Rethinking Singapore's History: Beyond the Colonial Era

6 Questions

What is the traditional understanding of Singapore's history, and how is it being challenged?

The traditional understanding is that Singapore was founded by Raffles in 1819, but it is being challenged by archaeological discoveries that suggest a thriving community existed in the area over 700 years ago.

What did the archaeological excavations at Fort Canning uncover?

Thousands of Indian and Javanese beads, Chinese coins, and over half a million pieces of pottery.

What is Nasser's definition of being a native Singaporean?

Being part of the original community from the Singapore River, which predates Raffles' arrival.

What was Kampung Kuchai, and what happened to it?

Kampung Kuchai was a village established by Nasser's grandfather, comprised of 64 houses, populated by the Orang Laut community. It was eventually demolished, and residents were relocated to HDB flats.

What skills did Nasser's grandfather possess?

He was a skilled architect who built houses and provided recommendations to the villagers on how to build their homes.

How did the colonial era affect the Orang Laut community?

The colonial era disrupted the Orang Laut's nomadic lifestyle.

Study Notes

The traditional understanding of Singapore's history is that it was founded by Raffles in 1819, but this narrative is being challenged.
Archaeological excavations at Fort Canning have uncovered thousands of Indian and Javanese beads, Chinese coins, and over half a million pieces of pottery, indicating a large, diverse, and affluent community thrived in the area over 700 years ago.
The discovery of this ancient community has changed the understanding of Singapore's past, highlighting the importance of recognizing the country's rich heritage beyond the colonial era.
The Orang Laut, indigenous sea people, have witnessed Singapore's transformation over hundreds of years, but their nomadic lifestyle was disrupted by the colonial era.
Nasser, an Orang Laut, defines being a native Singaporean as being part of the original community from the Singapore River, which predates Raffles' arrival.
Kampung Kuchai, a village established by Nasser's grandfather, was originally comprised of 64 houses and was populated by the Orang Laut community.
The village was eventually demolished, and residents were relocated to HDB flats, highlighting the importance of preserving the Orang Laut's cultural heritage.
Nasser's grandfather was a skilled architect who would build houses and provide recommendations to the villagers on how to build their homes, showcasing the community's resourcefulness and skills.