We'll start here in the Indian Heritage Centre lobby. Just click on to the next video, and let's go!

From the Lobby, please take the lift to Level 4.

You are most welcome

An introduction to the Museum and a tribute to past migrants.

From here, head around to the right and into the main gallery.

Indians in Singapore, Past & Present

Before Singapore was Singapore, Indian influence had spread across South East Asia.

Early Indian influence on the region 

Notes on this doorway from from National Heritage Board's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.roots.gov.sg/collection-landing/listing/1270617">roots.sg</a>: The region of Chettinad in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is the region of origin of the Chettiar community of business or the Vaishya caste. The Nagarattar Chettiars are among the early Indian migrants to the Southeast Asian region with Business establishments in Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. Their migration and establishment of money lending business in Singapore-Malaya in particular are of special significance to the Indian heritage Centre (IHC). Their presence in the Straits Settlements can be traced to the early 18th century onwards. A unique feature of the Chettinad region is the palatial residences with extraordinary architecture design and layout. These are traditional vernacular domestic architectural forms with traditional and European decorative and structural features. The most magnificent of the architectural features of such homes is the front and central doorway frame, doorjambs and double doors. <img src="https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/setmaker-sg/uploads/diFT6VcPbHDueC596pMaJk.png"> The wooden double doors are set in an elaborate wooden frame, awe inspiring in detail and size. The houses also bear very elaborately carved Burmese teak pillars which were carved by the local craftsmen. This is a rare example of such a doorway which is in excellent condition. The iconography, rendering style and artistic expression of the Chettinad doorway are testimony to the influence of Nayaka religious art and architecture on the Chettinad region and its artisans. For instance, a well known Nayaka motif is the rider on a springing horse intertwined with carvings of flora and fauna including the mythical creature – the yali. The carvings on the doorframe are in close resemblance to mural paintings of the Nayaka palaces. Furthermore, the doors are also similar to temple doors as seen in Karnataka and other parts of southern India.This doorway bears an impressive total of 5000 carved figures. The figure of Gajalakshmi occupies a central position in the carved doorframe; in keeping with popular tradition. Other oft repeated motifs such as that of Vishnu on Garuda as well as Rama with Lakhsmana and Sita are also found in this doorway.Such central doorways, scholars note, are embellished with religious iconography, marking the threshold through which the family member or visitor passes from the exterior unprotected space into the perceived sacred public space of the patriarchal lineage of the house.

Grand Chettinad doorway

Worth examining is the fine embroidery work on these pieces.

Traditional Indian clothing

If you're being invited to Kumar's family wedding, you'll be hearing about it the traditional way.

Indian wedding invitations

A look at fine traditional wedding jewellery pieces, followed by a sample of wedding music played by flautist and multi-instrumentalist Niranjan Pandian.

Anandam Anandam Anandame | ஆனந்தம் ஆனந்தம் ஆனந்தமேRaga: Bhairavi Some context on this music extract: Rooted in the Tamil wedding tradition, Anandam Anandam Anandame is an expression of auspiciousness, joy and union, celebrating marriage as a moment of shared and divine happiness. Drawing only from the opening phrase of the traditional melody, multi-award-winning Indian bamboo flautist Niranjan Pandian brings its essence to life through the evocative colours of Raga Bhairavi. From this brief melodic reference, he moves into improvisation, expanding upon the raga’s distinctive phrases, ornamentations and emotional depth. The performance becomes a meeting of memory and spontaneity, where a familiar fragment of tradition opens into a new and more contemporary musical expression through the voice of the flute.

Indian wedding jewellery and music

Hear Kumar's story about taking part in the famous, and famously gruelling, Thaipusam procession while he was a boy. And then enjoy a short extract of beautiful dance, as Preethi beautifully brings to life our wall information, and Indian movement culture with it, with a fabulous Peacock Dance.

Thaipusam, and the Peacock Dance

For this section, please head down to Level Three. As shown in the video, you can take the staircase or the lift. See you by the architectural photos on level three!

The IHC Building - inspired by Indian stepwells

Working in Singapore

The Chettiars

Farm Workers

Police Uniform

The Milkman

A sweet treat for tropical weather.

Oooh! Ice ball!

Singapore's history as an independent nation stretches back only a few decades. But within that time of enormous challenge, change, and progress there have been many remarkable figures. This wall pays tribute to some of those from the Singaporean Indian community.

Notable Indians of Singapore

Thanks for coming with me on this tour! We've had a quick look at a number of pieces, but there's plenty more to see here at the Indian Heritage Centre. And if you haven't already planned to, make sure to explore Little India while you're here, and stop for a cup of chai.