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Sultan Mahmud Shah During Malacca's Heyday ๐Ÿ“— Sejarah Melayu Chapter 24

Youtube screengrab from movie Puteri Gunung Ledang

Chapter 24 of the Malay Annals is a long, wide ranging chapter chronicling episodes from the life of Sultan Mahmud Shah who ruled the Malacca Sultanate from 1488 till it fell to the Portuguese in 1511. Sultan Mahmud Shah's reign was an eventful one from ruling Malacca during its heyday to fighting the Portuguese to recover his lost kingdom till his death in 1528.

*I am studying the Malay Annals for insights into the roots of Malay cuisine.

Sultan Mahmud Shah was the younger son of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah (reign 1477 - 1488). Mahmud Shah became the king while still a child. He was ably guided by a loyal regent, prime minister (bendahara) Tun Perak and protected by warrior Hang Tuah.

This chapter covers the period when Malacca was the pre-eminent kingdom in the Malay world before the Portuguese showed up. It contains many insights into palace intrigue, relations with neighbouring kingdoms and everyday life (including pastimes like kite flying) in the sultanate at its height.

Sejarah Melayu compiled in Jawi by regent of Johor, Yang di-Pertuan Di Hilir Raja Abdullah in 1612, translated into English by Dr. John Leyden in 1821. The Malay Annals has 30 chapters.


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Original translation of Sejarah Melayu by Dr John Leyden


Chapter 24 of 30


THERE was a raja of Siak, named Sultan Ibrahim, who received an offence from a person whom he ordered to be put to death by one of his mantris named Tun Jana Pakibol. Sultan Alla ed din was informed that the raja of Siak had put a man to death without informing the raja of Malaca, and he dispatched the laksamana to investigate the fact at Siak. The laksamana arrived at Siak, and was conducted into the presence of the raja, with his master's letter, according to the custom of the olden time.   


After the letter was read, the laksamana turned aside to the Pradhana Mantri Tun Jana Pakibol, and said, "Is it true that you have put to death Tun Anu ?" "I have made bold to do so," said the other, "by the order of my sovereign, towards whom he was a traitor." 


Then the laksamana folded up his sleeve, and turning his back on the raja, he fronted Tun Jana Pakibol, pointing at him with his left hand, saying, "There is a man so unwise, that he is little better than an orang-utin, and who knows not how to demean himself in polite conversation. Is it true that you have killed a person without communicating the fact to Malaca, or do you think to make yourself independent in Siak here."   


Neither the Sultan nor any of his mantris or champions ventured to object a syllable, but all sat silent hanging their heads down. After this, the laksamana Hang Tuah asked permission to take his leave; and returned to Malaca, with a letter from the Siak Raja, where he related what had happened, to the great satisfaction of the raja.   


The letter of Siak ran in the following terms, "The elder brother, the raja of Siak, presents his homage to the Sri Paduca his younger brother, the raja of Malaca, and begs his pardon if any occasion of offence has occurred."The raja rewarded the laksamana nobly. Such was the custom of the ancient time, that neither in the land of Malaca, nor in any of the countries dependent on it, was any person permitted to be put to death without the raja being duly informed of it.   


Raja Menawer the son of Sultan Alla ed din, who had had the nobuts conferred upon him at Malaca, was made raja of Campar. When he received the nobuts, all the nobles attended except the bandahara. Sri Bija di Raja was ordered to conduct him to Campar, and inaugurate him under the title of Sultan Menawer Shah. He appointed as his bandahara, Sri Amir di Raja.   


[Death of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah]


In process of time Sultan Alla ed din Rayat Shah fell sick, and having summoned the bandahara, the Raja Muda and Paduca Tuan, and the bandahari, the temangung, and the laksamana; and being in all seven persons, and being supported on his couch by the female attendants, he declared it to be his wish that the Raja Muda should succeed him on the throne. They all declared their assent. He then desired his son, the Raja Muda, to be kind to his subjects, and patient at their offences, and to consult his mantris, nobles, and hulubulangs, on all important  occasions. He then departed this life, and was buried with all the state becoming a great Prince, and the Raja Muda succeeded him with the title of Sultan Mahmud Shah.   


At this time there were some persons who had transgressed against the Prince, but their faults were not very heavy. The Maha Raja however directed them to be put to death. The bandahara said, "Look at the carriage of the Maha Raja, how soon the young tiger learns to eat flesh; look to it, I say, gentles, for you are the persons that will be caught." At this time Sri Bija di Raja came from Singhapura, and the bandahara said to him, "Lordinge, by the desire of our deceased sovereign, this is the person appointed to succeed him." But he replied,"I cannot listen to any such testament."   


The raja was present, but looked down and said nothing, thinking that Sri Bija di Raja was displeased at his accession, and his hale was accordingly turned on Sri Bija di Raja. Sultan Mahmud however was seized with a diabetes, during which the bandahara Paduca Raja, and the laksamana, Hang Tuah, never quitted him for an instant, and when the Prince wanted food, the bandahara furnished it him with his own hands ; and the laksamana attended him at all his needs, till at last the raja began to mend, and to take a little food, and get rest. At last, however, he ventured to eat rice and milk, when his distemper returned with greater violence than ever. The bandahara and laksamana again returned, and found his attendants ready to commence their funeral lamentations. They however forbade them.   


Sultan Mahmud had a grandfather alive, named Raja Tuah, who was greatly attached to Raja Menawer, who had been installed in Campar, and wished him to be Sultan of Malaca, and he was displeased at the elevation of Sultan Mahmud, and prayed for his speedy death. When Raja Tuah heard of the severe sickness of Sultan Mahmud, he came to join the mourners in great haste, with his hair all flying loose, pretending to be greatly attached to him, but he thought, "I will turn him on his face, squeeze his throat and put an end to him."   


When he arrived, however, the bandahara and laksamana were in attendance on the Prince, who would not suffer him to approach. "Why," said he, "would you hinder me from visiting my grandson. Is not my grandson severely sick, and why should I be hindered from seeing him." They said to him,  "If you insist any further on it, we will certainly amok it;" at the same time grasping their creeses. "If that is the case," said Raja Tuah, "There is no doubt that the Malays have some treason afoot against the Prince." They answered, "There is no doubt of treason; if you insist any further on this point, I will only amok, that is all."   



On this Raja Tuah went off and returned to his house. By the attention of the bandahara and laksamana, and because his appointed time was not yet expired, the Prince recovered. On his recovery he conferred a palankeen, (usungan,) on the bandahara, and also on the laksamana Hang Tuah, and desired them to mount these palankeens whenever they wanted to go to any place. The laksamana Hang Tuah used it accordingly, and had it carried by his own relations.   


The bandahara Paduca Raja, however, had his carried to his house, and wrapt it up in yellow cloth, and had it hung up in the presence of all, in his sitting chamber. His relations then enquired why he made no other use of his present, when the laksamana used his continually, and see how fine it appears to every one. But the bandahara said, "Pray, now, are you silly fellows, or am I, when the laksamana there goes in his palankeen, all who see, ask ' whose conveyance is that.' People answer, 'the laksamana's.' They say, ' is he a great man?' 'yes, that he is;' ' is there any body greater?' 'that there is,' the answer; now, were I to follow this advice, I would become the subject of such talk.  


The raja is still a boy, and the laksamana besides, is only carried by his own family, who accompany him on all occasions. Now if I were to use my palankeen, you would also have to carry it, and attend me, and if the raja were also going in his palankeen, pray where would be the difference between me and the raja, and where would be the superiority of the raja?"   


Then all his family remained silent; whenever the bandahara found any excellent arms or prahus, he would present them to the laksamana Hang Tuah. As for the laksamana, whenever he saw any fine weapons in the possession of  the bandahara, whether creese, sword, or spear, he would come to the bandahara and ask a sight of it. " That I shall not, laksamana," would the other answer, " or I am sure I should never see it again." Then the laksamana would say, "if you won't give it me of your own accord, do you think me to be so mad as to take it?" Then the bandahara would point it out to him, when the laksamana would directly carry it off and never return it.   


Such were the terms on which they were, and so they long and constantly continued; for the bandahara was quite fond of Hang Tuah. All the family of the bandahara would protest that the datok was grown silly. Whatever arms or prahus came to hand of good quality, all of them go to the laksamana, and not one of them to us, nor can we get one of them back from him." Are you the silly fellows, or me," said the bandahara. "If I get a fine elephant or a horse, or any furniture of gold or silver, or any fine stuff for cloaths; you are all pressing for it as much as you can ; and if I won't give it to you, I should be very silly indeed in your estimation; seeing, that when I die, all that will devolve to you.   


As for weapons, however, creeses, spears, &c. how should you  know any thing about it; but as for the laksamana, is he not a brave champion, and both stout and stalwart? Is not he the man to fight stoutly whenever an enemy makes his appearance? That is the reason that I give him all the weapons I can find, which are excellent, that he may bulwark us all. Besides, is he not our raja's champion, and consequently our own champion?"   


[Death of Tun Perak]


In a short time the bandahara Paduca Raja fell sick, for he was now an old man, and all his family who were at the distance of one or two days' journey assembled, and all his grand-children and great-grand-children, and he announced unto them his will. "Listen all of you," said he, "let none of you truck religion for the world, for this world is not perpetual, for all that live have to die; but be steady in the practice of piety towards Almighty God. The learned say, that a just Prince is like a prophet of God, and is the representative of God in the world; and when you perform your duty to the raja, you are to do it faithfully, as if before God Almighty, for such is the command of God and his holy prophet; and this I desire all of you to consider as my last testament."   


He then looked to Sri Maha Raja, and said, "Mutaher, you will be a great man, but do not hope to be father of the raja's brother, or else you are sure to be slain."Then he addressed his eldest son, Zein al Abedin, saying, "Ha! Abe-din, if you will not do the business of the raja properly, you had better take up your residence in the wood, and fill your belly with leaves." He also said to his grandson, Tun Pawa, exhorting him "not to take up his residence in the town, but in the country, and the plants and vegetables of the country would be gold for him." He then said to his great-grandson Tun Yusef, "O Yusef, haunt not the raja's court; this is my last injunction to you." Such were the last injunctions of the bandahara Paduca  Raja to all his family, addressing them all severally, according to what was proper for them.   


The Sultan, Mahmud, when he heard that the bandahara was very sick, came, to visit him, and the bandahara saluted him, and told him, "he fancied he was upon the eve of quitting this world, and that he was about to enter on the future world. Therefore," says he, "I commit my whole family over to your charge, and I request you not to listen to the words of persons who are false, or you will be sure to repent of it, if you follow your own inclinations, which are apt to be influenced  by the seductions of Satan. Many are the great and powerful rajas who have ruined their affairs by following their inclinations."   


After this he departed to God's mercy, and was buried according to the custom of bandaharas, and Tun Parapati Puti, his brother, succeeded him in his office, and people termed him the White Bandahara. He would order his taper to be changed whenever it was burnt to the length of a span, and have afresh one. By the time that  Sultan Mahmud was of age, he was acquainted with the rules of government of all the celebrated rajas. His carriage and port were unequalled in these days, in point of strength and courage ; so that if he wore a couple of Malaca creeses, each of the length of two spans and a half, they could hardly be perceived, notwithstanding their length.   


Sultan Mahmud married the daughter of Sultan Mahmud of Pahang, and begat three children; the eldest was a son named Raja Ahmed, the second a daughter, and the youngest was Raja Muda. The chief of the elephants, named Sri Rama, died, leaving two sons, named Sri Nata, and Aria Nata. Aria Nata begot Tun Biajita Itam, and Tun Madat; Tun Madat begot Tun Anjang.   


[Sultan Mahmud Shah and Tun Biajita]


It happened on a certain time, that Sultan Mahmud Shah was amusing himself with the wife of Tun Biajata, who was the daughter of the laksamana Hang Tuah. At this time Tun Biajata was not at home, but had gone to Marib, which was under his command. The Prince had gone to the house of Tun Biajata, and about morning he was going to his palace, when he met Tun Biajata at the door, who had just returned from Marib, accompanied with all his men; Tun Biajata perceived that he had done amiss with his wife. He considered, "I may now certainly kill the Sultan, but it will be a grievous sin, for it is not the custom of a Malay to rebel against his lord."   


While he reflected in this manner, he kept balancing his spear in his  hand. "Sultan Mahmud," said he, " is that an action worthy of a sovereign? Fy on such conduct of a master towards a servant! Were it not a master who has acted so vilely towards his servant, assuredly this spear had directly pierced his breast." When the raja's companions heard this address, they were irritated, and wanted to stab Tun Biajita. The Prince however said, "be not in a passion,"what is said is just, and no fault. It is I alone that am in fault; and as to what regards right, it is I that deserve to be slain ; but as he is a true Malay, he will do no treason to his lord." The Prince returned to his palace, and Tun Biajita divorced his wife, and would neither go to present himself before the raja, nor would he condescend to bear any office of state.   


Several times the Prince sent for him, but he refused to come, till one day, being pressed with great instance, he went to the raja, who said to him, "Take to your wife this concubine of mine." Now it happened that this was the favourite mistress of the raja, and named Tun Iram Sundari, and her form was exceedingly beautiful. Seeing no better resource, Tun Biajita took her, but only intreated her as his concubine. Nevertheless he still would not go to court on public occasions.   


[Sultan Mahmud Shah Entrusted Tun Isup to Kill Tun Ali]


It happened also one night, that the Sultan went to the house of a lady named Tun Divi, where he found Tun Ali there before him; on which he immediately returned, when he beheld Tun Isup coming up behind him; he presented Tun Isup with betel, and Tun Isup thought what can be the meaning of this favour; and he concluded that it must have been his purpose to induce him to kill Tun Ali; for in the ancient times, betel presented from the raja's betel-box, was esteemed a peculiar favour, and not presented to every body; and whenever it was presented, it was considered as a mark of peculiar favour, and as a sign that there was some object which the raja had particularly in view.   


In this idea, Tun Isup returned to the house of Tun Divi, and went up and stabbed Tun Ali where he was sitting, piercing him through the breast, so that he directly expired. When Tun Ali was dead, Tun Isup returned to the Sultan, and informed him that Tun Ali was slain. There also arose a loud hubbub, that Tun Ali was murdered by Tun Isup. Sri Dewa Raja, the youngest son of the bandahara Paduca  Raja, was soon informed of the fact, for Tun Ali was his relation, and he was enraged, and ordered his people to lie in wait to kill the murderer, but Tun Isup had not courage to venture out. The Prince was informed of this fact, and desired Tun Isup to make his escape, and accordingly he fled to Pasei.   


When he came to Pasei, Tun Isup did not wish to pay his respects to the raja of Pasei, saying, "Si Isup could do homage to no one but the raja of Malaca." From Pasei, he went to Haru, and there too he refused to pay his respects to the raja of Haru. After some time he sailed to Burnei, where the raja of Burnei gave him his daughter in marriage, and his posterity have long been and still continue at Burnei, and thus many of his posterity at Burnei, have borne the office of datok moar. But it was his constant saying, "that Isup was born at Malaca, and at Malaca, he will also die."   


[Sri Dewa Raja Avenges Tun Ali]


After being a long while at Burnei, God Almighty impelled him to return to Malaca, and he set sail with the monsoon. As soon as he returned to Malaca, he waited on the raja, who feasted him in the most sumptuous manner, and the raja embraced him and kissed his head. He then ordered them to bind his hands with his turban, and conduct him to Sri Dewa Raja, thinking that as he had sent him bound in this manner, and put him into his hands, possibly he would not kill him.   


It happened that Sri Dewa Raja was looking from his elephant, when he beheld a servant of the raja bringing Tun Isup. The servant said His Majesty has sent me to bring Tun Isup to the datok Sri Dewa Raja, and if he is guilty of any fault towards your highness, His Majesty entreats you to pardon him. But as soon as Sri Dewa  Raja looked on Tun Isup, he hastily smote him on the head with the elephant hook, so that it penetrated into the brain, and he immediately expired. Then the servant returned to the raja, and informed him how Tun Isup had perished, but the raja said nothing on the subject, but he was vexed, for he did not think that Sri Dewa Raja would have slain him.   


For at this time there were four persons of whom the raja was extremely fond. The first of these was Sriwa Raja, the second was Tun Omar, the third Hang Isi, the fourth Hang Husain Janga, and whatever any of these four wanted, the raja assented to it; and if they killed any body, the raja immediately forgave them. It happened on a day that the Prince was sitting, and all the mantris and hulubalangs in his presence, and the Prince desired these four persons to ask of him whatever they desired.   


The first that presented himself was Sriwa Raja, who said, "If Your Majesty honours me with your favour, please to appoint me panglema-gaja, or master of the elephants," for Sriwa Raja was extremely fond of elephants. The Prince said "Very well, but Sri Rama occupies that office, and how can I displace him without any fault; nevertheless, if he die, assuredly Sriwa Raja shall be his successor."   


The next that presented himself was Tun Omar, who requested if the raja had any affection for him, to be appointed raja of the sea.  "Verily," said the Sultan, "but that station is occupied by the laksamana, and how can I displace him, when he is devoid of  fault. Should he die, however, assuredly Tun Omar shall have his appointment."   


When Hang Isi and Hang Husain came to pay their respects, they both stood silent for an instant, as if reflecting; and the raja said, "Why are Isi and Husain silent, that they do not pay their respects?" Hang Isi quickly replied, "that he requested, if the raja had any favour for him, that he would bestow on him two or three cati of gold, and two or three bundles of cloth;" the raja immediately granted his request. 


Then Hang Husain Jang advanced, and requested "if the raja had any regard for him, to present him with twelve or thirteen female buffaloes, that were mothers, with two or three slaves." The Prince immediately granted his request.   


Whenever the raja went to amuse himself on the water, he was sure to call Sriwa Raja, and wait for him. When the raja's servant went to call him, he would find him stretched on his carpet, and he would declare that he was sleepy. When the raja's servant would desire him to come quickly for His Majesty was waiting, then he would start up and go to make water, and perhaps bathe also. Then when the raja's servant would hasten him, then he had to dress himself three or four times over before he could please himself, and when all this was over, then he would get as far as the door, and immediately return to find his wife, and desire her to examine what was wrong or wanting in his dress. Then his wife would examine his dress, and if any thing was wrong, it had all to be changed again.   


When all was right, then he would proceed to the raja's presence. And this happened very frequently. When the  raja wanted him to come very quick, he would send Tun Isup Baracuh, Or the rattler, to call him. Then Tun Isup Baracuh would come and say,"Lordinge, you are ordered to be called." "Very well," would Sri Raja say. Then Tun Isup would ask for a mat and pillow, for he knew the sauntering disposition of Sriwa Raja, and that he was always reposing when the raja wanted him in haste.   


Then Tun Isup would say, "Lordinge, I am very hungry," then they would give him rice; as soon as he had done, he would call out, "Lordinge, I want to eat judda or sweet-meats." Then Sriwa Raja would give him sweet-meats. And this was his constant practice whenever he was sent to call Sriwa Raja. Therefore, whenever Tun Isup came to call him, Sriwa Raja would call to his wife to give him his cloaths quickly for he could not stand the demands and requests of Tun Isup. Such was the temper and conduct of Sriwa Raja; and yet it was generally approved by the raja.   

Sriwa Raja wished to marry the daughter of Kazi Menawer, the grandson of Moulana Yusef, and the Prince was at the expence of the feast, which continued for seven days and nights, and he went in procession on an elephant of the raja's named Belidi Mani. Tun Abdul Kerim, the son of Kazi Menawer, mounted on the elephant's head; Tun Zein al Abedin on one side of the howder, and Sri Udana behind. Kazi Menawer stood ready at the paling of his enclosure, and exhibited a multitude of fire-works ; with crackers and fire-pots; with lanthorns, gongs, drums, and dancers, and sword-players of every description. Then the gate of the outer court was shut, and the kazi said, " Sriwa Raja shall have my daughter, if he can force this enclosure, and if he cannot effect his entrance, I will lose all my expence."   


Next morning Sriwa Raja came with all his people; and as soon as he drew near the enclosure, Kazi Menawer ordered them to light up all his fireworks and fire-pots, and crackers and lanthorns, and raise a loud clamour, by shouting  and beating their instruments. Accordingly they raised such a blaze and clamour, that the elephant Belidi Mani took fright, and fled; and vain were all Tun Abdul Kerim's efforts to stop it.   


When Sriwa Raja saw this, he said, "Excuse me, elder brother, excuse me; come back, and let me mount his neck." Tun Abdul Kerim gave place, and Sriwa Raja placed himself on the neck, and soon turned the elephant, and advanced to the gate of Kazi Menawer, and immediately forced the gate of the outer court, in spite of all the shouting, fireworks, and crackers, and entered in directly; so that every one was astonished to observe the skill of Sriwa Raja, in managing an elephant adroitly. He immediately approached the hall of Kazi Menawer, and sprung upon the dais, and married the kazi's daughter, in the presence of Sultan Mahmud; and after a fine entertainment, the guests all dispersed.   



This Kazi Menawer was also well skilled in playing at the pellet-bow, balaw, which he had learned of the Moloco Raja; and had a kisi-kisi, or circle of pins, in the place where he sat with his scholars, and he would ask his scholars how many pins he should strike from the kisi-kisi. If they said two, he would strike two, if three, he would strike three; or as many as they mentioned. He constantly kept his balaw by him, and practised it. He had two or three spitting-pots hung up without the kisi-kisi; and when rincing his mouth within the kisi-kisi, he could spirt it into all the three pitchers at once, without scattering it.                 


Sriwa Raja had a son named Tun Omar, surnamed Sri Patan, but generally denominated Datok Remba. Sriwa Raja was extremely skilled in horses, and he had a white horse, the colour of which was extremely white, of which he was very fond, and which he was accustomed to stall in an upper apartment of the gallery of his house, for which it was appropriated. In the evenings, when it was moonlight, the gallants would come and borrow this horse to amuse themselves with coursing him, and he would lend him. After one or two courses, however, the horse would return to his master's house of his own accord.   


Among the rest, came Tun Isup Baracuh to borrow the horse, and he wished to amuse himself as long as he was inclined. After one or two turns, however, the horse returned with him. "Why have you returned already from your pastime ?" said Sriwa Raja. "Gentle," said Tun Isup, " I am vastly hungry." Sriwa Raja ordered him victuals. 


After eating, said he, "I want a little more pastime." "Very well," said he, "take him as often as you please." The horse again took a turn or two, and then wished to return ; which he did accordingly. As soon as Tun Isup returned, he called a servant, and said, "Is your master at home, tell him I am hungry, and request him to let me have some sweetmeats ?"   


Then Sri-wa Raja ordered the lad, whenever the horse returned in this way, to shut him out, and tell Tun Isup that he might take him whenever he pleased. After this, Tun Isup took his pastime till he was satisfied; and the horse did not make a practice of returning with him. Every body was surprised at this, and that Tun Isup had taught the horse to have sense like a man; and the circumstance was much celebrated.   


At this time, there came a Pantun poet, who was famous for his skill in horsemanship ; and Sultan Mahmud ordered him to be carried to Sriwa Raja; who asked if he was skilled in horsemanship, to which he answered that he was. "Mount this horse then," said he; the poet mounted, and made him move a little. Sriwa Raja said, "Why do not you whip him a little ?"   


The poet applied the whip, but not with force; but as soon as he felt the whip, he bolted off, and rushed in under the house, while the poet saved himself by throwing himself on the ground, and rolling away. "He ! he !" said Sriwa Raja, "what is the matter with the poet ?" But the poet made no reply, for shame. Then Sriwa Raja called his son, and said, "Omar! Omar! mount this horse." Tun Omar quickly mounted him. "Whip him, Omar!" said Sriwa Raja. He did so, and the horse went off at a regular gallop, and continued it equally. Every body was surprised at the proceeding of the animal.   


This Tun Omar was a great favourite with Sultan Mahmud Shah. With respect to the son of Sri Bija di Raja, he was called Hunch-back, but was very brave and valiant; and had been so instructed by his guru, that the weapons of the enemy could not touch him. This circumstance made Tun Omar often talk very foolishly and boastfully; but in truth the other had no match for him.   


As for Hang Isi Pantus, or the Quick, he was very quick, and clever in disposition. In the river of Malaca, there  was a bar fixed, which was round, and floating on the surface, and nobody could cross on it; for it was apt to sink beneath the surface. Hang Isi the Quick would cross this bar, and though, when he planted his right foot, it moved to the left, and when he planted his left, it moved to the right, yet did he in this manner pass over to the other side, without so much as wetting the upper surface of his foot, though any body else would sink to the leg.   


[Kite Flying in Malacca]


It happened on a time, in the season of paper kites, that every body was flying their paper kites ; all the headmen’s sons, and all the young gentles, were amusing themselves with kites of every description; and Raja Ahmed, the son of Sultan Mahmud, also came to divert himself, and flew a huge kite, as big as a cajang,  (or tent folding screen,) with a rope as thick and stout as a drag line. Many kites were flying when he set up his kite, but they all took them down as fast as possible; for as soon as the string grated any of the other strings, it instantly severed them, and cut all that entangled themselves with it.   


Hang Isi was likewise flying a small  kite with a thin line of only three threads but it was smeared with a paste of pounded glass, and he did not take down his kite. Then Raja Ahmed's kite approached that of Hang Isi, and the lines grated each other, the one having the thick line, and the other the thin glazed one, when Raja Ahmed's line was cut, and floated over the other side of the river.   


As for Hang Husain Jang, he married the daughter of Hang Auseh; and at his marriage he eat rice with the bride, and the old people brought it, and fed them three times. But when they took up the rice, and wanted to carry it in, Hang Husain Jang laid hold of it, and held it fast, declaring, that he must eat his fill, and he immediately eat up his own share. "What," said  he, "shan't I have my victuals, after being at all this expence?" And all the young ladies present, when they observed Hang Husain Jang's humour, giggled and laughed.   


This monsoon the raja stationed Sri Bija di Raja at Singhapura ; and it happened on the solemn festival that he did not arrive in time to present himself at court. The raja was enraged, and said, "Pray what was the reason that Sri Bija di Raja did not come to attend us as he ought, does he not know the laws and customs?" He replied, "It is true, I have been too late, but I did not think the festival would fall on that day; but I request you to pardon me."  "No," says the raja; "the reason of your conduct is, that you are disaffected towards me, and inclined to my brother at Campar."   


The raja ordered him to be put to death, but when the executioners came to him, he protested against the execution of the sentence, affirming, "that though he had been in fault, yet it was but trifling, and did not deserve death." The raja was informed of this, and sent him a letter, in which he explained his offences to be of four or five descriptions; upon which he submitted to death without further opposition; and was succeeded by Sang Satia, who was surnamed Datok Tabonko, the hunch-backed lord, and who had the government of Singhapura accordingly.   


[Sultan Mahmud Shah Studies Islam under Moulana Yusef] 


It happened one day that Sultan Mahmud took the resolution of going to the house of Moulana Yusef, in order to learn his book from him. Now Moulana Yusef was a great stickler for ceremony, and when any of the young gentry flew their kites over his house, he would get upon the roof and cut the lines; and he would order his people to throw hooks at the lines, and cut them, and tear the kites to shreds; and he would say, "How came you to play your tricks over my house, and show me such impertinence?" Such was the temper of Kazi Yusef, the father of Kazi Menawer.   


When, therefore, he saw Sultan Mahmud coming with his elephant, and all the champions accompanying him, straight to his house, as soon as His Majesty reached the gate of the outer fence, the kazi ordered the gate to be shut, and said, " What brings His Majesty to the house of this poor fakir, here is no place for great men; if tomorrow, however, a fakir should wait on me, I shall certainly receive him, as it is becoming one fakir to receive another?" This speech of Moulana Yusef was related to the Sultan, who returned to his palace.   


The next day the raja proceeded to the kazi's house, taking his betel box in his hand, and when he arrived, he desired the porter at the gate to inform his master, that the fakir Mahmud was come, and wished to meet him. The porter carried the message, and told the kazi that the fakir Mahmud was without the gate, waiting to see him. "Open the gate and let him come in then," said the kazi. Then the Prince entered and took his hand and saluted him, and said, "to see you as one fakir another." Then the Prince sat down and read the book "Mahimat," and thus he did every day.   


After some time the Sultan dispatched Paduca Tuan to attack the country of Manjong.  Manjong was formerly a great country, and was not on friendly terms with Bruas. Paduca Tuan proceeded to Manjong with ten vessels, and attacked it; and in a short time, by the assistance of God, he conquered it. After this Paduca Tuan proceeded to Bruas, and the raja of Bruas received him with the highest demonstrations of respect.   


After some time Paduca Tuan accomplished a marriage between his grandson, Tun Isup Baracuh and Putri Siti, the sister of the raja of Bruas, of whom was born Tun Viajet, surnamed bandahara Sri Maha Raja, who is commonly called the bandahara  of Johor. This person married Tun Muma. It is he who was the old bandahara of Johor; and it is he who was originally appointed raja over Perak, under the title of Sultan Muzafer Shah. He married the Princess of Perak, and begot Sultan Mansur, who reigns at present.   


Then Paduca Tuan returned to Malaca, attended by the raja of Bruas; and the Prince was highly pleased to learn the conquest of Perak, and presented both Paduca Tuan and the raja of Bruas with dresses of honour becoming their rank, and caused the latter to be honoured with one beat of the nobuts, and gave him the title of Aria  -------, and delivered up Manjong to him, for which he did homage to Malaca.   


After some time the Prince ordered Sri Maha Raja, to attack Calantan. At that time the country of Calantan was much more powerful than that of Patani, and the name of the raja was Sultan Mansur Shah, who was the brother's son of Sultan Secander Shah, and who refused to do homage to Malaca. He derived his extraction from Raja Cholen. Then Sri Maha Raja arrived at Calantan, and forthwith commenced the war.   


A fierce battle ensued, in which the combatants mutually amoked against each other, and many perished on both sides. As the Calantan men were not much versed in the use of fire-arms, they had the worst of it, and gave way, and their fortress was mastered by the Malaca men. 


The Calantan raja had four children, three daughters and a son. The son escaped, but all the daughters were taken. The one of these was named Onang-kanung, another Chaw-fa, and the other Chaw-buak.  The name of the son was Raja Gambau. The three daughters were carried to Malaca, and presented to Sultan Mahmud Shah, who was highly gratified, and bestowed many dresses of honour on Sri Maha Raja, and those who accompanied him. The Sultan espoused the eldest of the Princesses of Calantan, by whom he had three children, the eldest was named Raja Maha, the second -------, and the youngest, who was a daughter, Raja Devi.   


On a certain time the white bandahara said to the Prince, "My elder brother, Paduca Raja, was sent out to Siam, and was ordered to attack Pasei; and on another occasion to attack Pahang, but since I have been appointed bandahara, I have not had it in my power to lay a finger on business of any kind. My brother's son has been sent against Manjong; my brother's son has been sent against Calantan, but not a single matter of importance has been entrusted to me." Every person present declared the datok's representation to be true.   


This was the bandahari, who, if there was a span's length of a taper remaining, would say "it is a mere candle's end, not fit to be used ;" and if a mat was a little worn, who would say, "this mat is spoiled, let it be changed."   


It is related that Sultan Menawer of Campar died, and was succeeded by his son Raja Abdallah. This Prince proceeded to Malaca, and espoused the daughter of Sultan Mahmud, who honoured him with the nobut, and sent him back to Campar in an honourable manner. After some time the white bandahara died, and all the able men were assembled for the purpose of choosing another bandahara.   

[Tun Mutahir Appointed Bandahara]


There were nine who presented themselves for candidates in the court of the raja's palace. The first was Paduca Tuan, the second Tun Zein al Abidin, the third Tun TaJani, the fourth Sri Nara di Raja, the fifth Sri Maha Raja, the sixth Sriwa Raja, the seventh Tun Abusaid, the eighth Tun Abdul, and the ninth Tun Vijaya Maha Mantri. All these stood in a line.


Then said the Sultan, "Who of you, gentles, is fit to become bandahara?" Paduca Tuan replied, "All these are fit to be bandaharas, but he will become so whom Your Majesty chooses." Then the King's mother stood behind the door, and peeped out, and said, "Pa-Mutaher, (Mutaher's father,) is proper to be bandahara, for he is greatly devoted to his brother." The raja then said, "Let Pa-Mutaher be bandahara." Then all the rest assented that Sri Maha Raja should be bandahara, and he accordingly received from the Prince an honorary dress befitting the rank of bandahara. 


It was the custom of the ancient time at the appointment of the bandahara, or bandahari, or temangung, or any other mantri, to invest him with a creese and a robe of Cyclat, while to a bandahari, there was also given a betel-pounder and ink-holder.   


After Sri Maha Raja became bandahara, the land of Malaca became still more populous than ever, for he was extremely just and equitable in the protection of all strangers. It was the custom for all the ships  above the wind, when they wanted to lift their anchor, the malim had to give the parting cheer, and then all the crew would join in exclaiming; "Prosperity to the port of Malaca, to its plantains, paddy, water, and hill, and also to the bandahara Sri Maha Raja;" and all the seamen stood up and shouted in chorus, after which they would immediately hoist their sails.   


This bandahara was 'prouder than any of the former bandaharas, and if any one waited on him, he would sit still on his open carpet. If Raja -------- visited him, he would not rise, but only give him his hand. However, if the raja of Pahang came to see him, he would stand up, and give the raja his place, after which, he would place him by his side.   


The bandahara Sri Maha Raja had a great many children. The eldest was named Tun Hasan who was very handsome, and succeeded his father in the office of temangung. It was the office of the temangung to arrange all the guests at table in the public hall, and his peculiar dress was a long cloth hanging down before, with a flowing robe over the shoulder, and a turban of various colours, with a posey of flowers arranged one on another, in the manner termed guba, in his hair, partly standing erect and partly hanging down; and it was his place to walk on the naga-naga, or circular ledge of the hall, pointing to the right or left with his fan, which he flourished like a skilful fencer.   


The first of the Malays who lengthened the skirts of the Malay baju or coat, and wore large and long sleeves. Formerly the Malay baju was both short and straight. For this reason he was celebrated in pantuns, as requiring four cubits of cloth for his baju. As for the bandahara Sri Maha Raja, he was extremely handsome, and he would change his four or five times in a day. Of how many sorts of colours had he his coats and turbans, and what a number of each colour, so that they might be numbered by tens! Some of his turbans he always kept ready rolled, and others he did not. Some of his coats were half-sewed, others nearly completed, and others again only cut ready for sewing.   


As for his mirrors, he had one as large as himself standing upright, and when he wanted to put on his coat or turban, he dressed himself by this, and then he would ask his wife" does this baju suit this turban," and then he would follow her advice exactly. After he had dressed, he would next go mount the swing. Such was the habit of the bandahara Sri Maha Raja, to whom in these times there was no peer.   


One day he was sitting in a large party, and he asked them all, "Who is the handsomest, I or Hasan there?" They all answered, "You are superior to Hasan." He said, "Quite wrong, for I see in the mirror that Hasan here is the best looking of the two, as being the younger man; to be sure I look rather the most pleasant." Then all assented to the datok's observation. It is related that this bandahara was the father of the bandahara Sacudi, who was the father of Tun Ahmed.   


[ Prince of Surabaya Kidnaps Daughter of  Sri Nara di Raja]


Now it happened on a time, that the pangeran of Surabaya, named Para Pati Adem, came to Malaca, and was presented to Sultan Mahmud, who gave him a very gracious reception, and seated him along with his chief mantris. It happened one day that Para Pati Adem was sitting in the balei or hall of Sri Nara di Raja, when Tun Manda, his daughter, was present, who had just begun to run about. She ran up to Sri Nara di Raja, and he said to Para Pati Adem, "Do you hear what my daughter says, she wants to marry you." "Be it so," said Para Pati Adem.   


When the season arrived, Para Pati Adem asked leave of Sultan Mahmud to take his departure, and was presented with an honorary dress befitting his rank. Then Para Pati Adem purchased a young girl of the same age and stature as Tun Manda, at Malaca, and carried her back with him to Java, where he caused her to be properly tended, and she became a very acute woman, slow to speak and quick to act. When she reached maturity, he gave her a husband.   


After this he prepared to return to Malaca, selecting forty choice and noble youths to accompany him, and preparing a great retinue. When he arrived at Malaca, Para Pati Adem presented himself before Sri Nara di Raja declaring that he had come to carry into effect the engagement between them, and to marry his daughter. Sri Nara di Raja said "he had never made him any promise." On this Para Pati Adem reminded him of their former conversation. "True," said Sri Nara di  Raja, "I recollect using the words, but it was only in joke." "What," said the other,  "Is it the custom here to joke upon the subject of a person's daughter?" Sri Nara di Raja was silent, and Para Pati Adem retired to his house, determining to carry off Tun Manda by force.   


Tun Manda was now grown up, and resided in a house by herself, given her by her father; and Para Pati Adem gave gold to all the keepers of the gates, in order to allow him and his forty select companions to enter into the lady's house at night; and thus he corrupted their fidelity; for, as the great Ali says, "It is needless to expect fidelity unless  from persons of good character."   


On a certain night, as had been concerted, Para Pati Adem with his forty choice companions, entered into the house of Tun Manda, who wanted to fly, but the Para Pati Adem seized her. A hubbub quickly arose, and the matter was reported to Sri Nara di Raja, who was terribly enraged, and ordered the place to be instantly surrounded by numbers. The place was quickly surrounded, but Para Pati Adem never suffered Tun Manda to quit his arms; but taking his plaid, he bound it fast around both their waists, and drawing his creese he steadily fixed his look on Tun Manda. The crowd who had surrounded the place, closed quickly in, and all the forty select young gentles were slain by the surrounding crowd.   


This was reported to Para Pati Adem, who said, "Very well, you may kill me too, but Tun Manda shall attend me in death." The crowd entered, and seeing that he had locked Tun Manda in the embrace of his limbs, and hearing his purpose, they reported it to Sri Nara di Raja, who desired them not to attack Para Pati Adem, for fear of the consequences to his daughter. For, says he, "If any thing should befal my daughter, what would it avail me if all Java should perish." Then all the people who had assembled, returned to their several homes; and all the great men came and advised with Sri Nara di Raja, and they married Tun Manda to Para Pati Adem, who, as long as he remained in Malaca, never went a foot from Tun Manda.   


When the monsoon for returning arrived, Para Pati Adem asked leave of Sri Nara di Raja to return with his wife to Surabaya; to which he consented. Tun Manda soon bore him a son named Pati Husain, who was the grandfather of the pangeran of Surabaya, who run amok.




Written by Tony Boey on 26 Jun 2021

References:

Image of pallet bow courtesy of Wikipedia. Image of palankeen courtesy of Wikipedia.

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