Second Colloquium of 'The Penang Story'
Indians in Penang - A Historical Perspective
22 September 2001, Saturday
City Bayview Hotel, Lebuh Farquhar, Penang
back


Keynote Address: The South Asian Cultural Impact Upon Penang

by Professor Dr Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof

For all intents and purposes the terms "India" and "Indian" have always remained vague and undefined. Since the days of the early settlements along the Indus Valley, various transient dynasties, kingdoms and empires have existed
Download printable document

A Brief History of Indian Business & The Indian Chamber in Penang
by Taizoon H. Tyebkhan

History of Indian Business; History & Background of The Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Penang.

Download printable document

Origins and History of Sri Kunj Bihari Temple and some other temples
by Dr. Satish Shukla, Chairman, Geeta Ashram

The Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street. This temple is believed to be the oldest temple in Penang. It stands on a piece of land that was granted by the British authorities in 1801 to Betty Lingam Chetty. It is located in the present Queen Street which is a busy commercial part of Georgetown.

Download printable document

The Tamil Festival (Tamilar Thirunal) in Penang
by Mrs. Thilagavathi Vasudevan, Universiti Sains Malaysia & Mr. Paul Gnanaselvam, INTI College, Nilai

Download printable document

The Development of Tamil Language and Literature in Penang
(presented in Tamil, written summary in English)
by Mr.Karu Thiruvarasu (President, PTWA
)
Tamil education in Malaysia and in Penang presumably has its origin during the immigration of the Tamils as workers to Malaya in 1786. However to pin point a date for the formal teaching of Tamil via an institution, we have to turn to the Penang Free School which started teaching the language in 1816.

Download printable document

From Malabaris to Malaysians: The Untold Story of Malayalees in Penang
by Prof. Suresh Narayanan, School Of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

The Malayalees have their origin in the modern day state of Kerala, on the south west coast of India, and Malayalam is their mother tongue. Older historical references identify them as Malabaris, because they were from the Malabar coast.

Download printable document

Growing Roots: The Story of Tamil Communities in Penang
by Mr. P. Rajavelan (P.Krishnan)

There is reference in the Tamil literature of the Sangam Period that Tamils had been seafarers travelling far and wide to countries like ancient Greece and Rome as well as to the Southeast Asian countries for the purpose of trade.

Download printable document

The Chettiars in Penang
by Mr. S. P. Annamalai

Download printable document

Indian Muslims in Penang: Role and contributions
by Mr. Seeni Naina Mohamed

The exact year of the first arrival of Indian Muslims in Penang or elsewhere in the Malayan Peninsular is not known. But there is enough information for us to assume that they were here in Penang as early as 18th century, earlier than the British.

Download printable document

The Early Arrival of the Sikhs in Malaya
by Mr. Rajindar Singh Bedi

The earliest arrival of Sikhs is always associated with the police force, especially the police recruits of Captain Speedy (1870). This is, however, not true.

Download printable document

The North Indians - Rediscovering Roots in Penang
by Ms Jessica Binwani

The North Indians, despite being a relatively small community, are a colourful, interesting and important part of the vibrant multi-racial population of Penang. This paper will deal with the history of the North Indians, how they made Penang their home.

Download printable document

Early Indian Christians in Penang A Brief History Of Indian Christians in Penang
by Reverend Marshall Thomson Sundradas

Early Christians The influence of Christianity in West Malaysia began at the time of the arrival of the Portuguese in Malacca in 1511. As the Portuguese were mainly Roman Catholics many Roman Catholic missionaries were brought into Malacca.

Download printable document