With reference to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements 1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese 2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French 3. The English never occupied Pondicherry Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Historical records show the Portuguese established a factory at Pondicherry in the early 16th century, making them the first European power there [1]. Other European traders — notably the Dutch and the Danes — had postings in the 17th century before the French set up a formal settlement in the 1670s, so the French were not the immediate second occupiers [2]. Moreover, Pondicherry changed hands several times during Anglo‑French conflicts; the British captured it (for example in 1761) and restored it back to the French under treaties, demonstrating that the English did occupy Pondicherry on multiple occasions [4]. Therefore only statement 1 is correct.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.py.gov.in/history
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 16: The Coming of the Europeans > T > p. 260
3. [3] https://puducherry-dt.gov.in/history/
4. [4] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 3: Advent of the Europeans in India > Early Setbacks to the French East India Company > p. 43