What was Singapore like before 1819?

Key point 1: The life in Singapore was not difficult before 1819. 

Source 1: Gold Ornaments

Type of source: Artifact

Picture Taken at Singapore National Museum 

Production Date: During 14th century

Description: It shows two earrings and a gold armlet. The armlet has the design of Kala, the Hindu God representing time and destruction.

Explanation: Gold is very expensive and rare so it could be sold at a high price. Since it was found in Singapore, this suggests that there were people doing quite well so they could afford the ornaments which were made of gold. 

Source 5: A Javanese Court Poem

Type of source: Written
Taken from Nagarakertagama 
Production Date: 1365 
Description: It contains accounts of Majapahit Kingdom and its vassal states and Temasek was mentioned in it. 

Explanation: Temasek was mentioned as one of Majapahit Kingdom's vassal state. This suggests that Majapahit Kingdom was protecting Temasek during the 14th century so Temasek was quite safe and the life would not be difficult. 

Key point 2: The military system in Singapore was doing well before 1819. 

Source 3: Sejarah Melayu

Type of source: Written

Picture Taken at Singapore National Museum

Production Date: 14th century 

Description: It is also called the Malay Annals. It is considered to have the finest literary and historical works in Malay language

Explanation: In the account, it is stated that the east Javanese kingdom of reign attacked Temesak. The reign of Paduka Sri Pikrama Wira, the present ruler of Temasek was passed down to his son which means Temesak was not defeated by Javanese kingdom and able protect itself from the attack so I can conclude that the military system in Singapore was doing well during the 14th century. 



Key point 3: The early Singapore and other countries were well-connected in term of economic before 1819. 

Source 2:Blue-and-White Porcelain 

Type of source: Artifact
Picture Taken at Singapore National Museum
Production Date: 14th century
Description: It was found at the Singapore River and it was produced in China. The designs on the porcelains are mostly plants or animals. 







Explanation: As it was found in Singapore, this suggests that there are people from China came to Singapore to do trade during the 14th century so Singapore and other countries were well-connected.



Source 4: Chinese Coins

 

Type of source: Artifact
Found at the Singapore National Museum
Production Date: 14th-15th century
Description: These coins were from the Tang and Northern Song dynasties and were found at the Singapore River. Theywere small and circle objects that use to do exchanging of goods.

Explanation: Since it was found at Singapore, this shows that there were some form of trading between China and Singapore during the 14th-15th centuries so Singapore and China were doing well together during that period of time.