A Community of Fusion

Singapore's Little India

by: Eric McHale

Indian people have played a proud part in Singapore's history from the very beginning. Indeed, when Sir Stamford Raffles first arrived in 1819 he was accompanied by an entourage of some 120 Indian adjuncts and soldiers. These formed the basis of the first Indian community located around the area near Chulia Street in what is now known as Chinatown. More Indians subsequently migrated to Singapore in search of employment - some came as manual labor but many also arrived to fill key positions in the government civil service.

The area of Little India as it is known today developed as many poorer, unskilled Indian laborers came to Singapore in the mid 1800's as either construction workers building the nearby race course or ranch hands for wealthy cattle ranchers such as Mr. Belilios, a Jewish Indian from Calcutta. Most of these immigrants originated from Calcutta or Madras and settled in the area near Rochor River. It was not long before the area became a vibrant commercial center for the Indian community and spreading out along Serangoon Road and over the course of time became known as Little India.

Traditionally the home of Singapore's Indian community, Serangoon Road and its neighboring side streets are still today a bustling hive of sights, sounds and intriguing aromas. A rainbow of colors greets you as you wind your way through the streets. Here, where the locals shop, you can buy almost anything that is Indian, from handicrafts and Kashmir silk to peacock feathers and flower garlands. Glittering silk-threaded saris, brassware and Indian-designed jewelry are particularly good buys.

Here in the heartland of the Indian community is a fusion of colors, sounds and scents, where the spiritual is interwoven with the material needs and practices of the people. Shop for the unexpected and the unusual – you will discover an array of Indian silks, brassware and bangles that will fascinate you. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove of silverware, ethnic jewelry, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Center to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover.

 

Walk through the streets of Little India and experience the aromatic scents of spices and incense. At a spice shop, learn how spices are ground into curry powder.

Observe the art of weaving flowers into garlands and catch a glimpse of a fortune-telling parrot! See how henna is applied in intricate patterns on your feet and palms and how Indian women adorn the floor with vibrant geometric designs. Learn about Ayurvedic medicine - the ancient Indian science based on natural herbs. Examine hand-woven fabrics and hand-made furniture from different parts of India.

Learn the art of dressing in traditional Indian attire and try on a "Sari" or a "Kurta". Study the significance of gold jewelry and witness craftsman craft intricate Indian jewelry.

At an Indian temple, learn the significance of the temple architecture and temple rituals. Do not miss the Little India Cultural Corner (next to the food court in the Little India Arcade) which transports you back in time through an archival display. A captivating video presentation provides an insight into Indian culture through the eyes of a prominent Indian doctor. There is also a striking display of traditional Indian items and story signs which brings to life the rich symbolism and use of these items.

The best time to visit is during Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights that celebrates the triumph of Good over Evil, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers.
 

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