Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a city located on the east coast of India. The city has a rich history and is famous for its French colonial architecture, peaceful ashrams, and pristine beaches. One of the most symbolic buildings in Pondicherry is the old lighthouse located on Goubert Salai, which is also known as the Promenade Beach Road. The lighthouse has been a landmark of Pondicherry for over a century and still stands tall, guiding ships and boats towards the shore.
The old lighthouse on Goubert Salai was constructed by the French in 1836, during their colonial rule in India. The lighthouse was built to guide ships and boats towards the shore, as Pondicherry was an important port city at that time. It was designed by the French engineer L. Guerre, who also designed several other buildings in Pondicherry. Initially, the lighthouse was powered by kerosene and had a range of 20 miles. Later, it was converted to a gas-powered lighthouse and then to an electric-powered one.
The old lighthouse is a prominent structure that stands tall at a height of 29 meters (95 feet). The lighthouse has a unique design, as it is octagonal in shape and has a spiral staircase leading to the top. The lighthouse tower is made of stone and has a white and red painted exterior. The tower is topped with a lantern room that contains a powerful light that can be seen from a distance of 27 nautical miles (50 km). The light beam from the lighthouse is a fixed white light and has a characteristic of four flashes of light in 15 seconds.
The old lighthouse on Goubert Salai is not only functional, but it also has a historical and cultural significance. The lighthouse has witnessed the transformation of Pondicherry over the years, from a colonial port city to a modern cosmopolitan city. The lighthouse has also been used as a vantage point by many people, including artists, photographers, and tourists, to capture the beauty of the city from the top. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to visit and spend time, especially during the evening when it is illuminated.
In recent years, the old lighthouse on Goubert Salai has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its heritage and symbolism. The restoration work was carried out by the Pondicherry Tourism Department and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The restoration work included repairing the spiral staircase, painting the tower, and installing a new light mechanism. The lighthouse was also opened to the public in 2011, allowing visitors to climb to the top and enjoy the view.
In conclusion, the old lighthouse on Goubert Salai is one of the most iconic and symbolic buildings in Pondicherry. The lighthouse has stood the test of time and has witnessed the transformation of the city over the years. The lighthouse is not only a functional structure but also a cultural and historical landmark that is an integral part of Pondicherry's identity. The lighthouse stands tall, guiding ships and boats towards the shore, and also guiding visitors towards the beauty of Pondicherry. Standing tall, the old lighthouse on Goubert Salai is a beacon of hope and a symbol of Pondicherry's rich heritage.
Keywords: Tall standing lamp, old lighthouse, Goubert Salai, Pondicherry, French colonial architecture, Promenade Beach Road, landmark, tourist attraction, historical significance, cultural heritage, restoration work, symbolism.