A romanized version of the Hikayat Raja-Raja Pasai
J. P. Mead published this romanized transcription in 1914 within the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, based on a manuscript formerly owned by Sir Stamford Raffles. The text serves as a foundational chronicle detailing the dynastic origins, Islamic conversion, and eventual political collapse of the Pasai Sultanate in Sumatra.
Summary
The narrative begins with the legendary founding of the region by two brothers, Raja Ahmad and Raja Mohammad, who establish kingdoms in Sëmërlanga and Balek Rimba respectively (p. 1). The story traces the lineage through miraculous births, including Puteri Bëtong found in bamboo and Mërah Gajah found on an elephant’s head, which culminates in a tragic feud where Mërah Gajah is killed by his father-in-law for plucking a hair from Puteri Bëtong (p. 4-5). Following the death of both founding brothers, their sons Mërah Silu and Mërah Hasum flee to establish new settlements, with Mërah Silu eventually founding the kingdom of Sëmudëra (Pasai) (p. 9-10).
The chronicle details the pivotal conversion of Mërah Silu to Islam through the arrival of Shaikh Ismail from Mecca, who brings royal regalia and teaches the Shahadat, transforming Sëmudëra into Daru’l-Islam (p. 10-12). Subsequent sections describe the expansion of the sultanate, including conflicts with Siam and the marriage of Sultan Malik al Salleh to Princess Ganggang of Perlak (p. 13-15). However, the text shifts to internal dynastic strife, where Sultan Malik al Mahmud exiles his brother Malik al Mansur and later executes the vizier Said Semayam al Din, leading to deep familial resentment (p. 23-24).
The final third of the manuscript recounts the tragic downfall of Sultan Ahmad, who, driven by jealousy over the Majapahit Princess Gëmërëncang, executes his own sons Tun Bëraim Bapa and Tun Abdul Jalil (p. 44-46). Upon learning of the princess’s suicide due to this grief, the Majapahit ruler Sang Nata launches a massive invasion, defeating Pasai and forcing Sultan Ahmad to flee (p. 46-48). The text concludes with a comprehensive list of territories submitted to Majapahit hegemony following the conquest, marking the end of Pasai’s independence (p. 55).
Key Findings
- The manuscript is a romanized version of a Jawi text held by the Royal Asiatic Society (No. 67), originally part of Sir Stamford Raffles’ collection (p. 1).
- The conversion narrative explicitly links the legitimacy of the Pasai sultanate to the arrival of Shaikh Ismail from Mecca and the adoption of the Shahadat (p. 10-12).
- Specific historical markers include the naming of places like Kubu, Pëkërsang, and Padang Maya based on events during the conflicts (p. 8-9, 24).
- The text records the specific names of Pasai’s sons, including Tun Bëraim Bapa, Tun Abdul Jalil, and Tun Abu al-Fadzil, noting their distinct skills in warfare, beauty, and scholarship (p. 26-27).
- The invasion by Majapahit is depicted as a direct consequence of Sultan Ahmad’s fratricide and the death of Princess Gëmërëncang (p. 46).
- The document ends with an exhaustive catalog of twenty-seven territories that submitted to Majapahit, including Jambi, Palembang, and various islands in the East (p. 55).
Conclusion
Mead’s transcription preserves a critical historical narrative that intertwines mythic origins with political history, illustrating the transition of power from local Sumatran dynasties to the broader Islamic sphere and finally to the Majapahit empire. The text underscores the fragility of political alliances and the devastating impact of internal jealousy on state stability, serving as a cautionary tale for Malay rulers regarding the consequences of violating familial and religious duties.
Context
- This publication highlights the British colonial interest in preserving Malay manuscripts, specifically those acquired by Sir Stamford Raffles during his administration in the region.
- The romanization facilitates access to the text for scholars unfamiliar with Jawi script, contributing to the early 20th-century historiography of the Malay Archipelago.