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268 THE CHIEF TOWNS AND VILLAGES Palamcottah (39,545). The administrative head- quarters of the Tinnevelly district. It is an important centre of the Christian Missions, and the residence of the Bishop of Tinnevelly. Palmaner (4,850). A village in the North Arcot district, 2,247 f^et above the sea. Owing to its cool climate, it serves as a sanitarium for district officials. Pattikonda (4,373). A village in the Kurnool district, where Sir Thomas Munro, when Governor of Madras, died of cholera in 1827. To his memory Govern- ment had a well constructed, and a mantapam or porch built, round which a grove of tamarind trees was planted. PiRMED, a small hill-station in Travancore, about 3,500 feet above the sea, surrounded by tea estates. Its name, meaning Pirs hill, is said to be derived from a Muham- madan saint, named Pir Muhammad, who lived there in retreat. PONDICHERRY (27,448), the capital of the French Pos- sessions in India. The town is divided into two quarters, the Ville Blanche and Ville Noire, corresponding to the White Town and Black Town of Madras. Some of the streets are named after Frenchmen celebrated in Indian history, e.g. Rue Dupleix, Rue Mahc de La Bourdonnais, etc. Facing the pier in the Place de la Republique or Place Dupleix is a statue of Dupleix, erected in 1870, which is mounted on a pedestal formed of Hindu sculptures. These sculptures, and others which may be seen in the town, are said to have been originally carried off by the French from the Venkataramaswami temple at Gingee. The town possesses a Government House, Hotel de Ville, Cathedral, Public Library, and various official buildings. The water-supply is derived from artesian wells. The vehicle commonly used by residents is a "push-push," which is dragged and pushed by coolies. The sepoys (or spahis) are dressed in picturesque zouave uniform.