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IHC – Indian Heritage Centre

Posted on May 18, 2015 Updated on May 19, 2015

If you love Indian History and Culture to be your spiritual nutrition, spare a hour or two to visit IHC at 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924.

Believe me, it might cure your thirst over the dry spell.

It is free admission for all visitors from 8th till 31th of May.

Operating hours – Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm

Fridays to Saturdays, 10am to 8pm

Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am to 4pm

Mondays, closed

Mask of the Face of Glory (Kirtimukha)

19th Century, Bronze, South India

The Yali or the mythical lion is an auspicious motif known in Southeast Asia as a Kala head.

It represents Kirtimukha or the “Face of glory” widely used in Indian temple Architectural.

Standing Shiva and Parvati

12th – 13th Century Chola Period, Bronze, Tamil Nadu India

These bronze figures of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati, embodies grace and classicism reminiscent of Indian classical dance.

Such images were produced using the cire perdue or lost-wax process, in the district of Thanjavur, the capital of Chola Kings who ruled over parts of south Indian 10th – 13th centuries.

In Singapore, during major South Indian temple festivals, such bronze deities are carried in chariot processions along the main streets.

Chariot Finial with Garuda

 12th century, Angkor Wat period, Copper Alloy, Cambodia

This decorative element would have been used on a Khmer Chariot as a symbol of power and strength, perhaps designed for a royal palanquin or chariot.

It depicts a fierce-looking garuda (mythical bird), raising his powerful chest in a stance meant to intimidate, atop a multi- headed naga (serpent ) who looks poised to attack.

A Chettinad Doorway

Late 19th century, Mahua Wood, Chettinad, Tamial Nadu, South India

This doorway plays a important role in Indian domestic architectural and serves to separate the sacred personal world from the outside world.

The elaborate carvings of mythic motifs also invoke the power of the divine and offer protection for the owner and his/her family.

This intricately carved entrance doorway, with its jambs and lintel panels consisting of about 5000 minute carvings, it is a example of south Indian domestic architectural during the late 19th – early 20th centuries.It represents the bespoke architectural and woodcraving traditions of Chettinad, home to the Nattukotti Nagarthar Chettiar community of financiers and traders.

Hindu deity, Aravan

Early 20th century

Polychrome paint, Wood

Collection of the National Museum of Singapore

Nandi, Processional Vehicle

 19th – 20th century

Polychrome, Wood, Semi-precious stones

Collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum

And many more…

Say hello to all Ladies and Gentlemen before entering washroom.

By wrapping-up the trip, say a big THANKS to those Indian workers who contributed so much to our society.

“Thank you!”