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Singapore's Historical Evolution

Singapore was originally founded centuries ago when a Sumatran prince saw a lion on the island and took it as an auspicious sign to establish a city called Singapura, meaning "Lion City". However, the earliest written record of the name Singapura is not until the 16th century. Modern Singapore was established in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles landed on the island and realized it could become a useful trading port. He made a deal with the local Sultan to secure the island for the British East India Company in exchange for annual payments. The trading post grew rapidly with the influx of Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Indians and Arabs. By the late 19th century, Singapore had become an important

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152 views1 page

Singapore's Historical Evolution

Singapore was originally founded centuries ago when a Sumatran prince saw a lion on the island and took it as an auspicious sign to establish a city called Singapura, meaning "Lion City". However, the earliest written record of the name Singapura is not until the 16th century. Modern Singapore was established in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles landed on the island and realized it could become a useful trading port. He made a deal with the local Sultan to secure the island for the British East India Company in exchange for annual payments. The trading post grew rapidly with the influx of Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Indians and Arabs. By the late 19th century, Singapore had become an important

Uploaded by

Anonymous gvsJCJ
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© © All Rights Reserved
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History of Singapore

According to history, Singapore was founded centuries ago when a prince from Sumatra landed
on the island and saw a lion. He took it as a good omen and founded a city calle Singapura, which
means Lion City. The legend may or may not be true. In fact the name Singapura was not recorded
until the 16th century and Singapore was really only trading post with a small population, not a city.
Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1781- 1862. Raffles became a
clerck for the British East India Company in 1795. He rose rapidly in this company. In 1805 he was sent
to Penang and 1811 he was made Lieutenant Governor in Java.
In 1818, Rafless was made Governor of Bencoolen on the island of Sumatra. Raffles believed the
British should establish a base on the Straits of Malacca an in 1819 he landed on the Island of
Singapore. The island consisted of swamps and jungle with a small population but Raffles realized it
could be made into useful port.
At that time, two men were vying to become Sultan of the Empire of Johor, which controlled
Singapore. In 1812 the Sultan died and his two sons quarreled over the succession. Raffles suported
the older brother Hussein and recognized him as sultan. Raffles made a deal with him. The British East
India Company was given Singapore in return for an annual payment. In 1824 the company was given
the island in return for a lump sum of money.
The British established a new trading post at Singapore and it grew very rapidly. As well as
Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Arabs came to live and work there. By 1824 the population
had risen to 10,000.
In 1826, Singapore was joined with Malaka and Pelang to form the Straits Settlements. In 1867,
Singapore became a crown colony ruled directly by the British government rather than the East India
company. By 1870 the population of Singapore had risen to 100,000. Many grand buildings were
erected in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among of them was the Victoria Theatre and
Concert Hall, which was built in 1862.
Several temples were built at that time, including the Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was built
in 1842. The Sri Marimman Temple was first built in 1823, but it was rebuilt in 1843. The Srinivasa
Perumal Temple was built in 1855. The Leong San See Temple was built in 1917. The Sakaya Muni
Buddha Gaya Temple was built in 1927.
When the Suez canal was built in 1869, Singapore became even more important as a gateaway
between Europe and Eastern Asia.

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