Mahe has a history of 2 1/2 centuries commencing from the visit of the French. The first representative of the French East India Mr. Mollandin landed in Mahe in 1721. On 2nd April 1721, Mr.Mollandin and Vazhunnavar (ruler) of Badagara (known from the French records as the Bayanor of bargaret) entered into an agreement. According to this agreement, the French were permitted to establish a trading centre (to construct a warehouse) on the mouth of river Mahe.  In 1724 the French built a fort here. Their well-known rivals, the British, persuaded the Prince of Badagara in 1725 to push the French out of Mahe. The relationship between the French and the Vazhunnavar became strained and in 1725 fight broke out. The French were obliged to retire to Calicut and in December 1725 the French recaptured Mahe.

If you look at the map of main Pondicherry town, laid in geometrical pattern by the French some 200 years ago, there lies a Rue Mahe de Labourdonnais between Marie Hall and the War Memorial. Many residents of Pondicherry may perhaps not remember that there exists a significant historical link between this famous French Captain Francois Mahe de Labourdonnais and a tiny enclave of 9 sq. kms, tucked away on the other side of the Peninsula - now called Mahe.