Friday, March 25, 2011

Singapore River. Inferences.




Along Singapore river, we made some inferences according to the structure factors there. These inferences apply to both the past and in the present:


Inference 1
The river was once polluted in the past and present
Along Singapore river, we saw some litter floating in the river. The river was also seen brown in color, stilling. There are cleaning using nets to clean up the litter in the Singapore river.
From this, we can see that the water is being polluted both in the past and the present.






Inference 2
Many people visited the river
The river was once polluted, therefore, the people should be the one polluting the river. As, the water quality of the water isn’t that good. Also, the walkway along the river is very broad, allowing many people to used it for trading purposes at the same time.
Therefore, the river is seen polluted.



Inference 3.
Many people lived alongside of the river.
There are buildings around Singapore River, and most of the buildings are very old-looking. Therefore, we inferred that many people lived alongside of the river.






Activities carried out along the river in the early days
1. Expansion of trade and business
- Ships stopped there to import goods into a country
- Market and trading area are located along the river
- Singapore is a free trading port for businessman to carry out trade easily


Activities carried out along the river in the present days
1. Tourist attraction
- Many visit to learn about the history of this significant river in Singapore
- Dragon boats cruise are available for visitors to understand the history and structure of the Singapore river.

2. Eateries and stores selling souvenirs.
- Eateries along the river provides much luxury when eating and enjoying the river view at the same time.
- Souvenirs might portray the significance this river have been in the past.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Geography-Scaled map and whether Singapore river will change in the future

Snap shot from google map of Singapore river from Coleman Bridge to Anderson's Bridge




Drawn Scaled map:

Using the scale 1cm to 3.125 km (bottom left of image)





Panoramic view of Singapore River from Coleman Bridge




Using photographic evidences, do you think the shape course of the SIngapore river will change? Why?
Singapore river might have little modifications, however, the overall shape will still remain the same.


Singapore River is one of the most significant river in Singapore. It was where Sir Stamford Raffles' landed in Singapore. Playing an important role in the Singapore History, the government will want to remain its original shape.
However, as time passed, the areas, railings surrounding the river might need some modification. Due to rising economy and the advancement in technology, they might need to "upgrade" the river.
For example, in the past, the river was dirty due to people polluting it. In the present, there are cleaners helping us clear the litter found in the water. In the future, due to different inventions, devices might be used to keep the waters clean.


Due to global warming, this staircase might not come in use in the future. It might be submerged by water.


In the future, the sides of the river might need some modification.


Artifacts.

Artefact 1:


Description:
In many Southeast Asian cultures, metalworking is viewed as acts of creation and not just merely handicraft. Hence, there are many rituals and taboos observed when working with such materials. For instance, metalworking is done by men. The wide variety of shapes, colours and motifs that are unique expressions of each cultures are brought together in this gallery in order to explore their shared characteristics .


Modifications/Evolution to today’s version:
The jewellerys today are more light, and not so difficult to wear. It is more simple and the necklaces are often with a small and simple pendant, to make it more classy and elegant.


Artefact 2:


Description:
In many Southeast Asian cultures, textile weaving is also viewed as acts of creation and not just merely handicraft. Rituals and taboos are observed when working with this materials too. Textile weaving is commonly done by women.

Modifications/Evolution to today’s version:
In modern days, our clothes are made using our technologies, thus, there is no need to handmade it.

Artefact 3:


Description:
Another artifact on textile weaving, this is a type of traditional costumes for some Southeast Asian Cultures.


Modifications/Evolution to today’s version:
The past's version of this is heavy, and inconvenient to walk. Today's version of the costume is a lighter and a costume which is for more easy to walk.

History Civilisations.

One civilization that we have chosen : Hill-Tribe (Southeast Asia)Civilization

Overview of civilization:
This civilization include the Hmong, Yao, Akha, Karen and Lolo hilltribes of the mainland, as well as the Dayaks, Bataks and Nias of island Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian Civilization is defined as “ East of India and South of China”
It covers 10% of total Asian area and is one of world’s densely populated region.

Problems faced by civilians:
1. Lack of resources for independent survival
2. Lack of knowledge in metal
3. Natural disasters such as volcanic eruption
4. Presence of much disputes when choosing the next king
5. Picracy

How they solve it:
1. 2.Many people engaged in trade. Their main item of trade are spices.
- By engaging in trade, they earn a living and a job to support their families. Trading contacts also brought them knowledge on the use of metals more effectively.
- They are also able to spread their religion, to be known to the rest of the world
3. The rulers of Mataram shifted their capital from central to east Java.
4. Kingdoms adopted the Hindu rule of hereditary succession, whereby the eldest son will take over the throne.
5. Rulers sent navies to crush the pirates. They also employed the orang laut(people who lived in boats) to act as officials keeping watch over important sea routes.

Impacts of current society:
Social
- The Khmer Empire covered all of present day Cambodia and large parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam- The current Southeast Asia continent is a vertile link in spice trade.

Cultural
- Between AD 200 - 1200, many rulers of mainland Southeast Asian Kingdoms adopted Hinduism, built temples in worship of Hindu gods and adopted the idea divine kingship. Therefore, the current idea of Hinduism is in accordance to it.

- Came to Southeast Asia around AD 300, Buddhism is one of the major religion. Many in the Southeast Asia worship Buddhist gods.

- In the current days, people built religious monuments to show respect to their gods.