The Place Du Gouvernement, in Pondicherry, is a brilliant example of town planning. Comprising the 18th century Place Du Gouvernement, now the Raj Nivas and the old tribunals -- housing the Legislative Assembly alongwith a neat three sided lineup of other handsome buildings.

At the centre, surrounded by a well-tended garden, stands the water monument, sculpted to commemorate the introduction of good drinking for the population. Latin and Tamil inscriptions bear out the story. Some exquistely carved monolithic pillars, brought to Pondicherry from the Gingee fort after it's capture in 1751, adorn the place.