The tomb of Mansur Shah, Sultan of Malacca, 1459?–1475 A.D
This short note by R. O. Winstedt documents the discovery and inscription of a tomb attributed to Sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca (r. 1459–1475), reproduced with two plates.
Summary
Winstedt was asked by Mr. Blagden to trace a tomb whose inscription had been transcribed by Mr. Hervey. On a visit to Malacca, he found the two tombstones placed against the wall of the Residency; Mr. Wolferstan arranged for their photography and preservation (p. 47). The Arabic inscription on the face of the tomb is transcribed and translated, giving the date of death as the 2nd of Rejab 880 A.H. (Wednesday, 1 November 1475 A.D.). Winstedt notes that if the date is correct, the tomb would be the oldest known relic in Malacca, possibly excepting the Hindu makara at the foot of the Residency hill (p. 47). He adds a caveat that a local Arab pundit could not confirm the reading, and that a specialist in carved Arabic script of the period would be required for a definitive interpretation (p. 48).