sikh guards at bukit brown

What makes this cemetery unique is the reflection of what once was a community of people who came, lived and subsequently died and laid to rest in this grounds. The memories, stories and impact they left behind is something cannot be duplicated anywhere else. The fusion of styles adopted as a result of socialization with the other races they meet in their daily lives and adoption of various Asian and western influences with their own Chinese customs and beliefs, thoroughly makes this place a one-of-a kind heritage cemetery and the last in Singapore. I would like to call this a Heritage Park.

The Sikh guard statues are a fine example of this, where the once living, then impressed with the diligence, loyalty and bravery of the Sikh guards brought in by the British colonial masters then to provide security, decided that they would also be adequate guardians of their final resting when they pass on.

The Sikhs were first brought into Singapore by the British as soldiers. When the British left Singapore for good, these Sikh soldiers then became bodyguards for wealthy Chinese merchants due to their big built and loyalty. In fact, the Chinese were so impressed with their bravery and loyalty that when someone from a wealthy Chinese family died in those days, a pair of statues of Sikh soldiers used to be erected on both sides of their tombs. This meant that even in death, the Sikhs were guarding them.'

Below are some of the Sikh statutes from all over Bukit Brown.