The chronology of Pahang’s bendaharas
This short note by W. Linehan addresses conflicting dates in the literature for the death of Bendahara ‘Ali of Pahang, a key figure in the state’s succession history.
Summary
Linehan reconciles four competing dates for Bendahara ‘Ali’s death—1847 (Wilkinson), 1858 (Mills), 1855 (Swettenham), and “about 1860” (Clifford)—and argues in favour of 1858, which Mills had based on official records and which aligns with the outbreak of war between Wan Ahmad and Tun Tahir following ‘Ali’s death (p. 70). He also notes that Dr. Winstedt has corrected earlier dates he himself published for the deaths of Bendahara Tahir (19 May 1863, at Sedili) and his son Bendahara Muda Koris (four days later), both buried at Johor Baharu (p. 70).