Monday October 26, 2009
A Minangkabau legacy
WHEN the people of Minangkabau, Sumatra, migrated to Malacca in the 12th century, they brought with them not just their kith and kin but their entire system of beliefs and governance.
Tuanku Abdul Rahman The ways of the Minangkabau – from their customs, dialect and costumes to their architecture – are one of a kind and eventually found a permanent home in Negri Sembilan.
According to the Minangkabau tradition (hence the Negri Sembilan tradition), clan names, titles, land and property passed through the female lineage instead of the male line.
When they landed in Malacca, the Minangkabau accepted the Malacca sultan as their ruler and enjoyed the sultan’s protection.
However, when Malacca was invaded by the Portuguese in 1511, the Minangkabau shifted allegiance to the Johor sultan as they did not want to come under European rule.
By the 18th century, however, they began governing themselves – out of necessity more than anything, as Johor was then embroiled in internal strife and could no longer offer them protection – and a leader from Minangkabau was selected.
Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman The first Yang di-Pertuan Besar was Raja Melewar (1773-1795) who hailed from the esteemed court of Pagar Ruyong, Sumatra.
Reputed to be a well-travelled and accomplished leader, Raja Melewar chose Seri Menanti as his royal domain as he did not want to settle in any of the territories influenced by existing chieftains.
Seri Menanti (commonly known as the “Womb of Royalty”) remains the royal town to this day.
Raja Melewar is also responsible for creating the posts of the Four Court Officials (Orang Empat Istana). More than that, however, Raja Melewar united the citizens of the nine territories of the state under one ruler.
Subsequent rulers of Negri Sembilan can trace their lineage to Yam Tuan Lenggang who originated from Pagar Ruyong and ruled from 1808 to 1824.
The Royal Lineage of Negri Sembilan
1. Raja Melewar 1773-1795 (selected from Pagar Ruyong)
2. Yam Tuan Hitam 1795-1808 (from Pagar Ruyong)
3. Yam Tuan Lenggang 1808-1824 (from Pagar Ruyong)
4. Raja Radin 1824-1861 (Yam Tuan Lenggang’s son)
5. Yang di-Pertuan Imam 1861-1869 (Raja Radin’s brother)
6. Yam Tuan Antah 1872-1888 (Raja Radin’s son)
7. Tuanku Muhammad 1888-1933 ( Yam Tuan Antah’s son)
8. Tuanku Abdul Rahman 1933-1960 (Tuanku Muhammad’s son)
9. Tuanku Munawir 1960-1967 (Tuanku Abdul Rahman’s son)
10. Tuanku Ja’afar 1967-2008 (Tuanku Munawir’s brother)
11. Tuanku Muhriz 2008- (Tuanku Munawir’s son)
Related Stories:
Tuanku Muhriz: An avid music lover
History in the making
The Undang Empat
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