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Heritage

Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)

India

8 story sections23 min 21 s in all

It was built during the reign of Napoleon III, Emperor of France, in the 19th century, sin the Greco-Roman architectural style. The monument commemorates the selfless act of a courtesan named Aayi, who demolished her own house to build a water reservoir for the city, thereby aiding the French during a severe water shortage

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation2:38

    Welcome to Bharati Park, situated in the very heart of White Town in Puducherry. The park where you are standing today has long served as a vital administrative, cultural, and recreational oasis ever since the city was…

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  2. 2Walking Along the Shaded Paths of Bharati Park3:20

    Let us step gently onto the serene, shaded pathways that wind gracefully through Bharati Park. Situated in the very heart of White Town in Puducherry, Bharati Park has served as one of the city's most prominent, highly revered,…

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  3. 3The Surrounding Cannons and Manicured Lawns3:07

    As we step closer to the central lawn of Bharati Park, let us carefully examine the immediate surroundings that frame Aayi Mandapam. Standing upon the neatly manicured grass and along the orderly trimmed walking pathways, you…

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  4. 4Greco-Roman Architecture and Corinthian Columns3:11

    Now, let us stand directly before Aayi Mandapam and examine its lower facade and structural column design up close. Constructed in 1854 by the French architect Louis Gurre, this brilliant ivory white structure stands as a prime…

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  5. 5Triangular Pediment, Ornamental Urn and Fleur-de-lis Motifs3:04

    Now, let us direct our gaze upward toward the upper roof sections of Aayi Mandapam. Resting directly above the Corinthian columns is a classical triangular pediment, a defining architectural feature borrowed directly from ancient…

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  6. 6The Black Stone Bust of Aayi and the Legend of Her Sacrifice3:08

    Let us now step inside the shaded central archways of the mandapam to inspect the inner sanctuary. At the very center of the structure stands a striking bust of Aayi, masterfully sculpted from deep black stone. …

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  7. 7Surrounding Administrative and Cultural Landmarks2:58

    Let us now step out from beneath the central archways of Aayi Mandapam and look outward toward the perimeter of Bharati Park. What makes this green space so extraordinary within White Town is its strategic placement directly at…

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  8. 8Closing1:55

    As we bring our audio guide tour of Aayi Mandapam and Bharati Park to a close, let us reflect on the enduring story that makes this monument so deeply special. Built in 1854 under the orders of Emperor Napoleon III, this pristine…

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What is Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam)?

Park Monument (Aayi Mandapam) is a place in India with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationIndia
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Total length23 min 21 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates11.9086, 79.8064
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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