When Sir Stamford Raffles sailed into Singapore in 1819, with him was an entourage of 120 Indian assistants and soldiers. These were among the first Indian settlers in Singapore, and they resided mainly in the area near Chulia Street in Chinatown. Two major reasons for the influx of Indians into the site where Little India stands today were the introduction of cattle rearing on the fertile land near Rochor River and the building of the Race Course for the Europeans nearby in 1843. Many immigrants from Calcutta, Madras and Malaya often came here and very soon, this area become a flourishing commercial center for the Indian community. This place was fondly called as “Little India”. Hence, Raffles set aside this place for the Indians in his Singapore town plan. Currently, the Little India district is still a place where many Indians gather and shop during the weekends.

In short, Little India can be said to be an important place for the Indian community in Singapore, rich with its history, culture and food. Visiting Little India is indeed a good opportunity to broaden our knowledge of people in the Indian community in Singapore, a place where we can educate ourselves about other's community. It also promotes unity among Singaporeans and we have a place to hold us together.

This road is called "Buffalo Road" as there used to be a centre for cattle and sheep rearing in the 1870s. From 1930s onwards, the rearing of cattle was banned.

Once, this road spanned the entire length of the Race Course. Hence, it was named Race Course Road.

Campbell Lane was named after Sir Colin Campbell. He was a Scottish field marshal, who involved in successful field campaigns in China such as the second Sikh War, the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.