As per TREATY OF CESSION – Article 9 -” The Government of the Republic of India shall assist in the continuance of the French cultural heritage in the territory of the Free Town of Chandernagor in accordance with the wishes of the people of the said territory and shall permit the continuance or establishment of cultural services by the Government of the French Republic.”

New cultural exchange programmes aim to raise Chandannagar’s image, to promote awareness of Chandannagar’s culture. It is hoped that the cultural exchange programmes with Britain, France, Japan and Bangladesh will help to strengthen further interest in the cultural and tourism field.

1) Chandannagar (present), Chandernagor (French), Chandernagore (British) name was first found on 21 Nov 1696.

2) Chandernagor was formed like Kolkata – Boro, Khalisani and Gondalpara.

3) 1673 French (Duplessis) arrived in Chandernagor.

4) 1696 French Fort, Fort d’Orleans was constructed.

5) 1698 – Two Jesuit Doctors were appointed.

6) 1753 – “Hopital National” was established. 300 persons were treated per day.

7) 1757 – British-French War took place. Robert Clive and Admiral Watson captured Chandernagor.

8) 1972 – Hopital Margain was formed, 1925 this hospital was renamed “Hopital Colonial’. 165 beds were there.

9) First lady doctor was appointed in the “Sambhuchandra Sevashram”.

10) In 1918 during the disaster in Bengal (Influenza), free treatment was introduced here.

11) Dr. Sambhu Nath Dey’s most famous contribution to the field of medicine was his extensive studies on endotoxins of the cholera bacteria.

Why Chandannagar is regarded as a special tourist spot?

First, Indigo cultivation was started here, Bengal’s first Cloth Mill was established, Tincture Iodine factory was formed, First Bengali Map was drawn here, Bengali book “KRIPER SASTER ORTHOBED” was printed from Lisbon, 20 Bengali soldiers from Chandernagor attended First World War, Jogendra Nath Sen died during the French War Front. Chandannagar’s pride Rash Behari Bose formed Azad Hind Fauj. The freedom fighters used to get shelter in Chandernagor.

Quick Recall:
19 June – Date of Referendum, 2 May 1950- “De facto Transfer”, 2 Feb 1951- “De Jure Transfer” [Treaty of Cession signed], 11 April 1952 – Ratification of the Treaty of Cession by the French National Assembly, 2 October 1954 – Integration of Chandernagor with the State of West Bengal.