai House, located in Puducherry, India, is a historic mansion from the French colonial era. Built in 1735, this house belonged to Ananda Rangapillai, a prominent Dubash (interpreter and middleman) of the French East India Company. Rangapillai played a key role in fostering Indo-French trade relations during the governorship of Joseph François Dupleix.

Blend of French and Tamil Styles: The house is a unique fusion of French colonial and Tamil architectural styles, featuring European-style facades combined with traditional Tamil wooden pillars and verandas.

Thinnai and Courtyard: The layout includes a central courtyard and a “thinnai” (raised verandah) at the entrance, typical of Tamil homes, facilitating family gatherings and social interaction.