Kelantan Sultanate

1. History

Little is known about the early years of Kel

antan history. Some records

and notes kept by the European and the Chinese people snap only parts of Kelantan‘s picture in the past. They tell us abo

ut the origin of Kelantan as an administered land. Below are the aforementioned brie

f records:

1. According to the records of Claudius Ptolemy, the Greek geographer and astronomer, in his bo
   ok Geography of Eastern Asia written in the second century, ther
   e are three locations laid in the East shore of Semenanjung Melayu (Malay Peninsula): “K
   
   ole Polis”, “Primula”, and “Tharra”.
2. G.E. Gerini, an Italian researcher, said that “Kole Polis” located in Kelantan. He contended that the name of Kelantan is derived from two combined words: “Kolo” and “Thana” or “Tanah” to become “Kolathana”, “Kolamtanah”, or “Kolantan”.
3. The Chinese writings, since the 6^th century, have mentioned Kelantan in various ways. In the Liang Kingdom period (502-557 A.D), the Chinese said “Tann-Tann”, referring to Kelantan. While in the period of Sung Kingdom (960-1279 A.D), Kelantan was called as “Chi-lan-chau” or “Chi-lan-tan”. In the early 17^th century, the Chinese said “Ko-lan-tan”, or “Ku-lan-tan”, all of which refer to Kelantan.
4. Besides “Tan-Tan” or “Tann-Tann”, there is a land often mentioned by the Chinese, namely “Chit-tu”, meaning Negeri Tanah Merah (The Red Land). It was associated with Negeri Kelantan.

Many geographers, based on topographic and geographic consideration, contended that Chit-tu (Tanah Merah) or Raktamrittika was the Kelantan. A European historian, Paul Wheatley, was in line with the premise that Chit-tu was located in Kelantan. He based his statement on the early years of Raktamrittika Kingdom history, established by King Gautama in the 6^th century. The King was the son of King Kalahtana. Chit-tu once was one of the Funan Kingdom‘s colonies. Kelantan, in 1225 A.D, had ever been under the authority of Crivijaya Kingdom.

Historically, in 1411 A.D. (814 H) Negeri Kelantan was ruled by the first King named King Kumar. Some historians still have wider debate over the genealogy of King Kumar. There is only one record confirming the King Kumar‘s relations with one of the Chinese Kings. For example, in 1412 A.D, it is stated that King Kumar had ever received gifts included silk and diplomatic letters from a Chinese King

King Kumar, who passed away in 1418 A.D, was succeeded by Sultan Iskandar Shah, the grandson of King Culan. According to the manuscript of Sejarah Melayu (Malay History), Culan was the King of Negeri Ganggayu or Klang Kio, located in the upper course of Johor River. Another reference, Ringakasan Cetera Kelantan (Summary of Kelantan History) written by Nik Mahmud Ismail, revealed another opinion saying that King Culan was the King of Negeri Perak. Up to now, still not found yet the sufficient data confirming what kinds of relation between King Kumar and Sultan Iskandar Shah. In addition, there is no sufficient evidence explaining the way Islam came to the land of Kelantan, considering that the second ruler, Sultan Iskandar Shah, had embraced Islam.

After Sultan Iskandar passed away in 1465 A.D, the Kelantan was leaded by Sultan Mansur Shah. There are three versions of premises confirming the cognation of Sultan Mansur Shah with Sultan Iskandar Shah. The first version, cited from “Sejarah Melayu”, mentioned that Sultan Mansur Shah was the son of Sultan Iskandar Shah‘s cousin. The second version, from “Ringkasan Cetera Kelantan”, contended that Sultan Mansur Shah was the son of Sultan Iskandar Shah. The last version, “Sejarah Negeri-Negeri Melayu” (History of Malay Kingdoms) written by Haji Muhammad Sidi Haji Muhd. Rasyid, mentioned that Sultan Mansur Shah was the cousin of Sultan Iskandar Shah.

The Kelantan Sultanate entered its golden age during the period of Sultan Mansur Shah, especially in terms of its economic growth, depending largely on the agricultural sector. The Kelantan‘s prestige was heard to the Malacca Sultanate, ruled then by Sultan Mahmud Shah. In 1477 A.D., he ordered the armed troops to attack the Kelantan Sultanate. Sultan Mansur Shah, at the time, had three sons: Raja Gombak, Unang Kening who married later on to Sultan Mahmud Shah, and Cubak. Sultan Mahmud Shah and Unang Kening had three sons, namely Raja Mah (daughter), Raja Muzaffar (son), and Raja Dewi (daughter). Raja Muzaffar who was born in 1505 A.D., became the Sultan Perak I with title Muzaffar Shah (1528-1540 A.D.). Raja Gombak replaced his father, Sultan Mansur Shah, who passed away in 1526 A.D., as the forth Sultan Kelantan, bearing the title Sultan Gombak (1526-1584 M).

In 1548 A.D, Raja Ahmad, bearing the title of Sultan Ahmad, replaced the position of Sultan Gombak, who passed away, as the next Sultan. Sultan Ahmad, the grandson of Sultan Gombak, married to Cik Banun, the youngest daughter of Kelantan Nobleman Seri Nara Diraja. They had a daughter named Cik Wan Kembang. When Sultan Ahmad passed away in 1588 A.D., Cik Wan Kembang had been four years old. Therefore, Raja Hussin, the son of Raja Umar bearing the title of Sultan Ala Jalla Abdul Jalil Shah (King Johor, 1580-1597 A.D.), was asked to come to Kelantan to be the next (the sixth) Sultan of Kelantan with title Sultan Hussin. However, another source reveals that the coronation of Sultan Hussin was not proposed by then Kelantan administration. By then, in the 16^th century, the Kelantan was one of the colonies of Johor.

After Raja Hussin passed away in 1610 A.D., Cik Wan Kembang had reached the mature age and been installed as the seventh Sultan of Kelantan (1610-1663 A.D.). She was the first female Sultan in Kelantan. When she ruled the Sultanate, he settled in Mount Chinta Wangsa, Ulu Kelantan, located about 40 kilometers to the South East of Kuala Krai. The strategic location of the central Sultanate lured the domestic merchantmen and foreign traders to visit Kelantan, boosting its economic growth.

During the period of Cik Wan Kembang, a small kingdom, named Jembal, had established in the North-east part of Kelantan. The Jembal Kingdom was ruled by Raja Sakti (1638 A.D). He was the foster child of Raja Bersiung Kedah. Raja Sakti died in 1649 A.D., and be replaced by his son, Raja Loyor. Cik Wan Kembang established close relation with the Jembal Kingdom especially with Raja Loyor. She, even, had adopted Princess Saadong, the daughter of Raja Loyor, as her foster daughter. After Cik Wan Kembang died in 1663 A.D., the Kelantan Sultanate was no longer ruled by the offspring of Sultan Iskandar Shah. The Kelantan‘s ruler also no longer used Sultan, but King to name the higher position. The Kelantan afterwards was ruled by the Kings of Jembal.

Regarding Princess Saadong, the foster daughter of Cik Wan Kembang, she married to King Abdullah, her cousin, after being persuaded by Cik Wan. They lived in Tegayong City (Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga Cherang Tegayong), and then moved to Jelasin City in Mahligai Region. She had ever been kidnapped by Commander of Siam named Phraya Decho to be brought to Narai Maharaja Siam (1656-1688 A.D.). The reason for kidnapping is still unknown. When going back to Kelantan, Princess Saadong had several arguments with her husband. King Abdullah died of puncture of hair bun‘s Saadong. It was done unintentionally. Afterwards, Princess Saadong installed King Abdul Rahim, King Abdullah‘s brother, as the Sultan in Mahligai City.

Not much literature confirm the ruling period of King Loyor. He passed away in 1675 A.D. He was replaced by his brother, Temanggung Umar, bearing the title King Umar (1675-1719 A.D.). He had five sons, namely Raja Kecil Sulung, Raja Ngah with title Raja Hudang, Raja Nah, Raja Sakti, and Raja Pah. Being left by King Umar in 1719 A.D., Long Besar or Long Bahar was installed as the next King in Jembal (1719-1733 A.D.). This installation was proposed by the oldest daughter of King Umar, Raja Kecil Sulung. Long Bahar was the son of Raja Petani (Wan Daim) who bore the title of Datuk Pengkalan Tua. He had ever made a journey to the Kelantan Sultanate, together with his father. Long Bahar married to Raja Pah, the daughter of Sultan Omar.

Long Bahar passed away in 1733 A.D. His position was replaced by his son, Long Sulaiman or Wan Anom Long Nik, bearing the title of Mas Kelantan. Long Sulaiman had three sons namely Long Yunus, Tuan Dewi, and Tuan Kembang. The last married to Long Deraman, the son of Tuan Senik Getting who ruled Legeh region. In 1756 A.D., a mysterious war broke out, aiming at overthrowing Long Sulaiman, who was murdered in the war. His position was then replaced by his cousin, Long Pendak as Raja Kubang Labu. Whereas his brother, Long Muhammad, was installed as Raja Muda.

In 1758 A.D., Long Pendak passed away, murdered by Long Deraman for taking revenge. Long Pendak was accused of killing his own wife and Long Deraman‘s brother named Tengku Tengah. Long Muhammad, then, replaced the Sultan Position, becoming the King in Kubang Labu City. During his period, some wars and conflicts broke out between Long Muhammad, who was assisted by Long Deraman, and Long Yunus, who was assisted by Long Gaffar, prince of King Reman in Hulu Perak. In 1762 A.D., both Long Muhammad and Long Deraman were killed in a fierce war. Finally, Long Yunus gained the full control of Kubang Labu Kingdom. As a reward, Long Yunus appointed Long Gaffar as Perdana Menteri (Prime Minister) in Kelantan who ruled from Jeram to Pasir Tumbuh.

Long Yunus took the lead of Kelantan Sultanate between 1775 A.D and 1794 A.D. He was famous for his great capability in unifying the whole territory of Kelantan, which was once separated from the central Sultanate. He could make them submit to the one governmental system.

2. Sultans of Kelantan

Below are the Sultans who had ever ruled the Kelantan Sultanate. The list is codified systematically according to the tenure of each Sultan:

1. King Kumar (1411-1418 A.D)
2. Sultan Iskandar (1418-1465 A.D)
3. Sultan Mansur Shah (1465-1526 A.D)
4. Sultan Gombak (1526-1584 A.D)
5. Sultan Ahmad (1584-1588 A.D)
6. Sultan Hussin (1588-1610 A.D)
7. Cik Wan Kembang (1610-1663 A.D)
8. Raja Loyor (1649-1675 A.D)
9. Raja Umar (1675-1719 A.D)
10. Long Besar or Long Bahar (1719-1733 A.D)
11. Long Sulaiman (1733-1756 A.D)
12. Long Pendak (1756-1758 A.D)
13. Long Muhammad (1758-1762 A.D)
14. Long Gaffar (1762-1775 A.D)
15. Long Yunus (1775-1794 A.D)
16. Sultan Muhammad (1794-1839 A.D)
17. Sultan Muhammad II or Sultan Mulut Merah (1839-1886 A.D)
18. Sultan Muhammad III (1886-1900 A.D)
19. Sultan Muhammad IV or Long Senik bin (son of) Long Kundur (1900-1920 A.D)
20. Sultan Ismail (1920-1944 A.D)
21. Sultan Ibrahim (1944-1960 A.D)
22. Sultan Yahya Petra (1960-1979 A.D)
23. Sultan Ismail Petra (1979 A.D - now)

3. Sultanate Period

The Kelantan Sultanate have existed for about six centuries. During that period, Kelantan had experienced the political cleavage, beginning from the period of Cik Wan Kembang (1610-1663 A.D). The separation commenced when Jembal Kingdom proclaimed its independence from the Kelantan. By then, Kelantan was gradually overwhelmed with the wave of Patani wanderers who migrated from their region. The migrant could dominate the government in the period of Long Bahar. Long Yunus, the 15^th ruler, could finally restore the Kelantan Sultanate‘s power and made it as a unified territory.

In the history of modern Malaysia, the Kelantan Sultanate is one of the 14 Negeri (States) under the federation of Malaysia Kingdom. Kelantan is also called as Negeri Kelantan Dar`ul Naim, which is ruled now by Sultan Ismail Petra (Since 1979 A.D)

4. Sultane Territory

The territory of Kelantan Sultanate covered the below region: Gua Musang (8,177 km²), Kuala Krai (2,277 km²), Jeli (1,318 km²), Tanah Merah (880 km²), Pasir Mas (569 km²), Machang (527 km²), Pasir Puteh (424 km²), Kota Bharu (394 km²), Bachok (279 km²), and Tumpat (177 km²). The Kelantan Sultanate located North-East of Semenanjung Malaysia (Malay peninsula), facing directly the South China Sea, bordered by Southern Thailand.

5. Sultanate Structure

The structure of Kelantan Sultanate was inherited from the traditional Malay political system, in which the Sultan held the highest authority of Sultanate mandate. In administering the government, he was assisted by three clusters of Sultan assistants, namely:

1. Cluster of Sultan‘s relatives; they are the offspring of the Sultan.
2. Cluster of noblemen; Those people bore title syed, nik, and wan.
3. Cluster of commoners who hold high position in the Kelantan sultanate.

Their main job was to do all of their responsibilities and to carried out the direct order of Sultan. Their responsibilities included the palace‘s custom affairs, administration, financial, legal, security, and foreign relations. One of the main jobs for the cluster of Sultan‘s relatives is to install the Sultan who will rule the Sultanate.

The above structure was effectively stipulated at the end of the 18th century, during the period of Long Yunus (1775-1794 A.D). He appointed his sons as such: Long Ismail (as Raja Muda), Long Jenal (as Treasurer), Long Tan (as Temenggung). His close friend, Long Ghafar, was appointed as Mangkubumi and Panglima Perang (Commander) bearing the title Tengku Sri Maharaja Perdana Menteri. Besides, there were other for positions: Raja Bukit Pancor (assumed by Long Yunus bin Long Yunus), Tengku Kota (assumed by Long Muda or Tuan Dagang bin Long Yunus), and Dato‘ Kaya Hulubalang (assumed by son of Penghulu Adas).

In the period of Sultan Muhammad the Second, or Sultan Mulut Merah (1839-1886 A.D), the then political structure experienced slight change with some additional positions and new titles, like below:

1. Sultan (Tuan Senik Mulut Merah)
2. Sultan Dewa (Tuan Senik Kota or Tuan Senik Penambang-baharu)
3. Hakim/Judge(Syed Jaafar-baharu)
4. Mufti/Religious Adviser (Tuan Abdul Rahman Muda bin Wan Othman-baharu)
5. Kadi/ (no sufficient data)
6. Perdana Menteri/Prime Minister (Engku Limbat bin Long Jaafar)
7. Pembantu Menteri Besar/Deputy of Prime Minister (Nik Abdul Majid atau Wan Abdul Majid bin Wan Yusuf bersama Nik Yahya)
8. Juru Tulis Diraja (the palace writer) or Setiausaha Sultan (Wan Abdul Kadir)
9. Ketua Istiadat (Head of customary affair) with the title of Dato Megat Mahkota

The Gate in the Balai Besar Palace.

In 1845 A.D, the above political system was changed along with the initiation of Jamaah Ahli Mensyuarat (Discussion team), whose members come from Sultanate officials. The major change was effective after the establishment of Bandar Kota Bharu (City) and Istana Balai Besar (Palace) in 1844 A.D. Below are the job desk for each positions:

1. Financial affairs, administered by:

1. Bendahara (treasurer) (conferred with Tengku before his name if the treasurer is one of Sultan‘s offspring)
2. Seri Maharaja (conferred with Tengku before his name if the treasurer is one of Sultan‘s offspring)
3. Seri Pakerma Raja
4. Seri Akar Raja

2. Military affairs, managed by:

1. Temenggung Aria Pahlawan
2. Seri Nara Diraja
3. Laksamana (Admiral)
4. Seri Kelana Diraja

3. Political affairs, administered by:

1. Seri Paduka Raja
2. Seri Amar Diraja
3. Seri Setia Diraja
4. Seri Diraja

4. Foreign affairs, run by:

1. Biji Sura
2. Biji Wangsa
3. Lela Utama
4. Lela Negara

5. Domestic affairs, arranged by:

1. Kaya Perba
2. Kaya Pahlawan
3. Kaya Hulubalang
4. Kaya Perwira

6. Administrative affairs (in palace), run by:

1. Seri Rakna Diraja
2. Bentara Guna
3. Penghulu Balai

7. Legal affairs, arranged by:

1. Senior Judge (borne by Hakim)
2. Kadi (responsible for Islamic law/Shariah affairs)
3. Hakim (Responsible for non-Shariah affairs)

8. Sultan Consultants:

1. Tengku Bendahara (similar to treasurer)
2. Tengku Temenggung
3. Seri Paduka

The person who would replace the incumbent Sultan bore the title Raja Muda (literally means the Young King). In the Sultan Muhammad the fourth‘s administration (Long Senik bin Long Kundur 1900-1920 A.D), 1911 in exact time, the title of “Raja Kelantan” was given to the candidate Sultan. But in 1944 A.D., by the suggestion of some advisers, the title was no longer used. It was so since many people assumed that the candidate would take the Sultanate‘s responsibilities in the absence of Sultan when going abroad. The people thought that Raja Kelantan (Candidate) and Sultan Kelantan (The incumbent Sultan) were the same. Tengku Ibrahim, bearing the title Raja Kelantan, ascended the throne of kelantan Sultanate in June 1944 A.D. The title for the candidate was changed to the previous title: Raja Muda.

6. Socio-cultural Life

According to the 2005 census of central government, the total population of Kelantan Dar`ul Naim amounted about 1,373,173 people, consisting of: Gua Musang (80,167), Kuala Krai (97,836), Jeli (38,185), Tanah Merah (108,228), Pasir Mas (172,692), Machang (82,653), Pasir Puteh (111,001), Kota Bharu (425,294), Bachok (116,128), Tumpat (140,989). The Malay, about 95%, constitutes the biggest majority of Kelantan population, while the rests place the second, the third etc, namely Chinese (3,8%), Indian (0,3%), and others (0,9%). Islam is embraced by most of Kelantan citizens, for about 95 % of total population. Buddha ranks the second (4,4%), Christianity and Hindu the third (0,2% respectively), and other religion (0,2%).

Agriculture and industry are the main livelihood of Kelantan population. In terms of agriculture, the population rely mostly on the sap, oil palm, and paddy. The wood industry, especially round timber, and plywood is the main revenue of Kelantan.

The Kelantan Sultanate had strong relation economically and politically with the Patani Sultanate. Geographically, the two sultanates are very close. In terms of culture, Kelantan adopted a multicultural system, combinative of Malay, Islam, and Siam culture. Among the form of acculturation are folk games of Dikir barat, Main Puteri, Mak Yong, and other. Mak Yong, specifically, is influenced by the culture of Siam, Dikir Barat is largely adopted from Islam, and the Main Puteri came from Hindu-Siam culture. Another unique feature of Kelantan Sultanate is the gastronomic culture, different from Malay cuisine, such as Budu food.

(HQ/ter/106/04-08)

References:

• Hamid, Rogayah A. and Mariyam Salim, Kesultanan Melayu Kelantan, (Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 2006).
• “Kelantan”, in http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelantan, retrieved at January 17th 2008.
• “Kota Bharu”, in http://sklaloh.kelantan.edu.my/kotabharu.htm, retrieved at January 26th 2008.
• “Sejarah Kelantan”, in http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejarah_Kelantan, retrieved at Januariy 17th 2008.
• “Sultan-Sultan Kelantan”, in http://www.ppak.kelantan.edu.my/kelantan/kerajaan, retrieved at January 24th 2008.

Photo Credit :

• raykinzoku.fotopages.com
• www.geocities.com

Kedah Sultanate

1. The History

Historically, the early years of Kedah Sultanate are difficult to be traced back. Despite their vast territory and long existence, very few written records about the Kedah Sultanate have been discovered. Most of what we know about them today comes from the information telling us that the Kedah Sultanate (Kesultanan Kedah) was the continuation of Kedah State (Negeri Kedah). If there is description about the beginning of the Sultanate, it is only an assumption. Therefore, the history of Kedah state will be presented first, followed by the establishment of Kedah Sultanate.

1. 1. The period of Kedah State`s Establishment

The construction of the harbor in the fifth century marked the early history of Kedah State, which later on took different political institution: the Sultanate. As the harbor increasingly developed and flourished, the region extended and transformed into the most visited place by many foreigners for either business or other things. The geographically strategic location of the harbor made it even more promising for the traders. Surrounded by India, and Arabic countries in the West and China in the East, the harbor possessed the power to attract numbers of merchants from those neighboring countries, and even from other areas such as Persia and Europe.

In the region, there are some prehistoric evidences, such as cavernous hill, confirming that the Kedah State had ever been there. Those hills, used as settling place by the prehistoric ancestors, can be found in Kubang Pasu, Kota Star, and Baling. In addition, there is a beautiful mount located in the coast, which can be seen by the sailors happened to come across the Indian Ocean.

The early establishment of Kedah State was largely influenced by the surrounding countries such as Funan State and non-neighboring Kingdoms such as Crivijaya. Its political institution and administration originated from the Hinduism and Buddhism of India. Both religions played important role in the shaping of Kedah`s commoners who embraced them.

The coming of Islam to the Kedah State, at last, brought about the political institution and administration. At the societal level, the conversion to Islam was a commonplace since the first Hijriyah. This historical fact is strengthened by the coming of Arabic merchant to the region. By the ninth and tenth centuries, some Chinese Muslims, accused of rebellion against the regime, had fled to the Kedah State, looking for the asylum. The rebellion, in 878 A.D, also involved many Arabian merchantmen. Another historical evidence is the tombstone in Tanjung Inggris, Langgar, which was found in 1962 A.D. The name of Sheikh Abdul Kadir Ibn Husin Shah Alam (sect), on the 29^th of Hijriyah (651 A.D.) or 290 A.H. (920 A.D.) was carved on the tombstone.

The Islamization of several kings in the Kedah State had transpired since the coming of Islam to the country. Many writers recorded the Islamization of the first king in the Kedah State as an important event signed the new era of the state. Two versions of who was the first King Islamized are recounted. According to al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah, the first king in the Kedah State, Seri Paduka Maharaja Durbar Raja, was Islamized by Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Ahmad al-Qaumiri in 531 A.H. (1136 A.D.). He was named with different name afterwards, Sultan Muzaffar Shah. Since then, The Kedah State was known as Darul Aman. Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa narrates different story. Sheikh Abdullah al-Yamani had ever been commanded by his teacher, Sheikh Abdullah Baghdad, to Islamize the king of Kedah, Raja Phra Ong Mahwangsa. Based on the story of Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, Sheikh Abdullah al-Yamani had ever been fixated by a devil during his journey to the Kedah State. The devil tempted the King Phra Ong Mahwangsa to take wine and drink it. However, Sheikh Abdullah al-Yamani could overcome the devil`s temptation. All of sudden, he was in front of the King Phra Ong Mahwangsa and directly asked him to convert to Islam. Phra Ong Mahwangsa changed his name to Sultan Muzaffar Shah after embracing Islam.

1. 2. The Period of Kedah Sultanate Establishment

There is no comprehensible evidence to depict the early establishment of Kedah Sultanate. Based on the traditional history of Kedah State, written in the period of Islam, the sultanate was formed as cultural acculturation of the outsiders` influences. Two big cultures, Arabic-Islam and Malay, were major dominant cultures. The palace`s writers intended to break the relationship with the Hinduism-Buddhism cultures of India, and opened the window to the Arabian-Islam cultures to enter the Kedah State. However, the cultural influences of Buddhism-Hinduism were still evident in the formation of Kedah State.

The references of the traditional history narrate us the existence of “Manusia Agung” (Great Man), who initiated the Kedah Sultanate. He was considered as the founding father and his successors were the legitimate heir to the state. However, many conflicts and civil wars, for various factors, transpired throughout the succession of rulers.

There are two main references supplying the information on the ancestors of the Sultan of Kedah: a 1928 compiled al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedan (ASNK) and Hikayat Merong Mahwangsa (HMM). Dato` Wan Shamsudin Mohammad Yusof (www.mykedah2.com) said, ASNK is the only reliable historical reference providing an insight into the origin of the Kedah rulers. Another reason for it is that ASNK was written by a native Malay namely Muhammad Hasan bin Dato` Kerani Muhammad Arshad. According to Dato` Wan Shamsudin Mohammad Yusof, HMM could not be accounted as the main reference of the genealogy of the Kedah Sultanate for several reasons. The main reason is that HMM is a “historiography” which has identical characteristics with the other literatures such as Hikayat Raja-raja Pasai, Sulalatus-Salatin or Sejarah Melayu (the History of Malay). The exact time and date, the factual evidences, and the logical timeline are not the focus of such literatures. Despite the differences, the history of Sultan`s ancestors will be explained in the next part.

Firstly, based on the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, the genealogy of Kedah`s Sultans are linked to the Rom`s ancestors. The founding father of the sultanate was Merong Mahawangsa who had ever defeated Maharaja Rom, and he then got married with Puteri Maharaja from China. Merong Mahawangsa, together with his entourage, had ever been ambushed by some pirates in the water areas of Kedah, making him drifted ashore. In the following time, he was appointed by the Kedah people as the king of Kedah.

Secondly, based on the al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah, the Kedah Sultanate originated from the Persian Kingdom, Gumarun. The founding father of Kedah Sultanate was Maharaja Durbar Raja who had ever escaped from Gumarun. They fled through the sea to the Kedah. The people of Kedah then appointed Maharaja Durbar as their king.

Besides the two versions mentioned earlier, there is another version that try to shed some light on the phenomenon of the “Manusia Agung”. It is Mustafa Tam (1962) who links the establishment of Kedah to the Dynasty of Maurya in India. Howewer, he doesn`t explain in detail about the origin of both countries.

2. The Sultans

Prior to listing the Sultans of Kedah, this section will reveal first the rulers of Kedah State, the seed of the Kedah Sultanate.

2. 1. The Kings of the Kedah State

The following part will explain the kings who had ever ruled the Kedah State, despite the insufficient data telling their tenures. Two books, al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah and Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, are the main references.

A. Based on the al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah, the kings of the Kedah State are below:

1. Maharaja Durbar Raja
2. Maharaja Druja Raja
3. Maharaja Maha Dewa
4. Maharaja Kerna Durja
5. Seri Paduka Maharaja Kerna
6. Seri Paduka Maharaja Dewa
7. Seri Paduka Maharaja Derma Raja
8. Seri Paduka Maharaja Maha Jiwa
9. Seri Paduka Maharaja Durbar Raja

B. Based on the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, the kings of the Kedah State are below:

1. Raja Merong Mahawangsa
2. Raja Merong Mahapudisat
3. Raja Seri Mahawangsa
4. Raja Seri Maha Inderawangsa
5. Raja Ong Maha Perita Deria
6. Raja Phra Ong Mahaputisat
7. Raja Phra Ong Mahawangsa

2. 2. The Sultans of the Kedah Sultanate

Like the Kings of Kedah State, there is a dissent on the Sultans. However, the difference lies only in the number. The number of Sultans ruling the Kedah Sultanate, according to Tuanku Fariddin Haji bin Tungku Mansor (1957), is 27 Sultans in total. According to Dato` Wan Shamsudin Mohd. Yusuf, there were 28 Sultans in total who had ever been crowned, including Tunku Dhiauddin Raja Muda Kayang as the Sultan, who was regarded as Pemangku Raja by Tuanku Fariddin Haji bin Tungku Mansor). The following are the 28 Sultans of Kedah:

1. The First Sultan al-Mudzaffar Shah (1136-1179 A.D.)
2. Sultan Mu`adzam Shah (1179-1201 A.D.)
3. Sultan Muhammad Shah (1204-1236 A.D.)
4. Sultan Mazzil Shah (1236-1280 A.D.)
5. The First Sultan Mahmud Shah (1280-1321 A.D.)
6. Sultan Ibrahim Shah (1321-1373 A.D.)
7. The First Sultan Sulaiman Shah (1373-1422 A.D.)
8. The First Sultan Ataullah Muhammad Shah (1422-1472 A.D.)
9. The First Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Azilin (1472-1506 A.D.)
10. The Second Sultan Mahmud Shah (1506-1546 A.D.)
11. The Second Sultan Mudzaffar Shah (1546-1602 A.D.)
12. The Second Sultan Sulaiman Shah (1602-1625 A.D.)
13. Sultan Rijaluddin Muhammad Shah (1625-1651 A.D.)
14. Sultan Muhyiddin Mansor Shah (1651-1661 A.D.)
15. Sultan Dziauddin Mukarram Shah (1661-1687 A.D.)
16. The Second Sultan Ataullah Muhammad Shah (1687-1687 A.D.)
17. The First Sultan Abdullah al-Mu`adzam Shah (1698-1706 A.D.)
18. The First Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah. He was the treasurer of the sultanate or the Pemangku Sultan (1706-1709 A.D.)
19. The Second Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Azilin Mu`adzam Shah (1710-1778 A.D.)
20. The Second Sultan Abdullah Mukarran Shah (1778-1797 A.D.)
21. Sultan Dziauddin (1797-1803 A.D.)
22. The Second Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah (1803-1843 A.D.)
23. Sultan Zainal Rashid al-Mu`adzam Shah (1843-1854 A.D.)
24. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah (1854-1879 A.D.)
25. Sultan Zainal Rashid al-Mu`adzam Shah (1879-1881 A.D.)
26. Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (1881-1943 A.D.)
27. Sultan Badlishah (1943-1958 A.D.)
28. Sultan Abdul Halim Mu`adzam Shah (1958-present)

3. The Sultanate Period

The Sultanate of Kedah has established since 1136 A.D. and still exists up to now, making it lasted for about nine centuries. The period of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram (1854-1879 A.D.) was very concerned on expanding the economic growth and infrastructure development, which still can be seen until now. One of Kedah`s Sultans, Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (1881-1943 A.D), made a unique approach to the development of Kedah. In the beginning of his rule, he made visits to some countries such as Thailand, India, Burma, and European countries. He argued, by knowing other political institutions and having insight into their economic system would help him understand the applicable system to build and strengthen his country at best.

4. The Sultanate Territory

Unlike the data on the contemporary era, only meager proportion of information tells us about the territory under the old Kedah Sultanate. The territory of contemporary Kedah Sultanate is 9,425 km² , divided into eleven districts: Baling (1529 km²), Bandar Bahru (269 km²), Kota Setar (665 km²), Kuala Muda (923 km²), Kubang Pasu (948 km²), Kulim (765 km²), Langkawi (467 km²), Padang Terap (1357 km²), Pendang (626 km²), Sik (1635 km²), and Yan (242 km²).

5. The Sultanate Structure

The political institution of Kedah Sultanate provided the Sultan with the absolute power and authority to run the government, with Adat Temenggung (customary law) and Shariah (Islamic Jurisprudence) as its basic references. Besides, four kanun (regulations) are adopted for the Sultan`s guideline. R.O Winstedt collected the manuscripts of the four kanun and named them respectively as Undang-undang Pelabuhan 1650, Kanun Tambera Dato` Paduka Tuan, Hukum Kanun Dato Kota Star, and kanun on palace. The last kanun specifically discusses about the way of the Sultan was crowned and how to ask for marriage.

Being responsible for the Sultanate administration, the Sultan was assisted by Pembesar Tradisional (literally means customary noblemen). They led the central and district territories. The second place after the Sultan was Raja Muda, who should not necessarily come from Sultan`s offspring. His position was the same as the contemporary vice president, responsible for the whole administration which had direct structure under the Sultan.

In the central government, the Pembesar Tradisional assumed important position such as treasurer, pembesar empat, pembesar lapan, pembesar enam belas, and pahlawan hulubalang (the commander in chief). The pembesar empat were Tumenggung (who was responsible for the domestic affairs), laksamana (who has responsible for the security in the water territory), penghulu bendahari (responsible for the financial affairs), and syahbandar (responsible for the security of harbor). In the period of the third Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin (1853-1879 A.D.), some positions were downsized to give much focus on the central position. In the period of Sultan Abdul Hamis, the position of the treasurer, minister, temenggung, and others were dismissed.

In the local government, the Sultan appointed some Pembesar Daerah (local noblemen) monitoring the administration of Lembah Sungai region. They were given mandate to run their regions by different systems, assisted by some local officials including community leaders. In 1905 A.D, the local government officials, later on known as pembesar jajahan and then pegawai negeri (civil servant), were modernized.

6. The Socio-Cultural Life

As the insufficient data on the old social structure and life of Kedah, only the contemporary socio-cultural life is presented below.

Kedah is densely populated by the Malayans, making it as the largest race settling in Kedah. The rest is placed by Chinese and Indian people. The census of population in 2003 revealed the inhabitants of Kedah: Malay (1,336,352), Chinese (252,987), Indian (122,911), non-citizens (35,293), and the others (27,532). Agricultural sector, industries, and civil servants are the main livelihoods of the majority of Kedah citizens.

(HQ/ter/ 99/03-08)

References:

• Mohd. Isa Othman, “Kesultanan Kedah: Salasilah dan Pemerintahannya”, in Prosiding Seminar Antarbangsa Kesultanan Melayu Nusantara: Sejarah dan Warisan, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, 8-11 of May, 2005.
• www.kedah.gov.my.
• www.mykedah2.com.
• www.ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejarah_Kedah.

Credit photo : www.asiaexplorers.com

CHINESE MATHEMATICS

1. The Chinese understand numbers. Very early they invented the computer - not the electronic one - but the abacus.

2. The abacus in the hands of experts can outrun the electronic calculator.

3. The ability to calculate fast contributes much to the skills in business. The brain deduces problems much faster.

4. Chinese expert demonstrated to me how pre-school children could be taught to mentally multiply or divide big figures almost instantaneously. They know how to use the abacus for quick calculations. When asked to add, subtract, multiply or divide, they mentally move the beads of the computer in their minds. That way they were able to almost immediately give the answers.

5. The professor told me that the children were ordinary children, It was his system of mental calculation which enabled them to perform.

6. I asked the Ministry of Education to use Prof Xu Si Zhong's method for our primary schools. I don't really know the results.

7. The Professor came to see me recently to introduce improvements he had made to his method. I must say that his new method is even better.

8. It strikes me that if someone were to invest a small sum of money to put up a classroom for pre-school children to be taught mathematics using this method, there might be parents interested to send their children for a few hours a week to learn. I think the children will enjoy learning mathematics and the use of the abacus.

9. I will be happy to put interested private kindergartens and primary schools in contact with Prof Xu Si Zhong.