On May 7, Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, inaugurated the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) in the heart of Little India, where several roads, streets and by-lanes unite to form a melting pot of all things Indian. According to Loong, the centre celebrates the many contributions of the Indian community to Singaporean society. At the opening, he called it, “a timely birthday gift to Singapore on the 50th anniversary of its independence, which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Singapore and India.”
Dr. Gauri Krishnan, Director of the IHC, says, “Southeast Asia has deep historical and cultural ties with South Asia. Through the Indian Heritage Centre, we present Singapore’s close links with the Indian subcontinent, as well as the Indian diaspora from around the world. The centre also captures the stories and rich history behind Singapore’s Indian community. The centre will serve as a focal point for the community, and a gateway for visitors to understand more about the richness of Indian heritage and culture.”
The IHC building blends both traditional and modern Indian architectural aspects. The first thing that strikes you about this four-storey building is the translucent and shimmering façade. During the day, it glows in natural light but, at night, the lighting keeps the building lit like a gemstone.
As you walk into the centre you are invited to go back in time. The centre is divided into five thematic galleries that chronologically display a variety of South Asian artefacts ranging from the 1st Century to the 21st Century. The first theme demonstrates the preliminary interactions between the South and Southeast Asian communities during pre-colonial and colonial periods.
The transitions are seamless. The Roots and Routes gallery, which marks the beginning of frequent waves of migrations to Singapore and Southeast Asia, highlights Indian customs and traditions and their rites of passage, attire, language, religious affiliations and festivals. This section also illustrates with the help of large interactive maps, the different places of origin of Singapore Indians — like the pioneers and early Indians who arrived at Singapore and Malaya in the pre-World War II era, mainly from Chennai and Kolkata.
Another section looks at the Indian community’s socio-political role in Singapore and Malaya in the mid-20th Century, shedding light upon the anti-colonial movements, reformist activities and revitalisation of the community.
The Making of a Nation gallery honours the contributions of Indians in Singapore from the late 1950s-1980s. This was the post-war era in Singapore and the Indians played a vital role in helping the island-nation evolve into a modern nation.
The IHC made tremendous efforts in gathering artefacts in the form of donations and loans, with the help of the community and through various platforms such as the IHC Artefacts Collection Drive. There are 443 artefacts on display, with the majority being either donated or given on loan.
“I look forward to visiting the centre, I know that my friends in the Indian community and otherwise will cherish this place,” says Aruna M., a real-estate agent based in Singapore.
The IHC is offering free entry for all through the month of May. A month-long festival called Kaleidoscope will feature activities stemming from a specific region in India each week. It will showcase a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, classical dance and music as well as film screenings and workshops.
“By introducing the IHC, Singapore has honoured and shown respect to Indian culture and its contributions to Singaporean society. The manner in which my cultural aspects have been showcased has really made me feel proud. I can’t wait to bring my overseas guests and friends to this amazing museum,” says Arjun Sharma, a management consultant, settled in Singapore.
As I leave the IHC, I realise that a place I now call home is taking great effort to respect and credit my home country. Now that’s a day well spent.
Star Artefacts
1. Miniature Shrine Roof; Bronze, 7th century CE, Kedah, Malay Peninsula
2. Head Of Buddha; Andesite, Late 8th – early 9th century CE, Shailendra Period Indonesia
3. Standing Shiva and Parvati; Bronze, 12th/13th century CE, Chola Period Tamil Nadu, India
4. Vishnu, Granite; 10th century, Chola Period, Tamil Nadu, India
5. Agastya; Volcanic Stone, 11th century, Indonesia
6. Chettinad Door; Wood, Late 19th century, Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, India
7. A Tiled Islamic Façade; Painted Tile, 1897-8 CE, Multan, Pakistan
8. Headgear with Turban Ornament (Sarpech); Gold with precious stones, 20th century, Vietnam
9. Handbag made from parachute chords; cloth, Mid-20th century, Bombay, India
10. Treadle Printing Press (The Arab); Mid 20th century, Penang
