Kingdom of Singapura
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The Kingdom of Singapura, believed to have been founded around 1299 by Sang Nila Utama, flourished as a Malay Hindu-Buddhist kingdom until its demise between 1396 and 1398. While the historicity of this kingdom remains uncertain, archaeological evidence from Fort Canning Hill and the Singapore River corroborates its existence as a thriving settlement and trade port during the 14th century. Situated at the crossroads of international commerce, Singapura served as a vital hub connecting the Malay Archipelago, India, and the Yuan dynasty. Despite its economic prosperity, the kingdom faced challenges from regional powers such as Ayuthaya and Majapahit, enduring foreign invasions before succumbing to the forces of Majapahit in 1398. The kingdom's last ruler, Parameswara, fled to establish the Malacca Sultanate in 1400, leaving behind a legacy of trade and cultural exchange that shaped the region's history.
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Duration: 1299–1398
‍Language: Old Malay
Religion:  Syncretic forms of Hinduism and Buddhism
Preceded by: Melayu Kingdom, Temasek
Succeeded by: Malaccan Sultanate
Social Scale: Monarchy

Malaccan Sultanate
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The Malacca Sultanate, founded around 1400 by Parameswara, also known as Iskandar Shah, marked a pivotal era in Singapore's history. At its zenith in the 15th century, Malacca emerged as a thriving transhipment port, extending its influence across the Malay Peninsula, the Riau Islands, and northern Sumatra. As an international trading hub, Malacca fostered Islamic learning and cultural exchange, contributing to the development of Malay language, literature, and arts. This period saw the rise of Classical Malay as the lingua franca of Maritime Southeast Asia and the widespread use of Jawi script for intellectual discourse. Despite succumbing to Portuguese conquest in 1511, Malacca's political and cultural legacy endured through its influence on successor states like Johor and Perak. Today, the Sultanate's heritage remains an integral part of Malay-Muslim civilization, shaping concepts of sovereignty and kingship through enduring principles like Daulat.
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Duration: 15th-16th Century
Language: Classical Malay
Religion:  Sunni Islam
Preceded by: Singapura Kingdom
Succeeded by: Johor Sultanate, Perak Sultanate
Social Scale: Absolute monarchy

Colonial Rule
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In January 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles, representing the English East India Company, landed in Singapore in search of a suitable trading site. Despite initial challenges, Raffles negotiated with local leaders and secured the purchase of land on the island. By disobeying instructions and installing Hussein as a symbolic ruler, Raffles laid the groundwork for British influence in Singapore. In 1824, an Anglo-Dutch treaty solidified British control over Malaya and Singapore, leading to the cession of Singapore Island to the British in exchange for monetary compensation. Singapore, along with Penang and Malacca, formed the Straits Settlements, initially overseen by the East India Company before transitioning to direct British rule in 1851. Despite facing competition from other ports in the region, Singapore's strategic location and economic potential fueled its development as a thriving trade hub, particularly with the rise in demand for tin and rubber from the industrial West. This growth culminated in the establishment of a naval base in 1921, cementing Singapore's status as one of the world's foremost ports.
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Duration: post 19th Century
Language: Malay, English
Religion:  Various religions coexisted
‍Preceded by: Johor Sultanate
‍Succeeded by: Self-Government, Republic of Singapore
Social Scale: Colonialism

Kingdoms

References to Singapore date back to the second and third centuries, with Greco-Roman astronomer Ptolemy mentioning a place called Sabana at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. The island was also referred to as Pu Luo Chung in Chinese accounts, possibly derived from the Malay name "Pulau Ujong," meaning "island at the end." Throughout the centuries, Singapore's strategic location attracted the attention of powerful rulers, including Rajendra Chola I of the Chola Empire, who is said to have controlled Temasek (now Singapore) for a period. The island was later known as Tumasik in Javanese accounts, signifying its importance as a sea town or port. The founding of Singapura, meaning "Lion City" in Sanskrit, is attributed to a prince of Srivijaya, Sri Tri Buana, who landed on Temasek in the 13th century and founded a settlement after encountering a lion-like creature. However, the lion motif may have been a creation of court historians to glorify Sang Nila Utama and his lineage. In the late 14th century, Parameswara, the last Srivijayan prince, fled to Temasek from Palembang and later founded the Sultanate of Malacca after being forced to leave. Singapore then became part of the Malacca Sultanate, marking the beginning of its Islamic era until it fell to the Portuguese in the early 16th century. Throughout these transitions, Singapore served as a crucial maritime hub, connecting South Asia with the rest of the world.

Religious History
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Singapore's religious history is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of diverse faiths and cultural encounters. Tracing back to ancient times, the island has been influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and later Christianity, reflecting the migrations, trade, and conquests that shaped its landscape. Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms once flourished here, evidenced by archaeological finds and historical records that speak of early settlements like Temasek and Singapura. With the arrival of Islam in the 14th century, Singapore became part of the Malacca Sultanate, marking a significant shift in religious demographics. The subsequent Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511 introduced Christianity to the region, although it did not gain significant traction until later periods of colonial rule. Over time, Singapore evolved into a vibrant multicultural society, embracing a multitude of faiths, beliefs, and practices. Today, the island is home to temples, mosques, churches, and other places of worship, serving as a testament to its rich religious heritage and the spirit of religious tolerance that defines its identity.