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History Term 1 Test 2: Singapore Before 1819

(Chapter 1)Sources which shed light on Singapore before 1819.

1)The Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu)2)Daoyi Zhe Lue (Description of the Barbarians of the Isles)3)Archeological discoveriesSejarah Melayu(The Malay Annals)

Was written in the 16 Century.Tells life of the 13&14 Century.Singapore was called Temasek with means Sea Town or Fishing/Sea Port.It was founded by a Prince named Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembeng in Sumatra.He also changed the name Temasek into Singapura.Under the leadership of Sang Nila Utama and his descendants , Singapura grew into athriving trading centre.This made Batara, the ruler of the Majapahit Empire in Java jealous of Singapurassuccess, so he ordered an army to Attack Singapore. However, he failed to seizeSingapura.To defend Singapore, the ruler build a fort to protect the town. The wall stretched from theSea to Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill), known as Fort Canning today.

Daoyi Zhe Lue (Description of the Barbarians of the Isles)

Chinese Records containting the accounts of Wang Dayuan, a chinese traveller, duringthe 14 Century, he reffered Singapore as Temasek, He said that Singapore was a greatand famous place and that many forgeiners/traders visited it.

Junks (Chinese Trading Ships) had to sail through a Dragon Teeth gate, located betweenthe South coast of Singapore and Sentosa Island.There was also a large range of exported products ranging from hornbill casques,laksawood and cotton.Singapore was a trading centre for the Chinese, who sold their goods which were of fineand moderate quality. Some Chinese who lived there even dressed like the local people.Traders were also afraid to come to Singapura due to the tenancy of piracy.

Archaeological discoveries

Artefacts such as jewellrey, stoneware & Earthenware were found in various places such

as fort canning, Kallang & Singapore River.Theses artefacts date back to the 14 and 15 centuries.Blue and White Chinese porcelain from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties can be found.shards of green glaze pottery from Sri Lanka & thailand can also be found.Gold ornamnts, jewellry from the Majapahit Empire are also presentWine cups and coins from China and Sri Lanka can also be found.

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History Term 1 Test 2: Singapore Before 1819

(Chapter 1)

Singapore after the 14 Century

Parameswara from Sri Vijaya murdered the local ruler and made himself the King in

SingapuraHe was driven out by the Siamese or Javanese troops and fled to Melaka where hefounded, taking away Singapores importance as a trading portMelaka was later captured by the Portuguese in 1511, hence, controlling the spice trade inthe reigon.In 1613, they burned down the settlement at the mouth of the Singapore river to preventother European powerhouses from settling there and having a share of their lucrativeprofits.However, despite that, Singapura continued to have trade with China in the 15 & 16Century, as shown from the blue & white porcelain.

The Singapore Stone

Located at the mouth of the Singapore River 150 years ago.3m in width & height dating back from the 12 & 13 CenturyThe language is still indecipherable till dateIn 1843, The British blew up the Singapore Stone to widen the passageway at the mouthof the Singapore river 150 years ago.