INDIA, FRENCH, a general name for the French posses sions in India—on the Coromandel coast, Pondicherry, Karikal and Yanaon; on the Malabar coast, Mahe and Calicut ; and in Bengal, Chandernagore. There are a few "lodges" everywhere, but they are merely nominal remnants of French factories. The total area amounts to 203 sq.m., of which 113 sq.m. belong to the ter ritory of Pondicherry. Pop. . The total population of the French possessions in India amounted in 1933 to 281,684 (est.). Of these over 9o% were Hindus. These territories are found on the alluvial plains or in the neighbourhood of more or less important estuaries. The tropical vegetation is rich in valu able woods. Rice, cotton and earthnuts are cultivated and a few industries (oil works and weaving) arise out of the agricultural resources. The governor resides at Pondicherry, and is assisted by a private council. There are two tribunals of first instance (at Pondicherry and Karikal), one court of appeal (at Pondicherry) and five justices of the peace.
The first French expedition which was made to India is believed to have taken place in the time of Francis I. In his reign two ships were fitted out by some merchants of Rouen for trading in eastern seas, but they were never afterwards heard of. La Com pagnie des lades was formed under the auspices of Richelieu (1642) and reconstructed under Colbert (1664), sending an expedition to Madagascar. In 1667 the French India Company sent out another expedition, which reached Surat in 1668, where the first French factory in India was established. In 1741 Dupleix became governor of Pondicherry, and in 1744 war broke out be tween France and England. For the remaining history of the French in India see INDIA.