Settling In
SUPRAMANIAM VASARGA'S
ACCOUNT
Upon arrival, Indians in pursuit of a job in the cattle and milk delivery industry would often approach the Sikhs for opportunities. As a financier, Sikhs bought cattle sheds and imported buffaloes, which were used for milk delivery, rented out or sold. Newer migrants were more inclined to work for these Sikhs for years, before saving enough money to start their own cattle businesses.
Sikh Cowherds and their Cattle
Sikhs, also known as ‘dud wallas’, kept milk buffaloes and cattles in sheds at MacPherson Road. These ‘wallas’ were the financiers of most Indian Milkman, owning and renting out cattle sheds to them while importing milk buffaloes from India.
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National Museum of Singapore. Sikh Cowherds and their Cattle. 1938-1939. Image size: H11.4 x W14.9 cm. Photograph and negative.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Dairy Farm at Potong Pasir
Before the renewal of dairy farms, cattle sheds were built traditionally by wooden materials alongside an aluminium shelter. Constructed in the rural areas, buffalos and cattles were able to be raised in a natural environment.
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Chua Mia Tee. Dairy Farm at Potong Pasir. 1957.
Image size: H82.7 x W72.3 cm. Oil on canvas.
Item from the collection of the National Gallery of Singapore.
An Indian Milkman
A common sight in the early 20th century, an Indian Milkman would often support a milk container on his head, transporting milk around the cattle sheds under the hot sun.
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National Museum of Singapore. An Indian Milkman. 1905-1906.
Image size: H12.6 x W7.4 cm. Photograph and negative.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Old Village In Serangoon
Captured in ink, this piece of artwork snaps and documents a daily routine of an Indian Milkman - herding and leading the buffalos in and out of the small kampung-like village, towards the cattle sheds and town.
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Tan Choo Kuan. Old Village In Serangoon, Singapore (新加坡实龙岗旧村落). 1962.
Image size: H26.8 x W37.1 cm. Ink on Paper.
Item from the collection of the National Gallery of Singapore. Gift from Ms Tan Teng Teng.