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Brickfields locate at the heart of city, Kuala Lumpur. Location: Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields.
BRICKFIELDS Brickfields’ launch as Malaysia’s new Little India was jointly unveiled by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Malaysia’s PM. Little India spans from Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambathan; there’s a 35-foot fountain at the junction, an information kiosk at Jalan Thamby Abdullah and a three-storey Indian bazaar at the end of Jalan Tun Sambanthan. The brick-paved Jalan Tun Sambanthan is lined with white street lamps and creamy-yellow arches with a busy one-way vehicle route.
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TIMELINE
St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church and Holy Rosary Church
Brickfields began as the centre of brick-making
late 19th century
1881
1903
1904
A huge fire and flood swept through Kuala Lumpur. The double disasters took turns destroying the town’s wooden and thatched structures.
Vivekananda Ashram built in 1904 , which is still used for spiritual education classes, prayer meetings and yoga.
Sir Frank Swettenham (British resident) , responded by ordering the use of brick and tile in the construction of buildings, thus summoning the town’s purpose into being.
The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) can be found closer to the river along Jalan Berhala.
The area soon developed as the nation’s main locomotive depot for the Malayan Railway during the colonial administration. The sights, sounds and colours of South Asia came to Brickfields along with the human capital brought in to work the railway and depot, which have since been transformed into KL Sentral, the nation’s transportation hub.
Famous Southern Indian restaurant, Annalakshmi, is housed in the TFA building.
These days, old government quarters (The Hundred Quarters, built in 1905) can still be found around Jalan Rozario. Madrasathul Gouthiyyah Surau, a mosque catering mostly to Indian Muslims can also be found in the area.
Walking along the roads and alleys, there’s smell of curries drift to attract visitors and popular Indian songs played demonstrates the cultural atmosphere.
1905
1924 Notable attractions are the Sri Lankan Hindu Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Temple on Jalan Scott and the Buddhist Temple Maha Vihara. The Zion Lutheran Church (1924).
1980
2009 Little India was moved from the area surrounding Jalan Masjid India to Brickfields, in recognition of the township’s status as one of the pioneer Indian settlements in Kuala Lumpur, and its potential to further develop as a centre for Indian culture.
:: INDIA EMPIRE - COVER STORY ::. (2017). Indiaempire.com. Retrieved 21 November 2017, from http://indiaempire.com/v1/2012/August/malasia.asp
Development of Little India
One of Brickfields iconic buildings, which has been part of the area’s historical scene, has finally been designated a national heritage site. Vivekananda Ashram, with its bronze statue of prominent spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, has been given official heritage status by the National Heritage Department (JWN). From 1904 until today, the structure is still maintained in good condition.
Photograph by: Yang Jing Loo
Kuala Lumpur: A glorious past and present - Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal. (2017). Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal. Retrieved 21 November 2017, from http://www.starproperty.my/index.php/articles/property-news/kuala-lumpur-a-glorious-past-and-present/?search=kuala%20lumpur
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Shopping carnivals held in conjunction with Deepavali drastically affected the livelihood of many local indian businessmen in the Klang Valley, especially those in Little India, Brickfield. Such carnivals and trade fairs organised by event management companies were originally meant to be participated by foreign textile, handicraft and costume jewellery companies have affected the local traders’ good business during the festive season. Little India would be the best choice to shop for saris, bangles and spices for Deepavali, as well as to soak up the festive spirit. Decorations such as colorful paper lanterns and kolam are also put up to decorate the home. The kolam is an intricate design on the floor made from coloured rice and colored powder. The outcome is indeed amazing as much effort and skills are needed to create a colorful kolam. You can see beautiful kolams at many shopping mall entrances during the weeks before Deepavali. Participants of Diwali celebrations pose during the Diwali celebrations at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Little India in Brickfields here took on a festive air as Malaysians of various races and from all walks of life came together to celebrate Deepavali at an open house organised by the People's Progressive Party.
Limited, A. (n.d.). Stock Photo - Kuala Lumpur, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. 29th Oct, 2016. Participants of Diwali celebrations pose during the Diwali celebrations at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-kuala-lumpur-kuala-lumpur-malaysia-29th-oct-2016-participants-of-diwali-124563492.html Kuala Lumpur Little India Brickfields - Kuala Lumpur Attractions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2017, from http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/attractions/brickfields.htm#
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Mehndi is a form of body art from Ancient India which still popular in nowadays. A Mehndi artist is drawing traditional flower pattern on a lady’s hand by using henna beside a walkway. Indian art style are appreciated by society nowadays and become a part of Indian culture socioeconomic. Photograph by: Wee Sue Wen
Traditional Indian flower garlands has been an common business in street.Two craftmakers are making flower garlands. Garlands and the act of garlanding are deeply rooted in Indian culture. They can take the form of a gajra, which females used as a floral decoration for their hair, or as religious symbols to honour gods or even as a symbol of respect to a distinguished guest.
Garlands and the act of garlanding are deeply rooted in Indian culture. They can take the form of a garja, which females used as a floral decoration for their hair, or as religious symbols to honour gods or even as a symbol of respect to a distinguished guest. Photograph by: Wee Sue Wen
The coconut is considered to be the most satvic fruit and the most purest form of fruit one can offer to God according to the Hindu religion.Coconut is said to be symbolized the Lord Shiva who bestow upon knowledge and health. Photograph by: Tan Kah Inn
A typical Indian meal combines salty, sweet, creamy, spicy, hot and pungent flavors. The basic menu usually comprises starch, a meat or fish main dish, vegetables, and chutney. In northern and central India, roti or phulka are popular, unleavened flatbreads. They believe starch contains a wealth on health. They usually use bare hand to make their dough as a gesture of appreciation towards the food given by God. Photograph by: Sii Siaw Hua
Eating is an elaborate ritual and certain traditions create our cultural identity. This tradition has its roots in Ayurveda. Eating is supposed to be a sensory experience and eating with your hands evokes emotion and passion.Indian saying “eating food with your hands feeds not only the body but also the mind and the spirit.� Photograph by: Wee Sue Wen
Before entering a temple or house we will wash our feet. Every Temple is having a water source in front of the temple. So many sacred temples built adjacent to a water body,eg: river,pool,sea. Hindus consider as a great sin when we enter into the temple without washing feet or wearing shoes. Photograph by: Sii Siaw Hua
For the average Indian, the friendly neighbourhood barber also doubles as the psychiatrist. We pour our hearts out to the barber, never mind the lack of privacy. It's a classic two-for-one deal. The barbershop also acts as a community centre for unemployed youth. During the course of an average day, young men are constantly in and out of the shop - no, not to get a shave, but just to comb their hair. It's free of cost and the barber doesn't mind.
The barbershop has made itself into a unique Indian institution. Apart from the usual business of shaving and hair cuts, it also serves other social purposes.For examples: customers will pour their hearts out to the barber without minding the lack of privacy.Indian barbershop are also well-known for their simplic hair cut style and cheap price. Photograph by: Sii Siaw Hua
The culture practice of wearing the traditional Indian attire is a daily route in the Indian society as a attribute to pay respect and appreciation towards their own culture. The culture practice of wearing traditional attire has not only enlighten the culture atmosphere around the street also enliven the Indian culture. Photograph by: Sii Siaw Hua
Presenting the culture of indians doesn’t compare each other with their economical availability but interact with each other publicly near the street.
Photograph by: Wee Sue Wen
A lady holding a cleaned coconut with bare foot on the floor ready to enter the temple.She has cleaned her feet with the water supply on the outside of the temple as it is a custom in their culture, as well as the culture of offering coconut towards the Gods. At the time of any homa, Indians offer coconut in the sacrificial fire. Photograph by: Tan Kah Inn
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Flower garlands are used as a symbol of respect and are frequently used in the temples to adorn the statues of their deities. Although any flower can be used for worshiping any God, it is often believed that each God has His or Her own favourite flower and using them will bestow favor more easily.
Photograph by: Wong Mei Xin
An Indian home is incomplete without a mandir where the family can pray, meditate or perform daily puja. However, today’s urban lifestyle has caused space to become precious. As a result, incorporating a small puja mandir temple with a door shields the God during times of privacy, a small drawer & tray that can provides the perfect place to keep other worship accessories at home is recommended.
Photograph by: Tay Siew Wen
Mamak (Indian Muslims) dishes have developed a distinctly Malaysian style. People of all races, religions and ages frequent mamak stalls to gossip or catch a late-night football game while enjoying a cup of hot teh tarik. No other eatery has quite as much cultural significance in Malaysia.
Photograph by: Wong Mei Xin
India's diverse languages, sweets are called by numerous names, one common name being Mithai. Mithai are sometimes served with a meal, and often included as a form of greeting, celebration, religious offering, gift giving, parties, and hospitality. On Indian festivals sweets are homemade or purchased, then shared. Many social gatherings, wedding ceremonies and religious festivals often include a social celebration of food, and the flavors of sweets are an essential element of such a celebration.
Photograph by: Tay Siew Wen
Stall owners line up under the light of bare light bulbs at Little India's junction selling almost everything from fresh vegetables to electronics and Indian traditional wear. Here, every item for sale is negotiated over while muruku stall, mamak and other treats are consumed with utmost pleasure by the locals and tourists.
Photograph by: Wong Mei Xin
Murukku should always be crispy and crunchy; they should be stored in airtight containers or if they are in plastic packaging, tied up with a rubber band when not being eaten. So, knowing this and just looking at the huge bags of muruku this stall has, you can be sure that their stuff is always fresh and tasty; everything is nicely salty, not overly so, but just right. The stall operators are polite and friendly, and you can ask to try a little of their murukku or nuts before buying.
Photograph by: Wong Mei Xin
Just head down to Brickfields, and you will have a wide range of styles of traditional Indian wear to choose from such as saree, kurta and dhoti. Saree is a four or five-meter-long cloth. Its texture is from ordinary cotton to silk, mostly thin and soft. With the change of climate and season, need to wear a sari with different texture such as pure silk, cotton cloth, or gold silk lace, and in recent years also appeared similar to nylon or synthetic fabrics.
Photograph by: Tay Siew Wen
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Torana Gate, signifies a gateway to India-Malaysia Friendship. Usually in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions defining the entrance to a shrine stupa or temple. It is a remarkable specimen of indian art and architecture. Design of this gate merges two Torana Gates with a ceiling comprising 24 carved stone panels. Each facet of the gate has been adorned with decorative motifs and carving, in buff-coloured sandstone panels from India. This artwork has been sensitively designed to convey symmetry and decorative duty, while remaining a timeless reminder of indian craftsmanship Photograph by: Wee Sue Wen
The decorative arches give a character to the two linear pathways in Little India. The arches with purple embellishments are designed to match the newly painted purple buildings along the street and decorated by lining up several white street lamp among the arches. Photograph by: Tay Siew Wen
The fountain of elephant and lotuses in Brickfields Little India is an art of Hindu art reflects this plurality of beliefs, and Hindu temples, in which architecture and sculpture are inextricably connected, are usually devoted to different deities. Ganesha, is the elephant god of prosperity. Deities are often portrayed with multiple limbs and heads, demonstrating the extent of the god’s power and ability. The lotus flower represents a symbol of purity, beauty, fertility, and transcendence. Photograph by: Chang May Chen
Languages of ancient origin such as Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam are spoken on the faced, with complex grammars and scripts quite distinct from the Hindu, Bengali and Persian-Influenced urdu of the north. Photograph by: Chang May Chen
The bus station near the Little India street is built with decorative peacock art above and carvings on the columns are painted in purple to blend in with the purple buildings at the back. Photograph by: Yang Jing Loo
This is a portal with a roof that rises into a few of vaulted chambers. The edge of the vaulted chamber is round, like the bamboo or wooden wagons that would have been drawn by bullocks in ancient times. The form of this portal is influenced by ancient building forms that were already in existence such as temple.
Photograph by: Yang Jing Loo
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is a Saivite style temple that has been gracing Malaysia for over 100 years. This architecture is built with lofty towers, beautiful vimanas bearing golden domes, well decorated halls, elegant and majestic pillars, mind inspiring architecture and sculptural works to instill devotion in one’s mind. The temple has a sacred pond called Skandapuspakarani. A sacred Kadambam tree and a sacred garden with the pond, Saravanapoikai, also adds on to the charm of the temple compound; two pairs of peacocks enhance the beauty and popularity of the garden.
Photograph by: Yang Jing Loo
In ancient India, temple architecture of high standard developed in almost all regions. Stupa is one of the important element in indian temple architecture. It is generally considered to be a sepulchral monument—a place of burial or a receptacle for religious objects and considered as the path to Enlightenment. An array of stupa roof was found beside an alley acting as the shelter for the stalls underneath. The fusion between modernization and ancient has created a new concept as the enlightenment of the modern economy. Photograph by: Chang May Chen
Hindu art reflects this plurality of beliefs. Flowers represent the indian culture unity in the form of diversity, liveness and generosity, providing it a rich cultural fragrance and values, while incorporating with Malay carving brings a new atmosphere to the street. Photograph by: Chang May Chen
Traffic used to slow down to a messy crawl and cars would park haphazardly along the streets of Brickfields, Little India street used to be a simple residential neighbourhood just outside KL but was recently transformed into a wide street with Indian stores and restaurants run by the country’s Indian community. This street has more colourful cultural stores than KL’s busy city centre. Photograph by: Tan Kah Inn
The traditional indian style arc framing the high rise building creating contrasting pattern in the modern city. Preservation of Indian traditional architecture element in Brickfield enlighten the historical and cultural street as part of kuala lumpur.
Photograph by : Wee Sue Wen
Shop lots are organized in linear form along the alley. Rows of florist businesses under the shelter with Indian Architecture create a strategic location for people to visit and appreciate their culture and identity of the particular space. Photograph by : Yang Jing Loo
Peacock is regarded as one of the most auspicious bird in Hindu mythology. It’s a beautiful bird and has also earned the favour of being the national bird of India. It is believed that keeping peacock feather at home brings good luck and prosperity in the house. Indian believes state footprint of peacocks around them will keep the energy of wealth in their businesses. Photograph by : Chang May Chen
Today, colors are used as symbols of fear, conformity, and blind faith across the country monopolized by the contorted ways of politics. Yet in Little India, it remains colorful and vibrant in more ways than one. It stands strong as perhaps the most stoic example of unity in a world so divided. And the colors that hold it together are the colors of faith, pride, and love – feelings that overcome all differences. Photograph by: Tan Kah Inn
Brickfields defines an area of ground where bricks are made. Floors are covered with red brick tiles. The Mughal pattern tiles are originally from Delhi, which are otherwise Islamic in character and tradition. The tiles are used as such befittingly complement the location itself. Photograph by: Tan Kah Inn
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To conclude with, their are different aspects of the Indian culture. Each aspect is practiced by people but not everyone believes in the different aspects. As you can see it is a very traditional culture, everyone has their opinion towards it, positive and negative. Therefore the Indian Culture is a very unique culture and has various practices. Although the youth do not believe in the traditional aspects, the culture will vary with time and will not be traditional anymore because of the modern world. All in all the aspects are frequently practiced but tomorrow's generation are going to change it.