Singapore Heritage

Carnelian beads of Padang

Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

The term “Padang” means “field” in Malay, similar to “medan” in India, which were also part of early British urban planning. The Padang was designated for public use during the early British occupation of Singapore. It has been depicted in several 19th-century artworks. Notably, it was also a site where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressed a gathering during WWII, highlighting its role in broader historical narratives.

Parts of the Padang are leased to social and athletic clubs, including the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC). An excavation at the SCC site in 2003 revealed that human activities significantly impacted the soil and vegetation of the Padang as early as the 14th century. Artifacts like Chinese porcelain and stoneware, Chinese coins were collected during this excavation. But our focus is on discovery of Carnelian beads from this site.

Carnelian bead found at SCC excavation| Image (c) epress.nus.edu.sg

While talking about Carnelian beads, we need to go back in history. The Indus Valley Civilization was renowned for its sophisticated craftsmanship, including the production of carnelian beads. The Indus craftsmen developed advanced techniques for drilling and decorating carnelian beads. Carnelian beads were extensively traded across the ancient world, reaching as far as Mesopotamia, the Arabian Peninsula, and even Greece. The production and trade of carnelian beads not only reflect the technological prowess of the Indus craftsmen but also highlight the civilization’s strategic position in ancient trade networks. These beads were often used as symbols of status and wealth.

The carnelian beads found at Keeladi, a significant archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, are part of the extensive discoveries that highlight the region’s rich cultural and historical significance. Carnelian beads have been found in various forms and quantities at Keeladi. For instance, two barrel-shaped beads were discovered in an urn, one of which was etched with a wavy pattern and lines5. Additionally, a cluster of 74 carnelian beads was found underneath an offering pot at the Keeladi-Kondagai burial site.

The two carnelian beads that were found in Konthagai. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Coming back to our Singapore Cricket Club story, Four beads of red carnelian were found during the excavation. They are not perfectly spherical; they are rather irregular in shape. They measure approximately 2 cm in diameter. Prof John Miksic mentions that these were the first carnelian beads found in Singapore. It is highly probable that these were imported from India although an origin of Myanmar can not be completely discounted.

Beads found in SCC excavation site | Image c: epress.nus.edu.sg

One of these beads are displayed at Indian Heritage Center, Singapore. If you happen to visit Singapore, you may visit to realize the connection between Indian land and southeast Asia in the past.

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Singapore Stone

Pandian Ramaiah Leave a comment

Long long ago so long ago nobody will know how long ago, there lived a man called Badang in a place called Saluang. I do not know where it is. It might be somewhere in Malaysia or Singapore. As a slave, he was working for a farm. His work made him tired and fatigued. He thought if he were stronger, he wouldn’t feel tired

While fishing secretly, he encountered a monster stealing his catch. Badang threatened the creature, who offered to grant him immense strength in exchange for letting it free. Badang agreed.

With his newfound power, Badang amazed everyone, including the King of Singapore. He demonstrated his strength by pushing a massive boat into the sea without anyone’s help. The King freed Badang and made him army commander. Badang then defeated a strong man from Kalinga of India in various contests of lifting a massive stone in present day Fort Canning Hill.

Image (c) roots.gov.sg

Kalinga was able to lift the stone only up to his knees. Badang not only lifted it, also threw it all the way until the mouth of Singapore river (present day Fullerton hotel area). He became a celebrated hero, serving the King and bringing peace to Singapore.

This is a mythological story. But a stone of 10 x 10 ft with inscriptions of several lines was left in the same place. No one was able to decipher it. But it became a challenge for the group of labourers. The colonial authorities decided to blow it up to make way for development.

Before doing so, a copy of the inscription was made. But the characters were defaced a lot due to weather. It is believed to be 13th or 14th century. Somebody believes that it may belong to 10th century.

A drawing of three fragments from a sandstone block that once stood at the Singapore River mouth. The bottom fragment is known as the Singapore Stone. Image (c) Wikipedia

Different experts provide different theory about the characters. Some say Kawi script, the old Javanese script with Sanskrit words.

Peter James Begbie was a Captain in the East India Company’s Madras Artillery worked from Malacca. He published the book The Malayan Peninsula in 1834. He guess the inscription sound similar to Tamil, but using obsolete words.

Australian researcher Dr Iain Sinclair identifies a fragment kesariva. He believes it may be the part of parakēcarivarmaṉ (परकेसरिवर्मन्), a typical title represents Chola Kings. As per his estimation, the stone may belongs to 10th century CE. If this is true, the Indian connection with Singapore goes back to the same timeline.

The damaged parts of the stone are kept in National Museum of Singapore. Some one told me that the one found in Badang Terrace of Fort Canning Hill is its replica. But I am unable to verify the fact.

Badang Terrace, Five Kings Walk at Fort Canning Hill
Picture (c) https://singaporeforless.blogspot.com/

Whatever it is is, Singapore Stone is one of the other artifacts that stand still to show the connection between India with Southeast Asia.

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