History of Singapore reminds one of the antecedents of this great city-state. Javanese inscriptions dating back to the 14th century refer to Singapore as Tumasik (meaning sea).
The present name has roots from South India when Rajendra the ruler of South Indian Chola Kingdom called it Singapura (Lion City).During the 16- 19th century Europeans ruled Singapore due to its strategic position in South Asia. The History of Singapore has seen the Portuguese who made Malacca their port and later the Dutch and the Eat India Company. One of the important date that proved to be a landmark in Singapore history was the year of 1818 when Sir Thomas Stamford the made the island of Singapore his new port. Later he was able to negotiate with the local rulers - Sultan of Johor and thereby concluding a treaty on 6th February 1819 to make Singapore a British Trading post. By 19th century Singapore due to migrations from different parts of Asia had become a multi- cultural society comprising of Chinese, Malayans and Indians. The ensuing cultural unification is reflected on the architecture, language, and cuisine thus becoming the heritage of Singapore. One also finds various reforms taking place during the 19th century. History of Singapore also reveals the affect of World War II when the Japanese army invaded in 1941 and later withdrew. By 1950's one finds the changes and in 1955 the internal self-Govt. was established. In 1963 due to changing circumstances one finds the endeavor to the unification of Singapore with Malaysia but due to racial tensions it ended in a fiasco. It was on 9th August the expulsion of Singapore from the unification led to the birth of Republic of Singapore. Singapore history showcases that due to unique geographical position and coupled with reforms the city- state of Singapore has been able to carve a niche for itself in the Asia.
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