Indian Singaporeans

Indian Singaporeans. They are Singaporeans of Indian or general South Asian ancestry, constituting approximately 9.0% of the country's citizens and permanent residents. As a community, they are the third-largest ethnic group in Singapore, forming an integral part of the nation's multiracial fabric. Their presence dates to the early days of modern Singapore and they have significantly contributed to the nation's development across various fields.

History

The modern Indian community in Singapore began with the establishment of a British trading post by Stamford Raffles in 1819. Early migrants included soldiers, policemen, and laborers, with many arriving as part of the British Indian Army or as indentured workers. A significant early settlement was the Chulia Street area, populated by traders and moneylenders from the Coromandel Coast. The arrival of convict labor from British India led to the construction of key infrastructure like the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Former Saint Joseph's Institution. Following the Partition of India, migration patterns shifted, with many professionals and businessmen arriving from regions like Gujarat and Punjab. The community's political consciousness grew through associations like the Singapore Indian Association, and figures such as P. Govindasamy and S. Rajaratnam played pivotal roles in the post-war era and the founding of modern Singapore.

Demographics

According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, Indian Singaporeans numbered nearly 700,000 as of 2020, including both citizens and permanent residents. The community is linguistically diverse, with Tamil designated as an official Mother Tongue, while other commonly spoken languages include Malayalam, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Bengali. Geographically, significant concentrations reside in neighborhoods such as Little India, Serangoon, and Hougang. The ethnic composition within the community is varied, encompassing major groups such as Tamils, Malayalis, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and Sindhis, as well as smaller communities like the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Culture

Indian Singaporean culture is a vibrant tapestry reflecting the subcontinent's diversity. The annual Deepavali light-up in Little India is a major national event, while other celebrated festivals include Pongal, Thaipusam, and Onam. Traditional attire like the sari and kurta are worn during cultural events. Culinary contributions are integral to Singaporean cuisine, with popular dishes including roti prata, fish head curry, and teh tarik. The community has a strong presence in the arts, with institutions like the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society promoting classical music and dance forms such as Bharatanatyam. Media includes the Tamil-language newspaper Tamil Murasu and radio stations like Oli 96.8FM.

Religion

The community is religiously diverse, with the majority practicing Hinduism, evident in many historic temples like the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. A significant minority are Muslims, including both Tamil Muslims and others who worship at mosques such as the Angullia Mosque. Other faiths include Christianity, with congregations at churches like St. George's Church, and Sikhism, centered on the Central Sikh Temple. Smaller groups practice Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism, contributing to Singapore's broader religious landscape.

Notable people

Indian Singaporeans have achieved prominence in numerous sectors. In politics and public service, notable figures include former President S. R. Nathan, former Cabinet Minister S. Rajaratnam, and current politicians like K. Shanmugam and Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The legal field includes jurists such as Sundaresh Menon. In sports, athletes like footballer Fandi Ahmad and sailor Colin Cheng have gained recognition. The arts and entertainment scene includes film director K. Rajagopal, actress Neelam M. Singh, and singer Shabir Tabare Alam. Business leaders include philanthropist P. Govindasamy and entrepreneur R. Dhinakaran. Academic and literary contributions come from figures like poet and critic Edwin Thumboo.

Category:Indian diaspora in Singapore Category:Ethnic groups in Singapore