Miscellaneous · Travel

Photoessay: Police museum, Pondicherry

Well, it is quite an understatement to say that Pondicherry aka Puducherry has a charm quite like none other.  A French colony till the 1950s, this union territory is a pleasant mix of the colonial and the contemporary.  Along side a charming white town replete with distinctive French vibes exists a bustling Tamil quarter that is a picture of colour and effervescence.  While much has been written about the touristy side of Pondicherry including the French town, its streetscapes, the promenade, the city’s beaches and cafes, there is always something new to discover in this union territory.

Walking along its charming streets during a recent visit, I chanced upon the unique Police museum on Dumas street.  A small yet insightful museum, this well maintained museum has several artefacts pertaining to the police department in the city, a few of them even reflecting its French legacy. On display are weapons used by the department including guns and rifles, uniforms, maps and models. Here are some pictures:

Entrance to the Police museum in Puducherry
Entrance to the Police museum in Puducherry
Artefacts in Puducherry museum
Artefacts in Puducherry museum

The museum traces the history of the police department over the decades and on display are the various kinds of officers on duty in their different uniforms and caps.   This includes the ubiquitous tourist police who do such an incredible job of helping tourists especially when the city is full of them!

Display showing the different kinds of police in action in the city
Display showing the different kinds of police in action in the city

Do not miss the different kinds of caps on display including the Kepis (red cap) which has been in use since the French rule in the city.

The section displaying the weapons is noteworthy indeed.

Weapons on display in the police museum in Pondicherry
Weapons on display in the police museum in Pondicherry

All in all, the museum forms for an engaging vist and a welcome break if you are looking to see something new and off the touristy circuit.

For more posts on offbeat travel, read my posts here and here.

3 thoughts on “Photoessay: Police museum, Pondicherry

  1. Dear Sir. I am an french police officer retired. Some interesting police items. I search for my collection 1 Pontdicherry police képi in blue color brand new. It’s an old model of police képi ? Best regards.

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