What was Singapore like before 1819?

Before 1819, Singapore was a convenient port for other countries for trading. From examining the source such as the map, indicates that many traders came to Singapore to trade. During monsoon winds, the traders from other countries were brought to Temasek from their own countries or from Temasek to their own countries, therefore I can conclude that Temasek has a convenient location for traders to come and go and thus having economic connection with other countries.

Singapore’s ruler has a good relationship with Java’s ruler. From examining the sources such as the gold armlet found at Fort Canning, indicating that the ruler of Java exchanged gifts with Singapore’s ruler at Fort Canning since the ruler of Singapore stays at Fort CanningThe ornamets have been dated to the mid-14th century. For the ruler of Java to exchange such an expensive gold armlet with Singapore’s ruler, they must have a very good relationship.Thus, Singapore and Java have political connections with each other.

Melaka has more ability than the Siamese. From examining the written sources, Singapore was at first a vassal of Siam. However, due to rise of Melaka, the Siamese gave up Singapore to Melaka due to the decline in trade. In the end, Singapore came under control of the rulers of Melaka in the 15^th century. Thus, Singapore, Melaka and Siam have political connections. 

Before 1819, artefacts and ornaments were found in Temasek. The ornaments were from Sri Lanka and had Buddha's images on them and this showed that Temasek was influenced by Sri Lanka's culture of worshipping Buddha.

Before 1819, burying the dead had already been conducted in Temasek. According to scientific research, Neanderthals were the first to practice burying. This shows that Temasek was influenced by the Neanderthals' culture of burying the dead.