Joan of Arc Statue

Joan of Arc Statue in Pondicherry

  • Joan of Arc Statue Overview

The Joan of Arc Statue in Puducherry is a notable landmark that honors the French heroine Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc). It is located in the French Quarter, near the Notre Dame des Anges Church (Our Lady of Angels Church), symbolizing Puducherry’s strong historical ties with France.

  • Erected: The statue was erected in 1923 by the French colonial authorities in Puducherry, during the time the region was part of French India.

  • Description: The statue depicts Joan of Arc in full battle armor, holding a sword and a flag, representing her as a courageous and devout warrior-saint. It is a white marble statue standing on a pedestal, giving it a commanding presence in the area.

  • Location: The statue is located in a lush garden called Joan of Arc Park (Parc de Jeanne d’Arc) near the church, which provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

  • Joan of Arc (1412–1431) was a French national heroine who played a crucial role in the Hundred Years’ War, leading the French army to victories that helped King Charles VII secure his throne. She was later captured, tried for heresy, and executed at the age of 19 but was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1920.

  • The statue in Puducherry reflects the admiration and reverence that French colonists had for their national icon, even in distant parts of the French Empire like Puducherry