An exhibition on 200-year-old history of Indians showcasing early days of cattle traders, laundry men and brick-makers has been launched in Singapore Trade and industry minister S Iswaran yesterday launched the exhibition at the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) in the “Little India” precinct.

The exhibition, “Once Upon a Time in Little India”, details the lives of early South Asian migrants, who came to call precinct their home.

The exhibition has over 100 new artefacts including items belonging to the Hindu temples and mosques in Little India as well as old photographs dating back as far as the 1890s.

This juxtaposition of historic artefacts and contemporary works portrays Little India as a precinct not only steeped in history, but also as a culturally rich district maintaining its relevance into the future, said IHC.

Trudy Loh, Director of Heritage Institutions at the National Heritage Board said, “Little India is a precinct so steeped in history, but despite its transformation across the years, it has firmly remained as a focal point for Singapore’s Indian community.”

“This demonstrates how a precinct is but a space like any other without its inhabitants. In the case of Little India, its lasting legacy through the years speaks of the strong bonds and spirit of its people, and its continued relevance as a community node,” she said.