Immaculate Conception Cathedral,Pondicherry, S.India- financed by French king Louis XIV,but razed by the British

Immaculate Conception church, Pondicherry, India  en.wikipedia.org

Above image: Photo taken in 1860 possibly by French photographer Charles Moyne

This 300 year old Immaculate Conception Cathedral - the cathedral mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore is located in the Union territory of Puducherry, South India.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Pondicherry.S.India. team-bhp.com

The Jesuit Fathers came to the French colony of Pondicherry as missionaries in 1689 to spread the Gospel of Christ. On a huge plot bought by them, with  financial help from Louis XIV, king of France, they erected a church in 1692 to cater to the local Christian population. This was unfortunately   demolished by the Dutch in the following year. A second church (1699) could not last long, 

 Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondy /backpackersno

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondy. explore-pondicherry.blogspot.co
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Immaculate conception church, Pondy.  thrillophilia.com

Interior(1791) Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Pondicherry.S.India.wiki.fibis.org

The third church, that was built from 1728 to 1736,  was pulled down by the British in 1761 during the 'Seven Years' War. At that time  the 13 colonies in America were up against the British Crown who forced them to import tea only from England by an act (1721) in the British Parliament. The colonists were whole heartedly supported by the French during their protests. Back in India during the Mysore wars against the British, the French colony backed Tipu Sultan of Srirangapatna. Angered by the French  expansionism and influence, the British showed their  frustration on  Immaculate Conception Cathedral during their raids in Pondicherry.  Dedicated to Saint Peter's, the Church was once famously known as Church of Capuchins

The present cathedral was built on the foundations of the 3rd Church. On 20 June 1791 the main work aisle, etc was finished and the Church was consecrated by Bishop Champenois. Choir loft and bell tower were added in 1900s. A redesigned esplanade was added in front in the recent past to allow people to take part in liturgical ceremonies and special functions held outside. This church with  imposing structure very much similar to the Portuguese style of designing,  also serves as the residence of the Bishop.  The main attraction is the bell tower with an imposing bell hanging from the top. The church has a  large open space (esplanade) where several events could be conducted.   Here, regular mass services are held  both in English and Hindi.

Also known as "Samba Kovil" in Tamil, which is a local phonetic corrupt form of 'Saint Paul’s Kovil" (where "Kovil" means church), this  old church   was visited by Mother Teresa during her visit to Puducherry some time back. Every year the feast day is conducted on  the 8th of December and this event attracts  lots of people. 
Ref:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception_Cathedral,_Pondicherry
https://backpackersnovel.in/2019/10/27/pondicherry/