Municipal administration in French India
Though the French established colonies in India in the 17th century itself, it was not until the end of the 19th century they started civil administration in French India. == French Metropolitan Decree == A French Metropolitan Decree, dated 12 March 1880 adopted a six-year term of office for Mayors (Maire), municipal councillors (Conseil Municipaux) and commune panchayats (Communes).
Source: Wikipedia — Municipal administration in French India (CC BY-SA 4.0)