Puducherry, Once Pondicherry, Part of __ India

This page is the CodyCross answer for the clue below from India, Group 1500, Puzzle 2 (Many Languages).

Question is: Puducherry, Once Pondicherry, Part of __ India

and the answer is: FRENCH

Word Meaning:

FRENCH — (transitive) To prepare food by cutting it into strips.

Definitions from Wiktionary.