CHAPTER 2

FRENCH IN GUJARAT: COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY

TIMES

Introduction

As noted in the preceding chapter, there is no dearth of scholarly works on

the Indo-French history till the dawn of eighteenth century, however, the
policies observed by the various Compagnies des Indes Orientales and the
roles that Dupleix and Bussy played in the colonial game molded this
relationship. A systematic quest for India by the French, however, seems to
date from the seventeenth century. The French diplomats and scholars of the
day such as Richelieu, Mazarin and Colbert evinced immense interest in the
subject called India. In addition to it, the observant Frenchmen, namely
Tavernier, Bernier, Thevenot and Chardin introduced India tales in French.
We do not know a great deal about these Frenchmen; for they have left few
traces in our archives. Moreover,

it is not easy to give a single description of these people; for they

differed widely both in character and career.(Lafont 24)

In seventeeth century, the French approached India via Constantinople, for

the ministers and advisers had become aware of India and her importance.
For many Frenchmen it was a time to travel. Tavernier landed on the
subcontinent in 1641, Bernier in 1656, Thevenot and Chardin came later
still. All four profusely wrote about Aurangzeb’s India. Of the four, Bernier
was the most original, curious and thorough. Tavernier’s Book III describes
customs and religions of Muslims and Brahmins. Bernier, on the other hand,
went out of his way to gather information from well-informed sources, i.e.
the Jesuit fathers, learned pundits of Delhi and Benares, scholars and former
intimates of prince Dara Shikoh.

That the Parisians were keen on learning more about India, can be
measured from the fact that India was increasingly getting an important
presence in the political debate of late seventeenth century. The real French
journey in India, however, commences with the establishment of French
trading company at Surat in Gujarat. It may be noted that though later they
had considerable presence in pockets like Mahe, Calicut, Chandrapore,
Masulipatam and later Pondicherry, the factory at Surat played a significant
role in the expansion of French interest in Gujarat.

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 Surat: An Early Colonial Theatre

Though the Guj-Franco connected is not all that visible in terms of long
time French settlements in the Western part of India, the French colonial
journey begins from the city of Surat.

The French needed permission to settle in the Moghul Emperor’s

states. The first step, therefore, was to establish an embassy in his
court. It was headed by a gentleman of the French Court Le Sire de la
Boullaye, who was made a roving diplomat. After he had presented
his credentials to the Emperor and handed over a letter from Louis
XIV, he obtained a paravana in September 1666, which enabled him
to set up a trading post in the port of Surat. (Vincent 27)

The visionary Minister Colbert and his equally illustrious successor Francois
Caron established the French interests through the medium of The
Compagnie des Indes Orientales. Since their first factory here in seventeenth
century, the French, however, had nominal relations with the state of Gujarat
which had eventually been also host to the other European traders.The city
of Surat inaugurates a new chapter of political as well as commertial
transactions between a powerful Euopean country France and an
entrepreneurial region, Gujarat. The French factory at Surat had no
substantial importance in commercial terms whatsoever, it had, however,
great historical interest.

The French facilities at Surat had a tremendous strategic importance. It was

from here that the French agents travelled to the Coromandal coast and
established factories, first at Musulipatnam and later at Pondicherry. Down
to the close of the seventeenth century Surat retained its primacy as the
principal French establishment in India, however, the development of
Pondicherry under the able guidance of Francios Martin, it gradually
declined in importance. The city of Surat was, however, strategically located
and it also possessed great commercial possibilities. It was a vibrant port
where traders, local as well as forigeners, marketed their merchandise. It
also offered a very lucrative market for European commodity.

The French had a modest house at Surat, outside the town proper, in a
locality commonly know as the ‘French garden’ which had been acquired
by them from the time of their first established in India. They did not enjoy
any independent status and had not even the right to hoist their flag over

41
their factory building. There were neither troops nor fortifications of any
kind to defend the factory. (Sen 105).

The following map indicates the European settlements in India during this
period.

Source: en.wikipedia.org Retrieved on 19 October, 2014

For the French, Surat was strategic as well as vulnerable point.The English
who were better, positioned in terms of man power and deployment were an
eternal threat to them. The English, on the other hand, however, did not
desire to disturb the French unless they suspected some intrigues in
connivance with the local powers. In fact, in most of the numerous French
‘memoires’ of the period, Surat is invariably mentioned as a possible point
of attack, next in importance only to Mumbai. It could serve as a base for
carrying on secret negotiations with the Marathas and also for supplying
information about the defences of Bombay.The existence of a factory here
also kept open the route to Delhi from the Western coast, necessary for
establishing political relations with the northan Darbars. It was because of
the importance of Surat that the French Government maintained a Consul
there, who was also the chief of the company’s factory. His role and function

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in safeguarding the French interest in Gujarat has been highlighted
hereunder.

 M. Anquetil-de Briancourt: Clive of French Interest.

In 1757, he succeeded M.Le Verrier as Chief of the French factory. But he

did not seem to have make much impact politically as he remained in
complete ignorance of the outbreak of war between the English and the
French towards the close of eighteenth century. However, his role as Chief
of the French factory calls for further elaboration. He was assigned some
special duties by the King of France as he was expected to re-inforce the
French interest and reestablish the French supremacy.

He was expected to negotiate certain political matters, i.e. (i) establish

the right of the French to hoist their flag at Surat in pursuance of the
privileges conferred upon them by a firman from the Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb in 1666, a right enjoyed by the English, the Dutch and the
Portuguese, and (ii) to assure the safety of the French Ships sailing on
the Malabar Coast (actually the Konkan Coast) by seeking passports
for them from the Maratha nation. He was also entrusted with looking
after the commercial interests of his nation at Surat. Thus,
Briancourt’s duties were two-fold, commercial and political.
(Hatalkar xiii)

Though he had considerable knowledge and experience of the geo-political

conditions prevailing in and around Surat in commercial matters, strangely
the French establishment never thought of utilizing his knowhow. This
indifference on the part of the French establishment obviously resulted in
financial loss as the income of customs depleted considarably. This
development negatively impacted the growth and development of French
commercial interests in India.The dissemination of negative word about the
mala-fide French trade practices also adversely impacted their commercial
interests. The foreign traders and shippers who increasingly started hunting
other mercantile option made it a point to visit other ports of the Sub
continent before anchoring at Surat harbor. Some shippers not only brought
trash by the time they reached Surat but also arrived there so late, i.e. at a
time when the advanced season offered almost no market for the goods from
Europe. They also thereby could not purchase goods for their return journey,
for the weavers at Surat worked only on orders placed with them by the
English, the Dutch and the Portuguese brokers.

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 Moreover, the French traders had formed the self-ruinous habit of
contracting business at Bombay, where the English bought a fourth or
a third of their cargo and sent it to Surat where they earned large
profits, thus depriving the French Consulate of its custom. (xiv)

He arrived at Surat on November 5th, 1774, on the ship Le Duras, to

negotiate a very awkward but politically sensitive matter. Unfortunately, Le
Duras arrived at Surat at a time when the war between the Marathas and the
English had begun and of which Surat itself was the main theatre. Obviously,
the selling and buying operations of the ship was no plain sailing. The ship
also sustained massiv damages due to hostile climate all along its long route
and, therefore, it had to be careened at Bombay where the English collected
very heary charges for this service. The raging storm dealt a mortal blow to
commerce in which Briancourt lost his entire fortune. He was virtually
rendered penny less due to this misfortune and was compelled by
circumstances to negotiate fiscal affairs with Mr. Hornby, the Governor of
Bombay. This English ‘succour’ subordinated the French position in the
Court of Nawab of Surat. It was a well conceived strategy in which the
French had to willingly or unwillingly walk in. The English got upper hand
as the French were forced to concede a strategic defeat which eventually was
to change the colonial history of India.

The French retreat resulted not only in the installation of a chowky by the
Nawab of Surat at the Consul’s residence but also in the humiliation of the
Counsul who was impelled to enter into a written agreement with the
English. That the English were increasingly getting control over the region
can be measured from the diary notes which he sent to Monseigneur De
Sartine, Minister and Secretary of State for the Navy.

On my return in November 1774, I found everything topsy-turvy, the

Navab under a tighter yoke of his masters (the English) and the
commerce entirely ruined, because of the projects of conquests
and the ambitious views of the English. (Hatalkar 3).

The French Consul who showed considerable activity and resourcefulness

in handling the commercial operations of his compatriots, was rendered a
deadly blow by the English diplomacy. Once he enjoyed a great name and
fame, prestige and power in the higher commercial circles of Surat and the
English traders were only too happy to deal a deadly blow to this prestige.

As stated earlier he was assigned some special duties which also included
safe guarding the interests of the French establishment in India. He was

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expected to establish, enhance and sustain political relations with the local
powers on the one hand and safeguard the interests of French merchants on
the other.The French having noticed the readiness of the Maratha rulers to
go to any extent for their petty interests pressed their demand for Gheria and
Baroda in lieu of any assistance. The Maratha agent assured the French
Consul that Gheria, Baroda, Bassein and Gogha would be granted to the
French at their choice. The arrival of M. de. St Lubin as the envoy of the
French King at the Maratha Court, however, disrupted the negotiations to
the French envoy’s care. In the history of early colonial phase, Briancourt’s
endeavors to retain and reinforce the strategic interests of the French in and
around Surat appear as strategic as the endeavours put in by Lord Clive for
the English.

The French were pitted against a very typical game of expansion at Surat.
The custom revenue at Surat on which the French Consulate, to a large
extent, depended for its existence, was increasingly falling due to the
conflicts with the rival powers. The French Consul was, therefore, under
duress to restore the revenue. He was making desperate endeavors to explore
other resources to maintain it and prevent the depletion of revenue resources.
Briancourt suggested acquisition of a tiny but strategic location called
Gogha. It was to be obtained as a ‘Jahagir’ for the French from the Maratha
court.

In his opinion, the French could derive great advantage from it; its
position was such that the trade of all the big neighboring towns,
including Surat, would find its way to this port, if the French
possessed it. (Hatalkar xix)

In the earnest opinion of the French Consul, Briancourt, the hitherto

undeveloped harbour, Gogha could proved to be an immensely useful
strategic point as the port was spacious enough to hold a big squadron, had
a muddy bottom every where and sufficient water base for larger vessels.
The various proposals he made to the French envoy St. Lubin included the
acquition of Dumas Jahagir for the French from the Poona Government. He
was more than eager to consilidate the economic indepence of the French
Consulate at Surat. There were two immediate tasks on his hands:

 To check the erosion of French revenues at Surat; and,

 To explore fresh revenues for the French so that they could
reposition themselves pugnaciously against the local interference
and English onslaught.

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It may be stated that the recommendation of Dumas as an additional port to
Surat was a well-thought strategy on the part of the French. It was a big
borough, 16 kms to the South-West of Surat, situated at the mouth of the
river Tapti in the direction of the harbour, and belonged to the Marathas.
The revenues of Dumas were very high. However, the Marathas did not pay
much attention to this tiny port. Thus,

Parwana for Dumas, Briancourt believed, was of such little

consequence for the Marathas that they would easily grant it to the
French, especially in view of the treaty signed by St. Lubin with them.
(xx)

It is very obvious that the French Consul clearly envisioned the multiple
advantages of Dumas and therefore he pressed St.Lubin to procure it for the
French by his negotiations in Poona. Briancourt, just like his English
counterpart Lord Clive, was almost a political visionary. The selection of
Dumas as an alternative French facilities explicitly illustrated his strategic
acumen. He pressed the French envoy to negotiate hard with the Poona
Government and procure this locations and he also opened strategic
negotiations with the Portuguese Governor of Daman. He was more than
keen to have an alternative residence there which, he thought, could be
utilized, if circumstances warranted so.

In all these places, the French would enjoy the right to hoist their flag,
a matter which Briancourt had nearest to his heart, and if war was
declared between French and English, the French Consul, who knew
that he would not be allowed to remain at Surat, could, easily shift to
any one of these places, if not made a prisoner of war. (xxi)

The French establishment in Gujarat was extreamly apprehensive of the

possible threat which might descend upon them at any moment; and
therefore, it was very keen on having negotiations and deliberation with the
various power centres in India. The Poona parleys with the Maratha powers
were going on the one hand and Delhi delebarations with the Mughal
Emperor were to be under taken on the other. A trustworthy emissary,
therefore was sent to Delhi to open contact with North Indian powers who
enjoyed a pan India clout. All these hasty and to some extent desperate
attempts reasonably lead one to believe that the French establishment in
Gujarat was considarabelly apprehensive of the English intervention.

Not to leave any stone unturned to get sympathy and assistance for the
French in case of war, Briancourt had kept very intimate relations with Ali

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Nawaz Khan, the uncle of the Nawab of Surat. He went to the extent of
insisting to St. Lubin that if war was declared in Europe between France and
England, he should urge the Marathas to attack Surat. He infect Supplied all
strategic information about Surat to St.Lubin which he could provide to
Maratha. This strategic input consisted of maps, drawing and hand-written
notes about the city and castle of Surat. His political activities at Surat
certainly marked an indelible watershed in the Guj-Franco annals.Though
he held a small post of that of a Consul at Surat, he exhibited zeal
extraordinaire for the consolidation of the French interest in Gujarat. He
had big dreams and massive plans and, though a petty ordinary Consul, he
took on, at least strategically, the English challenge. His imprisonment by
the English on the charges of breach of trust brought curtain down for almost
all French activities in Gujarat in eighteenth century.

Briancourt an overtly ambitious strategiest and expansionist deluded

himself when he thought that he had completely put the English off the scent.
Moreover, the English were fully aware of the fact that he was in close
correspondence with both M.de Montigny and M.de St. Lubin. Perhaps he
did not know that some of St. lubin’s letters had been intercepted by the
English. Finally, Mr. Hornby, Governor of Bombay, was perfectly right
when he told Briancourt that it was the French Consul who was the first to
break neutrality by clandestinely obtaining a copy of the plan of the citadel
of Surat, which was found among his papers with notes in his own
handwriting.

Though he was merely a Consul at Surat Briancourt certainly impacted the

colonial-imperial drama. He was a master strategiest and a meticulous
planner but he lacked craft and cunningness which was required to meet the
menace of Marathas and ambitions of the English. He was kind, considerate
and a through gentleman who ran to the rescue of the Dutch factory at Surat.
The only possible surmise for his Dutch rescue could be that the Dutch had
confronted his arch rivals English. He maintained entire Dutch Staff for a
considerable duration. The immediate fall out of this French generosity was
that it earned for them the double hostility of the English and that of the
Nawab. His generous hospitality rose beyond petty considerations as he
unconditionally extended hospitality to Mr. Bolts who was vigorously
persecuted by the English. He selflessly entertained friends and foes, if any,
alike. He unconditionally entertained Friends including Mr. Boddam, chief
of the English Factory at Surat, of course, in a true French fashion.

He had won the esteem of the leading citizens of the town and his
advice on commercial matters as very often sought by them.

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 Highly sensible of his duties, he had done his best to help M. de
Montigny and M. de St. Lubin, both sent to India on very important
missions by the French Government. It is a tribute to his
resourcefulness that he maintained a friendly contact at Bombay,
which supplied him with useful information. (xxiii)

How engaging the Guj-Franco political affairs were towards the close of
eighteenth century can be gauged from the Diary he maintained with the
precision of a historian amidst political, military and commercial turmoils.
The Consulate Diary is of paramount importance in understanding the vital
relationship that took place between Gujarat and France in various spheres
of life. In absence of many objective and authentic documents about this
vital phase of Guj–Franco relationship towards the close of eighteenth
century, the Consulate Diary is an authentic document of the times. It is
universally acknowleged that diaries are usually written from a personal
perspective and hence they have minimal chances of neutral scrutiny.
However, the Consulate Diary is an exception. The letter he sent to
Monseigneur De Sartine, Minister and Secretary of State, for the Navy,
amply substantiates the Consul’s ardent zeal and industry.

The Diary, which I have the honor to place before you, is the result
of my labours produced during the voyage on board the English vessel
the Royal Admiral, on which I embarked with my whole family, as a
prisoner of war, from Bombay to England. I am conscious that
extra care has to be taken while submitting an account before a
Minister whose august functions, since the revival of the Navy,
embrace the entire world. Your kindness, my Lord, reassures me; the
special protection with which you honour me, sets my mind at rest;
my ardent zeal will make up for the shortcomings of my labour.
(Hatalkar 1)

He had managed the affairs of the king and the company at Surat for fourteen
years as chief of the factory. Surat, since long had been known for its
commerce was unwilling host to the avarice of many colonial powers. Its
strategic location at the entrance of the Gulf of Cambay, some what mid way
between Persia and India, transformed it into a storehouse of the riches of
the two Empires-the Persian and the Indian. And therefore the Europeans
also emulously set up large factories there. The Dutch and the English had
consolidated their strategic position in Surat. However, the French were on
weak footings. Ironically but interestingly, the French were ceding grounds
to the English in various parts of the world. The French weak position is
duly acknowleged by the Consul on his very first arrival at Surat.

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 Those of the English and the Dutch are always maintained on a
respectable footing. That of the French, flourishing at the start, has
been since long, for want of commerce, in a condition which would
hardly do honor to the French nation! (2)

The English who had been traditional rivals of the French every where, were
the masters of the fortress of Surat. The Nawab of Surat was only a puppet
in the hands of the English power. He was under English yoke which
ultimately resulted in the total ruin of the city of Surat. The commercial ruin
of Surat can be assigned to the expansionist projects of conquest and the
ambitious views of the English. In the colonial theatre of Surat, the Maratha
also played a very important role. Raghoba, an ambitious Maratha chieftain,
who played a major role, has been profiled here.

 Raghoba: An Overtly Ambitious Maratha Chieftain

Raghoba, an ambitious Maratha chief, who was at loggerheads with his

family for power, was destined to play a critical role in Guj-Franco political
affairs during the early colonial days. Being an incorrigibly ambitions
chieftain, he threw himself in the game of power and sought French help to
re conquer his kingdom, which, however, did not belong to him. He resolved
to leave no stone unturned to obtain the Peshwaship for himself. He
promised the cession of several places, especially that of the island of
Salcette to the English in recognition of their service. The French denial of
assistance to him obviously compelled him to drift towards the English who
exploited him politically. The English, as was expected, warmly embraced
the cause of this Maratha Chief. The alliance between them was destined to
impact the early colonial history of the country on a very large scale.

The English as expansionist had always been anxious to seize other’s

property in India. They had been coveting the island of Salacetle for quite
long time. Though it belonged to the Marathas, the English found that it
completely met with their requirements as it was contiguous to the island of
Bombay. Thus, bent upon securing it by hook or crook, they grabbed the
opportunity to support the unjust claims of Raghunathrao, alias, Raghoba,
who was then at loggerheas with his family. In order to achieve his end, he
threw himself into the hands of the English and sought their help to conquer
his kingdom which, however, did not belong to him. It rightfully belonged
to Mado Rao Savaye (Sawai Madhavrao) then an infant. In spite of the
incontestable rights of his grand nephew to the office of the Peshwa, a title

49
which means the prime minister of king of the Marathas, Raghuba resolved
to leave no stone unturned to obtain it for himself and promised the cession
of several places, especially the island of Salacetle to the English, in
recognition of their service. His political ambitions unconditionally favored
the expansionist designs of the English who warmly embraced his cause.

It is recorded in the Consulate Diary that the ambitious English unjustifiably

encroached upon the town of Bharuch also. They had driven out the Nawaab,
who lost his life like a brave soldier in defense of his patrimony, and this
important place which they had considerabaly fortified, changed the colonial
game in the southern part of Gujarat. The French were rendered a strategic
blow by the English through the conquest of the city of Bharuch. The
English triumph made them the sole holders of all the cotton and the grain
crops which were abundantly grown in the region. It considerably increased
the English commerce and revenues. Besides these general advantages, the
English also unabashedly hoped to receive monetary gains, if they
succeeded in installing Raghoba on the throne.

The English–Raghoba unholy alliance changed the political complexion of

the 400 kilomitres of area that falls between Surat and Bombay. The allied
forces of ambitious powers invaded and plundered the entire territory. It was
precisely at this troublesome time that the vessel Le Duras arrived at Surat
but it could not carry on a very prosperous business. Surat then resembled
more a camp full of soldiers than a city of merchants. Besides the limitless
power which the slavish Nawaab publicity conferred upon the English, their
political jealousy avowedly furnished them a thousand secret ways to thwart
this first attempt of the French at Surat. We learn about the turbulent times
through the diaries and also from the diaries of the French travelers who
visited Gujarat. These visitors have given some exciting accounts of the
mercantile activities. Their mercantile dossiers have been briefly surveyed
here under.

 Mercantile Dossiers of the French travelers

The mercantile dossiers of the French travelers like Francois Pyrard, Jean
Baptiste Tavernier and Jean de Thevenot provide an extremely insightful
information on the contemporary commercial engagement of French traders
with their counterparts from Gujarat during the early colonial period. They
also mirror the French perception of the people about whom the other
colonial rivals, the English and the Portuguese were extremely prejudiced.
It was only during the reign of Louis XIV that France accepted mercantilism

50
and adopted systematic measures for the overseas trade expansion. The
French East India Company came into existence in 1664 at Colbert’s
instigation. A dacade after the company’s birth, Francois Martin established
its Indian headquarters at Pondicherry and later on at Surat. The French
travelers, merchants, and missionaries who visited Gujarat prior to the
establishment of the French East India Company and afterwards made
invaluable contribution in terms of their tour diaries and their observation
accounts. The observations made by the French travelers specifically on the
state of trade and economy in Gujarat have been elaborated hereunder.

 Francois Pyrard of Laval

He was among the earliest French merchants to visit India. He visited Surat
and other towns and cities of Gujarat in 1608. He eloquently speaks of the
goods and material produced and exported from the land of Gujarat. He
states that although Gujarat manufactured indigo, agate goods, medicinal
drugs, wax and oils, and iron and copper goods, its principal riches consist
chiefly of silk and cotton stuffs.

He spoke high of the delicate and colourful silk and cotton textile
goods manufactured in Gujarat. (Mehta 25)

He also visited the coastal town of Cambay and wrote a very comprehensive
account of the town. He considered it as the metropolitan city of the State of
Gujarat. Speaking about the social fabric of the city, the French traveler
noted that the city of Cambay was in fact the city of Banias who were to be
found in every part and market. He also speaks about the traders, artisans,
goldsmiths, craftsmen and workmen of Cambay. How the merchants of
Gujarat dominated the trade circuit internationally can be measured from his
observation

The language of all those countries, as also of all others belonging to

the Grand Mogor, and of Bengala and those neighboring thereto, is
the Guzerate language, which is most wide spread and useful, being
understood in more places than any other Indian tongue. (26)

 Martin de Vitre

This French sailor and adventurer from the city of Vitre was the first
Frenchman to write an account of travels to the Far East. He, together with
Francois Pyrard, was among the first French merchants to visit India. He
went to Surat and also visited the town of Gujarat. In his memoir, he wrote
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that the world was learning from China at that time. It may be noted that his
travel accounts created a strong enthusiasm for Indian travel in France and
it was this enthusiasm which eventually led to the establishment of the
French East India Company.

 Jean Baptiste Tavernier

This legendary French traveler also visited Gujarat several times during the
mid–seventeenth century and made insightful observations on the socio–
cultural fabric of the day. He also made important observations on the
magnificent temple constructed by Shantidas Zaveri in Ahmedabad. The
French visitor profusely praised the artisans of the town of Cambay who
made beautiful cups, handles of swords, knives, beads and necklaces from
the agate stones. According to him, the artefacts made in Cambay had ready
markets in Afro-Asian countries. He also speaks about the indigo cultivation
undertaken by the farmers of Cambay and Ahmedabad. Baroda, according
to the French visitor, was a cotton textile hub. While speaking of
Ahmedabad and its business proliferation, he particularly speaks about
Sarkhej, the indigo town.

One where there is a considerable trade in silicon stuffs, gold and

silver tapestries, and others mixed with silk; saltpeter, sugar, ginger
both candid and plain, tamarinds, and indigo cakes, which are made
at three leagues from Ahmedabad, at a large town called SARKEJ.
(26)

He also speaks very highly of Siddhpur and provides useful information

about the cotton and textile industry which had developed particularly in
centers like Navsari, Cambay and Broach. He speaks about the entire
chemical and dyeing process, especially the natural dyes as used by the local
traders. The iconic French traveler Jean de Thevenot also visited Surat and
described its custom house, and zeal of the Moghal officials in maintaining
it. He provides a beautiful pen portrait of the way in which the passengers
were handled at the custom house. He also speaks about the stringent custom
laws compares the Gujarati merehants with the Jews of Turkey. He also
notes an incredible phenomenon of the then Gujarati society which allowed
traders to freely engage themselves with their overseas counter parts without
any socio-religious taboos.

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 Jean de Thevenot

This ardent student of geography and natural sciences studied the accounts
of earlier travelers which enabled him to make insightful observations on
the men and events of his times. He landed at Surat in January 1666 and
described its custom-house, and the zeal of the Mughal officials in
maintaining it. He provides a beautiful pen portrait of the passengers who
landed at the port. He also wrote about the urban and industrial centers of
Gujarat and spoke of Cambay as a prosperous town producing indigo,
textiles and agate goods. He also mentions the fortified town of Broach with
all its arts and artisans. Ahmedabad particularly impressed the French visitor
as it had concentration of plenty of merchentile activities. Moreover the city
also had a spacious rest house for Indian and foreign merchants and
travelers. He refers to the legendary merchant Shantidas Zaveri, who
constructed a beautiful Jain temple. He also describes the hospital for birds
and animals, a symbol of the Jain concern for all the living things. He held
the Gujarati merchants in high esteem and compared them with the Jews of
Turkey and pointed out that

They had their own residential settlements at Basra and Ormuz where
they had constructed their temples. (28)

He emphasized the point that the Muslim rulers and people were tolerant in
religious matter. When he left Basra for Surat in an Armenian ship, he
counted twenty six Baniyas on board, travelling with him. He was highly
impressed by the enterpreneaureal spirit of the Gujarati society.

 George Roques

Along with the famed French traveler, few ordinary French people also
visited Gujarat during seventeenth century and wrote about the life of the
state. George Roques, an employee of the French East India Company who
lived in Gujarat in the last quarter of the seventeenth century, visited a
number of industrial and trade centers, and contacted various categories of
textile dealers, shop keepers and paddlers. He wrote about bankers and
weavers in order to understand the textile scenario of the state.He spoke
disparaging about the brokers who exploited the traders. He was familiar
with the way in which the bania had intruded into the system of textile trade.

He passed severe invectives against the banya who he thought was

responsible for obliging the French Company to keep down its profit
margin. (29)
53
He provides information on the textile centers which he visited. Broach was
an excellent bleaching and textile manufacturing centre. The smaller towns
like Baroda exported colourful textile fabrics to Persia and the Arab
countries. It was essentially a textile manufacturing centre and its coarse
cloth had a demand in India and Europe. The French traveler also speaks
very highly about the Muslim spinners and weavers of the city of
Ahmedabad. The other smaller centers like Nadiad, Dholka, and Dabhoi
were the noted textile manufacturing centres. Sarkhej manufactured indigo,
besides textile goods. On one occasion the English purchased a large bulk
of indigo leaves inorder to manufacture indigo themselves. However, the
local merchants reacted strongly against the English move.

The Gujarati merchants, thinking that this would harm their interests,
instigated the workers to thwart the attempts of the foreigners. The
workers responded; they did their jobs so badly that the English
company suffered a huge loss. (29)

This was probably the first instance wherein the Gujarati merchants and
traders aggressively safeguarded their business interests and patent rights
against the foreign intrusion.

Thus, the accounts of the French merchants and travelers provide useful
information on the Guj-Franco commercial relationship in the seventeenth
century. They also reflect the French view-point of the people about whom
the other colonial rivals such as the English and the Portuguese were
extremely biased. It is through Thevenot’s account that we come to know
that the English had poisoned the ears of the Surat Governor against the
French who were making efforts to establish trade relations with Gujarat.
Thus, the perceptions of French travelers are extremely crucial to understand
the Guj-Franco relationship at all levels. At the same time, the alliance
between Romain Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi imparted a new identity to
this relationship. This aspect has been elaborated in the ensuing pages.

2.1 The Epistolary Alliance: Romain Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi

Romain Rolland, born in Clamecy, Nievre, France, was a versatile dramatist,

essayist, art historian, novelist and mystic who was awarded the Nobel Prize
for Literature in 1915 as a tribute to the lofty idealism of his literary
production and to the sympathy and love of truth with which he has
described different types of human beings. He was a life long pacifist and

54
one of the few major French writers to retain the pacifist internationalist
values. As a humanist, he embraced the work of the philosophers of India.

The true Vedantic spirit doesnot start out with a system of

preconceived ideas. It possesses absolute liberty and unrivalled
courage among religions with regard to the facts to be observed and
the diverse hypothesis it has laid down for their co-ordination. Never
having been hampered by a prirestly order, each man has been entirely
free to search wherever he pleased for the spiritual explanation of the
spectacle of the universe. (en.wikipedia)

The Guj-Franco rapport entered a new phase of cultural bilateralism with

the meeting between Romain Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi, the two revered
sages of the two different continents.This life long alliance was mostly
shaped through a routine epistolary exchange between the two.Rolland, a
renowned pacifist, was strongly influenced by the Vedanta philosophy of
India, primarily through the works of Swami Vivekanand. He was a lifelong
pacifist and it was this philosophy which brought him close to Mahatma
Gandhi with whom he corresponded regularly. In 1924 his book on Gandhi
contributed to Mahatma Gandhi’s reputation internationally whom he met
in Switzerland in 1931. His enthusiasm for Gandhi, it may be noted, was
instantaneous, reverential and eternal.

The Apostle of Peace (Mahatma Gandhi) with the Pacifist of the

West (Romain Rolland)

Source: en.wikipedia.org Retrieved on 18 October, 2014

55
 It is to be borne in mind that the great French philosopher-sage much talked
like Mahatma Gandhi in Europe and, therefore, he was largely
misunderstood by his contemporaries in the West. Being a staunch ‘pacifist’
he was dead against the frenzy of war. Thus, ideologically he stood in sharp
contrast to the barbaric war mongering of European powers. No wonder he
eventually found eternal solace in Indian wisdom of ‘non-violence’ which
was being vehemently advocated by the Mahatma, amidst the callous
cacophony of European war-mongers. His pacifism and Mahatma’s ahinsa
converge at an ideological-philosophical plane.

As a Pacifist, he was against war, Nazism and Facism; as an internationalist

he was against the disease of nationalism; and as a humanist, he did
tremendous humanitarian work. He is, when ideologically perceived,
appears to be an engaging amalgamation of leftist leanings with a tinge of
religious touch to his ideology. His proverbial disillutionment with
Christianity did not actually deviate him from his religious beliefs. In fact
he lived as a deeply religious and universal man. He ungrudgingly accepted
as important the place of religion, religious conscience, and religious instinct
in human life. He said

The closer I come to my end as an individual, the more I feel myself

filled with God and I realize this God in the particular field of beauty
and truth. I know that He is far beyond this, but I touch Him, I taste
Him, I breathe His breath. (Gandhi Marg 1)

It would not be in excess to claim that the reverential rapport between

Romain Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest cultural
linkages between France and Gujarat. This rational seeker of truth from the
Occident was a worshipper of India and Gandhi. He admired, honoured and
venerated, and loved them immensely, and he had a great faith in them. He
was deeply attracted by the ancient wisdom of India. He expressed his sense
of belongingness to India in reverential terms.

As for myself, India from now on is not a foreign land, she is the
greatest of all countries, the country from which once I came. I find
her again deep inside me. I have sought to nourish my cosmic dreams
at the springs of Clairvoyant India. (4)

In order to explain India’s mysticism and world view to Europe, Romain

Rolland wrote the biographies of Ramkrishna, Vivekananda and Gandhi. He
devoted his maximum attention and efforts to “advertising” Gandhi’s life,

56
method, and message. It gave him an unbounded joy, inner satisfaction, a
sense of fulfilment and spiritual intimacy. Accordingly, apart from writing
Gandhi’s biography in French, he published Gandhi’s selected writings in
European languages. He believed that in the midst of turmoil, Gandhi, the
Second Buddha, sat alone, calm and firm unto death, and held the forces of
savagery at bay by his own moral and spiritual power.

The French philosopher who personally met the Mahatma in 1931 in

Switzerland, wrote a seminal biography, entitled Gandhi, of the sage of
Sabarmati in 1924. It was he who could envision the greatness of Gandhi
very early. His publication of Gandhian biography presented an objectively
genuine portrait of the Mahatma in Europe who was rather being demonized
by the British Empire. Thus, it can fairly be concluded that but for the French
sage, Gandhi’s image in the western world would have remained, if not
inadequate, at least prejudiced.

The Gandhian canons of non-violence, largely misunderstood in the West as

a sign of submission and meekness on the part of the subjects, enamoured
the French philosopher. Many in the West even doubted Gandhi’s
philosophical credential as well as his political acumen. Amidst the
atmosphere of ideological contradictions in the West regarding the
practicability and efficacy of Gandhian political philosophy, the people of
France who had established a strong camaraderie with India, reposed
immense faith in Gandhism. Romain Rolland’s avowed advocacy of
Gandhian canons immensely buttressed Gandhi’s image and position in the
West. His espousal for Gandhian tenets is reverentially articulated

Non-Violence is not benevolent or malevolent submission. It pits the

force of the soul against the will of tyrant. A single man can thus defy
an empire and cause its downfall. (Vincent 151)

To Romain Rolland, Mahatma’s ‘movement’ was greater than a myriad

multidimensional mutinies.On the one hand it was an endeavor to restore
the original Indian identity of the civilization, and on the other hand it was
an effort to make-up with the changing world. To him the entire movement
appeared a quest for identity. He unhesitatingly drew parallels between the
experiences of

The French Revolution and the assembly of the Indian National

Congress in Ahmedabad in 1921the Indian National Congress in

57
 Ahmedabad in 1921, had the moving solemnity of the Estates General
of 1789. (152)

The Rolland-Gandhi camaraderie recognized no geo-political bounds. Even

before meeting him, Romain Rolland believed Mahatma to be one of his
near and dear ones. The regular epistolary exchange between the two great
souls of twentieth century is one of the greatest chapters in the annals of
Guj-Franco relationship. This alliance, as it evolved in the first half of the
last century, is the zenith of Guj-Franco relationship which remained
unsurpassable for many years.

It must be said that any investigation into the cultural interactions between
France and Gujarat is inadequate without an exploration of Rollan-Gandhi
rapport. The Frenchman who was fascinated by the Indian independence
movement and by Gandhi, was also enamoured of Indian spirituality. With
his biography of Gandhi, he sought to share with the West his sense of
discovery and wonder. These two men, each profoundly religious in his own
way, exchanged views on every idea that they cherished about non-violence,
truth and peace. Gandhi was religious by nature and his doctrines were
profoundly ingrained in religious tenets. His political avatar was a curious
coincidence as he was impelled by circumstances to lead the political
movment of the nation.He had firm conviction in his principles that if it
came to the point, he would always set truth first before liberty and even
before his country. He also placed non-violence (ahinsa) above
independence (swaraj). From the very start of his struggle he wanted to keep
away from the vicious circle of violence and give India its sense of dignity.
He vehemently declared

Violence can not free India; Swaraj can not be attained without the
force of the soul. “I know,” he says, that Swaraj is the object of the
nation and not non-violence. (Rolland 26).

Gandhi’s exhortation to the multitude regarding strength and will power sent
ripples of self confidence across the world. He declared that he did not
believe India was powerless and force, according to him, did not lie in
physical means; it rested in an indomitable will. These inspiratorial
exhortation addressed to a hungry, oppressed, suppressed and illiterate
multitude, filled Romain Rolland with admiration.

Gandhi never asks men for more than they can give. But he asks for
all that they can give. And this is much in a nation like India-a
formidable nation through its numerical power. From the very first
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 Gandhi and India have formed a pact; they understand each other
without words. Gandhi knows what he can demand of India, and
Inda is prepared to give whatever Gandhi may demand, reciprocally.
(Rolland 38)

It is imperative to note here that the Oriental perception was largely

projected by the English, and therefore, most European nations were
influenced by the likes and dislikes of the English.Though they had been
curious about Mahatma’s exceptional philosophy, their faith was replete
with skepticism.It was Romain Rolland’s neutral, objective and fair
assessment of Mahatma Gandhi’s persona which changed the entire image
of Mahatma Gandhi in the West. The fragmentary comprehension of
Gandhian philosophy in the West deeply distressed the great French sage.
The principle of non violence (ahinsa) was mistaken for pacifism which had
completely proved ineffective prior to the First World War. West could not
hold much faith in the ideals of pacifism which were regarded as an
instrument of weaklings and dreamers.

The Gandhian principle satyagrah (passive resistance) too was equally

misunderstood in the West. Most Gandhian observers in the West also could
not capture the true essence of the term satyagrah. Gandhi had used the word
satyagrah in South Africa to explain the difference between his ideal and
that of passive resistance. Gandhi defined it as meaning holding on to truth,
hence, ‘truth force’, or as ‘love force’ or ‘soul force’. Gandhi’s campaign
was never a passive resistance and Gandhi can never be termed as a passive
protester. Romain Rolland rightly captured not only the essence of the term
for the Western audience, but also the power behind the term.

No one has a grater horror of passivity than this tireless fighter, who
is one of the most heroic incarnations of a man who resists. The Soul
of his movement is active resistance-resistance which finds outlet, not
in violence, but in the active force of love, faith, and sacrifice. This
threefold energy is expressed in the word Satyagrah. (Rolland 27)

Contrary to blind pacifism, non-violent action required courage. This notion

was a far cry from the Western notion of pacifism at any price which denied
the very existence of violence because it feared it. A coward could never
seek refuge under Gandhi’s banner. Gandhi would prefer violence to
cowardice

Where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence I advise

violence. I cultivate the quiet courage of dying without killing. But to

59
 him who has not this courage I advise that of killing and of being
killed, rather than that of shamefully fleeing from danger. (27)

Gandhi’s advocacy of absence of fear was likely to be construed as obstinacy

or recalcitrance on the part of a person. Gandhi in fact emphasized on the
freedom of spirit, the spirit to be freed from fear of kings, nations, castes,
family, men and even death. Gandhi knew that his idea of violence would
be allied with killing and, therefore, he held the supremacy of non-violence.

The major Gandhian ideals such as chastity, truth, and non-cooperation

generated a great deal of curiosity among the Western observers. Romain
Rolland too was very anxious to learn about the Gandhian movement of non-
cooperation launched in 1921-22. He looked at this mass movement with lot
of anxiety. Gandhi’s insistence on the revival and restoration of Indian
cottage industry of the charkha rendered him awestruck. He was enamoured
of the fearlessness exhibited by the fragile, sickly human figure called the
Mahatma. In order to understand the context of Gandhian ideals, it is
imperative to look at the political developments of the day. The colossal
failure of the League of Nations pushed Europe on the brink of another Great
War. Romain Rolland who had almost lost his faith in pacifism now
increasingly turned towards the Gandhian philosophy, which had tinge of
both-pragmatism and mysticism. The Rolland-Gandhi camaraderie saw no
bounds. The French-man was completely swept by the Mahatma’s
irresistible attraction. Gandhi too had accepted Romain Rolland as one of
his near and dear one even before meeting him. The historical epistolary
exchange between the two souls of twentieth century is one of the highs of
Guj-Franco relationship. The beauty of this bond lies in the fact that both
sages had immense faith and mutual trust. In 1925 Mahatma Gandhi
conveyed to Rolland, through a common friend called Kalidas Nag, that he
was seeking Rolland’s confirmation.

Tell Mr. Rolland that I am trying to live up his interpretation of my

humble life. (Vincent 153)

In a letter to Madeleine, Romain Rolland’s sister, who acted as an interpreter

between the two men-since Romain Rolland did not speak English nor
Gandhi French-he explained that he had decided to call the writer Rishi since
Mr. Rolland seemed too ceremonious and Brother inexact and over familiar.

Please tell Rishi that that a few months ago I read his volumes on
Ramakrishna and Vivekanada for the first time. They gave me great

60
 joy and allowed me to have a more complete measure of his love for
India. (153)

It must be noted that the impending World War was to change the
relationship between the two continents. Never the less, the two men wrote
to each other regularly, despite their very different concerns.These letters
which are replete with tenderness and mutual respect continued right up to
Romain Rolland’s death.

Mid twentieth century heralds the beginning of a new chapter the Indo-
French relationship. After Indian independence in 1947, Europe’s
perception of India underwent a sea change. The atmosphere cynicism and
distrust towards the white people especially the English, was very high in
India as the nascent democracy was yet to define its bilateral role with the
West. On the other hand among all the European nations, France particularly
enjoyed a special place in the hearts of India, and, therefore, soon after the
independence, France was one of the first European countries to establish
diplomatic relation with her. When Daniel Levi the first French ambassador
and son of the famous Indologist Sylvain Levi arrived in India, France still
possessed the five concessions of Pondicherry, Chandernagore, Karikal,
Mane and Yan aon, which had remained hers through the treaties of 1763
and 1815. Though the French ceased to be a significant power in India, they
continued to engage with India in general and Gujarat in particular through
other means. This phenomenon has been profiled hereunder.

2.2 Guj-Franco Engagement: A Contemporary Context

The Guj-Franco cultural interactions have witnessed tremendous

fluctuations in the last hundred years. Though there appears an absence of
visible vibrancy, the second half of the last century, however, saw a
considerable revival of the Guj-Franco relations. Some individuals have
carried forward this relationship. Some of these individuals and their French
connect have been profiled here under.

It is probably a little known fact that Swami Vivekanand first visited

Ahmedabad in November, 1893 and spent almost fourteen months in the
various places of Gujarat.The French language played an important role here
too. It must be noted that the Deewan of Porbander, Shankar Pandurang
Pandit who had urged the Swami to learn French and deliver the now famous
address at the US Religeous Convention, was surprised as the Swamiji learnt
French within no time.The stupendous scholarship of the Deewan whose

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words: “It will be of great use to you, Swamiji”, left an ever-lasting
impression on the Swami who picked up French quickly and also

Wrote a letter in French to his brother-disciples at Alam bazar and

gave them a great surprise (vivekanand.gujarat.gov.in/porbander)

Since antiquity, it may be noted here, that the province of Gujarat had
maintained mercantile ties with the different regions of Normandy. The
popularity of Gujarati textiles promoted the European traders to produce
imitation of these textiles in their own country.Thus, the Gujarati cotton
prints were reproduced in the villages of South France.

 Mrinalini Sarabhai

She is an accomplished classical danseur, choreographer and instructor. She

is the founder, director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, an
institute for imparting training in dance, drama, music and puppetry, in the
city of Ahmedabad. She has received many distinguished awards and
recognitions from the people of France. She is one of the earliest artists from
Gujarat who has redefined Guj-Franco cultural bilateralism. In the year
1949, she performed at the Theatre national de Chaillot in Paris where she
received a lot of critical acclaim. She is the first Indian artist to receive the
medal and diploma of the French Archives Internationales de la Danse. It
may be noted here that

she was nominated to the Executive Committee of the

International Dance Council, Paris in 1990 (Taylor 375)

She was presented the Honour Summus Award by the Watmull Foundation,
Honolulu, Hawaii in 1991

in recognition of her outstanding success as a dancer, for her creative

dance dramas, and for her revival and preservation of Indian dance,
drama and puppetry forms. (www.harmonyindia.org)

She was also honoured with the Degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
(LittD) by the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K in 1997. The
Government of Mexico also conferred upon her a gold medal for her
choreography for The Ballet Folklorico of Mexico.

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 Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad-III

His Highness, the late Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad-III, has been hailed as
the ‘friend of France’. Louis XIV of France and the Maharaja shared similar
concerns of the promotion of fine arts. They patronized artists in their
kingdoms and gave them enough latitude. Prof. Brigitte De Latour, an
eminent professor of French literature and architecture, found the Gaekwads
to be very progressive rulers.

The king was very close to his subjects. He promoted tapestry makers,
ushering a new revolution among the local craftsmen. One could see
that while sticking to traditions, the king was open to new ideas.
(archieve.indianexpress.com)

He established the first formal French teaching centre in 1897 in the

erstwhile Baroda College (now called The M.S.U of Baroda).

The Maharaja, a noted Occidentalist, who keenly courted French

ideas and trends of the time, led to the establishment of a centre for
French learning. He appointed no less august a person than Shri
Aurobindo Ghosh to direct this centre, which subsequently became a
Department. (msubaroda.ac.in)

 Shri Aurobindo Ghosh (Sri Orobindo)

As elaborated in the first chapter, Aurobindo has contributed towards Guj-

Franco bilateralism in various ways. He was influenced by studies on
rebellion, and revolutions against England in medieval France and the
revolts in America and Italy. A staunch adversary of the British, AuroHe
was was imprisoned for writing articles against the British rule in India.
During his stay in the jail he had mystical and spiritual experiences, after
which he moved to Pondicherry, leaving politics for spiritual work. Before
seeking a political asylum in Pondicherry, the French territory, he had spent
considerable time in the city of Baroda, Gujarat. Here he started working as
a part timr French teacher at Baroda College. He was later promoted to the
post of vice-principal. His artistic inclination was aided by a French couple
called Mr. and Mrs. Richard who helped him establish a centre in
Pondicherry. The French couple and Aurobindo spontaneously forged a
unique bond as both were ‘seekers’ and ‘questers’ of Infinity.

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It was around 1926 that with the help of his spiritiual collaborator, Mirra
Alfassa (The Mother), he founded Sri Aurobindo ashram. Interestingly, the
first foreigner to enter Shri Aurobindo’s hermitage in Pondicherry was also
a French man, none other than the renowned Indologist Sylvin Levy.

 Dr.Tiven Marvaha

The Guj-Franco interactions meanwhile entered altogether new spheres

such as trade, commerce, medicine etc. Dr.Tiven Marvaha, a renowned
Endocrinologist of Gujarat chartered a new path in the field of medicine.It
was the time when most medicos joined the English or American
universities for career advancement. However, Dr. Marvaha chose a less
trodden path and joined a French university from where he earned his degree
in medicine.In order to express his indebtedness to French people, he named
his office Le Bonheur which means the place of happiness.Till date it is the
only medical center in Gujarat bearing a French nomenclature.

 Chantal Ardino

France’s rapport with Gujarat was further reinforced when a French lady
author Chantal Ardino penned down the then chief minister of Gujarat,
Narendra Modi’s biography in French language.This book was formally
launced during the celebration of Festival of India in France in the presence
of Indian Ambessador to France and other dignitaries.The author intends to
publish this book in English later on.

Chantal extensively visited Gujarat to write a book on Mr. Modi

which she has entitled as: Convictions.
(narendramodibiographie.com)

Apparently, yoga brought Ardino to India in the early 80’s and she has since
then

remained a stead fast visitor here with over fifteen visits and has even
embraced Hinduism. (Indian Express)

 The Mahatma Gandhi International School

This innovative school, started by the former director of Alliance Francaise

d’ Ahmedabad, Pascal Chazot and his partner Ms. Anju, is a Public-
Partnership project that promotes holistic learning. It is authorized to offer

64
the International Baccalauriate Programs. The emphasis is on learning rather
than teaching.

It promotes internationalism in the curriculum, in its learning

community and encourages international exchange programmes. It
offers Hindi and French as a second language to its students and has
links with other international schools in the world such as L’Ecole
Aujourd’hui and licee Saint Germain en Laye from Paris and
Mercedes College from Adelaide. (www.mgis.in)

MGIS, with its unique teaching methodology, has undoubtedly emerged as

an important Guj-Franco academic linkage. It regularly follows student-
teacher exchange programmes with some of the most prestigious French
schools. It is probably the only innovative establishment in Gujarat which
exclusively offers French ambience and experience at home.

 Raichand Shah

A travel book in Gujarati Yuropma Pravas Paidapar Char, written by

Mr.Raichand Shah, narrates a tour of France organized in 2010 by Sarah
Keller, a historian, in charge of the Heritage House at the Alliance Francaise
d’Ahmedabad. The objective of this tour was the exploration of French
museums and ecomuseums.

Mr.Raichand Shah and three of his museum expert colleagues had

undertaken a month long trip to discover the Louvre, the Villete, the
Alsace ecomuseums and many other Parisian and French institutions.
(ambafrance-in.org)

It may be noted here that people of France have always selflessly stood by
the people of Gujarat in the times of natural calamities.They had generously
donated towards the rehabilitation of the 2001 earthquake victims. They
made a contribution of one million French Francs to the International
Federation of Red Cross for earthquake relief work in Gujarat.The French
Air Force aircraft-C135 had carried along with it a 44 member medical team
and 9 tones of medical material, including a field hospital and emergency
food material. Some French NGOs such as Telecom Without Borders and
Firemen Without Borders had also extensively contributed towards the relief
and rescue operations, especially during the Gujarat earth-quake.

The HEC Paris and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad also inked
an agreement for general co-operation in research and exchange of

65
faculties.This joint programme offers a dual degree in HEC Msc Grande
Ecole and the two years Post Graduate Programme in Management(PGPM).

 The National Institute of Design

The National Institute of Design Ahmedabad’s tryst with France was

reinforced when a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Prof.J.M.Lehn from
Universite Louis Pasteur visited it and enlightened the students about myriad
intradisciplinary research possibilities.It is heartening to note that an
National Institute of Design student Nayantara Kotian, who studied as a
student of Film and Video has been awarded Mention Speciale Du
Jury(Special Mention of the Jury) at the 16th Festival International Du
Court-Metrage Etudient de Cergy-Pontoise, France.

This festival is organized by students of a French University L’Ecole

Natiole Superieure de L’Electronique et de Ses Applications (ENSEA), in
Cergy, France. (assoc.tyo.free.fr.)

The alliance between the National Institute of Design and Alliance Francaise
d’ Ahmedabad has gone from strength to strength with the passage of time.
In recent years, both have collectively organized various events. One such
week-long event ‘The Graphic Narrative Project’ was graced by the
presence of one of the animation legends of the world, Jacques Remy Girerd,
the French producer and owner of the pioneering Folimage Studio. In the
discussion that ensued, the emphasis was laid on the preservation and
presentation of architectural marvels and historical wonders of the state of
Gujarat.

The Indo-French Design Conclave was also held under the aegis of
National Institute of Design Ahmedabad and the Indo-French Centre for
the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) in New Delhi in the year
2013. It took the Guj-Franco bilateralism to a higher level through the
exploration of interphase of engineering and design.

It is said that one can stop an army but it is difficult to stop an idea. Similarly,
art which is an expression of an idea, seldom recognizes geographical
frontiers.Thus, a small port town of Kathiyavad, Alang, more known for its
ship-breaking yard, inspired a French composer Eryck Abecassis to
compose eclectic ‘noise music’.This classically trained composer presented
‘Noise India’, a multi-media project which was inspired by the ship re-
cycling yards and its noises at Alang Ship-breaking Yard. He believes in

66
logical cohesion between sound and elements.His experiment was a fusion
and innovation.

both as physical experience as well as an expression by building

an environment through images,sounds, multi-media, electronique
techniques and sensors. (TOI)

The Guj-Franco bilateral ties were further boosted by the visit of a five
member deligation from France which visited the Panchmahal district of
Gujarat. Headed by Francis Geere, the team included Ludivine Simonin,
Oliver Panisset, Caroline Socie and Helen Cour. The team tried to discover
the people and culture of the state of Gujarat. Curiously, they evinced more
interest in learning about the food habits, traditions and hospitality of the
people of Gujarat.

The internationally acclaimed institutes such as National Institute of Design,

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Indian Institute of
Management have regularly undertaken students/faculty axhange
programmes with their counter parts in France. The exchanged students are
largely drawn from the areas of management, engineering, film,
architecture, fine arts and fashion.

 Shree Rajendra Kumar Bhagat

A living legend in the world of folk dance and drama, he is a recipient of a

French honour. He was awarded the Best Director in 1971 by the
government of France which also awarded him a silver medal in the
international Folk-dance Festival, Dijon France in 1984 and a gold medal in
1987. He was also made

a jury member here in 1993.(rangbahar.com)

Of late, a number of French Shipping Companies have developed trading

ties with their counterparts from Gujarat. Many French ships are sent to
Alang for ship-breaking.It may be noted that the aged French aircraft carrier
Clemenceau had enraged the environmental activists from Gujarat.The
upcoming Port of Pipavav also has tied up with CHACGM, a market leader
in container shipping from France for bringing in cargo through their ships
to the Gujarat based port.France’s presence is at the forefront in terms of
investment.

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 Big French companies like Accor, AirLiquide, Alstom, Areva,
Peaugeot, Scheneide, Sodexo, among others have their offices here.
(www.amabafrance)

The historical French multinational bank, Societe Generale opened its first
branch in Gujarat at Sanand that will focus on serving local and
multinational corporate clients.This is the first branch in the state and the
third branch of the 150 years old bank in India, after Mumbai and New
Delhi.

 Summing Up

The French colonial journey which commenced with the establishment of

their first facility at Surat finally comes to a conclusion as the English
virtually registered their hegemonic supremacy over the country. However,
France and Gujarat renewed their dialogue in the twentieth century. But this
time it is more of a cultural dialogue rather than a political engagement. The
epistolary alliance and exchanges between the Sage of Sabarmati, Mahatma
Gandhi and the Sage of Seine, Romain Rolland, can be considered the zenith
of the Guj-Franco bilateralism. France’s keen interest in the afairs of
Gujarat is also visible, especially in the last quarter of the preceeding
century. How Gujarat renewed its bilateral cultural ties, especially in the
field of literature, shall be explored in the ensuing chapter that specifically
deals with the Guj-Franco literary linkages.

68
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