Era Kesultanan Melaka – iCaption

MUZIUM SEJARAH / HISTORY MUSEUM

PAHLAWAN MELAYU

THE MALAY WARRIOR

Kebangkitan empayar Melayu Melaka pada awal kurun ke-15 dapat menyatukan kumpulan-kumpulan seni silat tempatan yang bergerak secara individu sebagai satu pasukan. Ini akan menggalakkan dan mewujudkan pahlawan-pahlawan Melayu yang jujur. Hampir semua lapisan masyarakat samada dari kampung atau kerabat Diraja termasuk golongan wanita telah belajar dan mahir dalam seni silat. Justeru, empayar Melayu Melaka telah melahirkan pahlawan-pahlawan terkenal saperti Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah, Tun Perak, Hang Tuah, Tun Fatimah, Hang Nadim dan lain-lain lagi.

Seorang pahlawan Melayu terpaksa melalui beberapa peringkat dalam ujian seni silat termasuk silat yang bersifat disiplin, berani, taat setia dan merendah diri. Pencapaian dan status seseorang pahlawan bergantung kepada jasa dan kejujuran yang diperolehinya. Pahlawan yang bijak tidak perlu sebarang senjata untuk mengatasi lawannya.

Seseorang pahlawan Melayu harus mematuhi beberapa peraturan dan tatasusila semasa perang dan keamanan. Dua pasukan yang berperang harus bersetuju dengan beberapa peraturan sebelum peperangan bermula. Peraturan-peraturan tersebut ada kaitan dengan haribulan atau tarikh, tempat, waktu berehat, waktu permulaan, waktu tamat, dan sebagainya. Peperangan seumpama itu bukan sahaja membawa kemenangan tetapi juga menentukan keadilan antara dua puak yang bertarung. Bagi pihak yang cedera akan dirawat dan yang mati akan dikebumikan. Pengunduran atau meninggalkan medan peperangan bererti menerima kekalahan dan pada kebiasaannya mengakui kedaulatan pihak lawan. Orang-orang barat dengan senjata moden menghapuskan sistem peperangan seumpama itu.

Seorang pahlawan biasa memakai seluar longgar yang pendek sampai ke lutut dan baju pendek. Tali pinggang kain mengikatkan kedua-dua pakaian tersebut. Kain panjang dililit di kepala sebagai setanjak bagi mengikat rambut. Setanjak adalah simbol status seseorang dan orang-orang yang botak juga memakainya. Sebilah keris diselitkan di tali pinggang. Kadangkala senjata-senjata kecil juga diletakkan di tali pinggang. Pakaian cara ini juga diamalkan semasa ke medan perang apabila beliau akan membawa bersama sepucuk lembing dan perisai. Perisai-perisainya dibuat dari logam, kulit binatang, rotan dan kayu.

Pahlawan-pahlawan Melayu disanjung tinggi dan mencapai kedudukan tinggi di kalangan masyarakat. Apabila sistem peperangan diubah oleh penjajah, bilangan dan fungsi pahlawan Melayu merosot, lantas mengakibatkan hilangnya golongan-golongan pahlawan ini.

The rising Malay empire of Melaka in the early 15th century combined local silat (the Malay form of self-defence) groups, which operated separately into a team, encouraging and creating honest Malay warriors. People from almost all walks of life, whether they were simple village folks or royalty, and even the women, studied and excelled in the silat. The Melaka Empire gave birth to famous warriors such as Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah, Tun Perak, Hang Tuah, Tun Fatimah, Hang Nadim and others.

The Malay warrior had to go through several stages including those testing his discipline, courage, loyalty and humility. The status of a warrior depended on his deeds and achievements. A clever warrior would not need any weapons to overcome his opponent.

The warrior had to observe a code of ethics during war and peace. The two disputing parties had to agree on certain rules before the battle began. These were rules concerning the date, place, intervals, and starting and finishing times. The fight was not just about winning but also ensured fairness between the two parties. The wounded were allowed to be treated and the dead buried. A retreat or withdrawal meant acceptance of defeat and usually the victory of the winner. The Western powers with their modern weapons eliminated this type of fighting.

The warrior usually wore loose, knee-length pants and a short shirt. The cloth belt would tie the two together. A piece of long cloth would be wound around the head as the ‘setanjak’ to hold back the hair. The ‘setanjak’ was the symbol of a man’s status and even the bald wore them. A creese would be inserted into the belt, and sometimes other small weapons would also be placed there. This form of dress was practised during times of war when a warrior would carry a spear and shield. The shields would be made of iron, animal skin, rattan or wood.

The Malay warrior was respected and held a high position in society. When the mode of warfare was changed by the colonial powers, the numbers and functions of the Malay warriors diminished and eventually the warrior as a group disappeared.

KAPAL ZHENG HE

NAVAL SHIP OF ZHENG HE (CHENG HO)

Ini adalah model kapal yang digunakan oleh Laksamana Zheng He semasa pelayaran akhir beliau ke Asia Tenggara, Sri Lanka, India Selatan, Benua Arab dan Timur Laut Afrika pada tahun 1432-1433. Kapal seperti ini menyertai angkatan tentera laut Kerajaan Ming untuk menghubung kait kerajaan-kerajaan lain dengan Kerajaan Ming. Kapal ini adalah sepanjang 140 meter, hamper 5 kali lebih panjang dari kapal-kapal Eropah zaman itu. Ia juga dilengkapi dengan senjata-senjata untuk mempertahankan sebarang serangan.

This is the model of the ship that was used by Admiral Zheng He during his las voyage to South East Asia, Sri Lanka, South India, Arabian Continent and North East Africa in 1432-1433. Ships of this type were part of the Ming Armada that established friendly ties between various kingdoms and Ming court.

MODEL KAPAL LANCAR

MODEL OF LANCAR SHIP

Model Kapal Melayu ini adalah kapal “Lancar”yang disebut oleh pencatat-pencatat Portugis sebagai “Lanchara”. Ini adalah salah satu daripada jenis-jenis kapal Melayu yang belayar di Selat Melaka kerana saiznya sederhana. Ia boleh belayar lebih laju dari kapal-kapal besar.

This model of a malay ship was called “Lancar””that was referred to as “Lancara” by the Portuguese writers. This was one of the many types of Malays ship that used to sail in the Straits of Melaka, due to its medium saiz, it could sail faster than the bigger ships.

MODEL KAPAL JONG MELAYU

MODEL OF THE MALAY ‘JONG’ SHIP

Ini ialah model Kapal Jong Melayu yang dibentuk daripada lukisan-lukisan Portugis. Kapal Jong merupakan kapal yang digunakan di Nusantara sebelum dan semasa Zaman Kesultanan Melayu Melaka. Kapal Jong adalah kapal terbesar yang belayar di pelayaran alam Melayu. Menurut sumber-sumber Portugis, kapal Jong hampir dua kali tinggi daripada kapal perang Portugis iaitu ‘Nau’ dan dindingnya mempunyai empat lapisan kayu tebal. Ia boleh membawa 1,000 orang dan muatan lebih 1,000 tan.

Walaupun kapal-kapal Jongnya kuat dan selamat, kelemahannya ialah tidak boleh belayar dengan laju kerana keberatannya. Kapal-kapal Jong juga dibina dengan saiz yang berbeza di antara 300 tan ke 1,000 tan. Teknik pembinaan kapal Jong dihapuskan akibat sikap penjajah yang tidak ingin melihat kapal-kapal tempatan bersaing dengan kapal dagang mereka

This is a model of the Malay ‘Jong’ ship, as gathered from Portuguese illustrations. The Jong were ships that used to sail in the archipelago before and during the Melaka Sultanate. They were the biggest ships plying the Malay world. According to Portuguese sources, the Jong was almost twice the height of the Portuguese warship, the ‘Nau’, and it had a hull comprising four thick pieces of wood. It could carry 1,000 people and a load of 1,000 tons. Even though the Jong were strong and safe, its weakness was its inability to travel fast because of its own weight, which was between 300 and 1000 tons. The technique of building these ships was lost due to the attitude of the colonial masters who did not want local ships competing with their merchant vessels.

SUNDANG RAJA MOHAMAD

THE SUNDANG SWORD OF RAJA MOHAMAD

Ini ialah sundang yang disembahkan oleh Daik Ismail dari Pulau Karimun dan kaum China Melaka kepada Raja Mohammad semasa Baginda menuju ke medan perang.

Inskripsi yang tidak teratur berbunyi: “Daik Ismail dari Pulau Karimun dan China Melaka sembahkan sundang ini kepada Raja Mohammad. Allah selamatkan peperangan Tuanku”.

Raja Mohammad dilantik menjadi Sultan dengan gelaran Sultan Mahmud Syah (1283-1339).

This is the sundang sword that was presented by Daik Ismail of Karimun and the Melaka Chinese community to Raja Mohamad as he was leaving for the battle.

The haphazard inscription on the hilt reads “Daik Ismail from Karimun Island and the Chinese of Melaka present this sundang to Raja Mohamad. May Allah keep him safe during war”.

Raja Mohamad became Sultan, bearing the title of Sultan Mahmud Syah (1283-1339).

MERIAM MINI MELAKA

A MINI CANNON OF MELAKA

Meriam mini ini dihadiahkan oleh Datuk Bandar Lisbon kepada Ketua Menteri Melaka. Saiz sebenarnya adalah hampir 12 kaki panjang. Meriam ini dibuat di India. Sultan Calicut (India Selatan) telah menghadiahkannya kepada Sultan Mahmud Syah pada tahun 1510. Alfonso De Albuquerque telah membawanya ke Lisbon di mana ia sekarang dipamerkan di Muzium Tentera Lisbon.

The Mayor of Lisbon presented this mini cannon to the Chief Minister of Melaka. Its actual size is almost 12 feet long. It was made in Calicut (South India). The King presented to Sultan Mahmud Syah of Melaka in 1510. Later it was taken away by Alfonso de Albuquerque to Lisbon and currently exhibited in the Military Museum of Lisbon.

BATU NISAN SULTAN MANSUR SYAH

THE GRAVESTONES OF SULTAN MANSUR SYAH

Ini ialah salah satu batu nisan asal Sultan Mansur Syah. Pasangannya dipamerkan di Muzium Negara. Menurut inskripsi yang terdapat pada batu nisan itu, tarikh kemangkatannya ialah 2 Rejab 880 Hijrah, iaitu 1 November 1477.

Makam Diraja Melaka terletak di kaki bukit Melaka dalam kawasan Masjid Besar. Pihak Portugis memusnahkan bangunan-bangunan Melaka dan menggunakan bahan-bahannya untuk mendirikan sebuah kota. Apabila kotanya diletupkan oleh pihak British pada tahun 1806-1807, kedua-dua batu nisan Sultan Mansur Syah masih dalam keadaan baik. Hanya batu ini sahaja yang dapat disimpan di muzium ini.

This is one of the two original gravestones of Sultan Mansur Syah. The other is displayed at the National Museum. Its inscription stated that he died on the 2nd of Rejab (of the Muslim calendar) 880, which is 1st November 1477.

The Royal Mausoleum is located at the bottom of Melaka Hill (St. Paul’s Hill) within the compounds of the State Mosque. The Portuguese destroyed the Sultanate buildings and used the materials to erect a fort. When the British demolished the fort in 1806 – 1807, both gravestones remained intact and were later found at the Governor’s Residence. Only this stone is kept in this museum.

MATAWANG ZAMAN KESULTANAN MELAKA

THE CURRENCY OF THE MELAKA SULTANATE

Di mana-mana negara sekalipun, perdagangan awal di zaman silam bermula dengan sistem bertukar-tukar barangan. Kaedah ini diamalkan pada zaman megalitik dan semasa pra-pembukaan Kota Melaka. Orang-orang Selat yang tinggal di muara Sungai Melaka menukar barangan mereka seperti ikan kering dengan barang-barang yang dibawa oleh pedagang-pedagang yang singgah di Pasar Besar. Sistem seumpama ini juga diamalkan oleh penjajah-penjajah di mana mereka memperoleh komoditi sesuatu negeri dengan perjanjian untuk mempertahankan negeri berkenaan.

Kemudian diwujudkan pula satu sistem di mana logam-logam emas, perak, bijih timah dan kulit-kulit siput gerus digunakan sebagai ‘wang pembelian’. Kulit-kulit tanah yang berbentuk sebagai menara dan piramid, dan sebarang bahan logam berbentuk kacang diterima untuk menukar barang. Bahan-bahan itu diberi nilai untuk menentukan berat barang yang boleh diperolehi. Dari sistem inilah kemudiannya wujud sistem matawang.

Ternyata zaman Kesultanan Melaka menggunakan matawang untuk berdagang. Buktinya didapati daripada matawang-matawang yang ditemui, seperti syiling timah pemerintahan Sultan Muzaffar Syah, Sultan Mansur Syah, Sultan Mahmud Syah dan Sultan Ahmad Syah. Matawang China, Arab, Pasai dan Gujerat juga digunakan di Melaka. Tiada pula rekod-rekod sejarah menceritakan tentang matawang emas Sultan Melaka ataupun matawang Sultan lain. Dari segi logiknya iaitu dipandang dari sudut reputasi dan kemampuannya, empayar Melaka sudah pasti mengeluarkan matawang-matawang emas. Matawang Pasai digunakan di Melaka, tetapi setakat ini matawang-matawang Melaka tidak dijumpai. Mungkin kerana ianya dikumpul dan dibawa ke Goa atau Lisbon ataupun dicairkan untuk tujuan lain.

In all parts of the world, early trade began with the exchange of goods. This was the practice during the Megalithic Period and before the founding of Melaka. The Straits people who lived around the mouth of the Melaka river exchanged their produce such as dried fish for items brought by traders who stopped at Pasar Besar. The colonialists who obtained the commodities they wanted in exchange for a promise of their protection also practised this system.

Later, a system developed where gold, silver, tin and cowrie shells were used as currency. The tin ingots were shaped into various animal forms as well as pagodas and pyramids called ‘Tampang’ (tin hat money), and metals in the shape of groundnuts were used to get goods. These types of ‘money’ were accorded value, which would get their equivalent in goods. From here, the currency system developed.

It is clear that during the era of the Melaka Sultanate, currency was used in trade transactions. Proof of this is seen from the discovery of tin coins belonging to the reign of Sultan Muzaffar Syah, Sultan Mansur Syah, Sultan Mahmud Syah and Sultan Ahmad Syah. Coins of China, Arabia, Pasai and Gujerat were also used in Melaka. There are no records to indicate that the Melaka Sultanate minted gold coins or any other currency. Considering its reputation and capabilities, which surpassed Pasai whose gold coins were accepted in Melaka, it is logical to assume that Melaka minted its own gold coins. To date, no gold coins of the Sultanate era have ever been found, possibly because they were collected and sent either to Goa or Lisbon, or they were melted down to be used for other purposes.

WAN EMPUK WAN MALINI (PERMULAAN KONSEP KESETIAAN DAN PENDERHAKAAN DALAM KERAJAAN)

WAN EMPUK WAN MALINI (THE BEGINNING OF THE CONCEPT OF LOYALTY AND TREASON IN THE GOVERNMENT)

Ini adalah kisah dua orang wanita iaitu Wan Empuk dan Wan Malini yang bertanam padi di Bukit Seguntang. Kisah ini menandakan permulaan wanita berperanan dalam kerajaan. Dengan pertolongan cucu Raja Iskandar Zulkarnian, padi yang mereka tanam berbuah emas, berdaun perak dan berbatang tembaga. Berikutan itu cara hidup mereka juga berubah.

Berikutan perkahwinan Sang Sepurba Taramberi Teribuana dengan Wan Sendari, puteri Demang Lebar Daun, Raja Palembang telah menjadi saksi Perjanjian Wa’adat antara raja dengan rakyat. Memorandum persefahaman itu menjadi simbol kesucian Kerajaan Melayu di mana mungkir janji dan hak penafian sebelum siasatan dan pertimbangan yang adil oleh pentadbir telah memansuhkan kerajaan. Perkaitan antara kedua-dua kejadian ini dalam Sejarah Melayu mengukuhkan kedudukan peranan wanita dalam pembentukan sebuah kerajaan

This is a story of two women, Wan Empuk and Wan Malini, who planted hill rice on Bukit Seguntang. It marks the beginning of women’s role in government. The rice they planted produced gold grains, silver leaves and copper rice stalks and with the miracles from the Raja Iskandar Zulkarnian’s grandchild, their lifestyle changed as well.

Following the marriage of Sang Sepurba Taramberi Teribuana with Wan Sendari, daughter of Demang Lebar Daum, the king of Palembang became the witness to the Wa’adat Agreement between the people and the king. This memorandum of understanding became the symbol of the sanctity of the Malay Sultanate where broken promises and rights for denial prior to the investigation and justified consideration by the administrator had demolished the government. These two events are linked in the Malay History as they reinforce the status of women in the formation of a government.

MELAKA SEBELUM PARAMESWARA

MELAKA BEFORE PARAMESWARA

Sebelum muara Sungai Melaka menjadi pusat Kerajaan Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, Pulau Besar menjadi tumpuan kapal-kapal dagangan Cina. Pulau Besar dikenali dengan nama Pulau Air. Ketika itu, muara Sungai Melaka didiami oleh ‘Orang-orang Selat’. Menurut sumber-sumber Sejarah, hanya 20 hingga 30 sahaja orang-orang Selat mendiami di kawasan di antara bukit dan sungai. Kehidupan mereka bergantung kepada hasil sungai dan laut. Tiada rekod yang mengesahkan terdapatnya sebuah perkampungan di seberang sungai ketika itu. Mungkin kawasan tersebut dipenuhi dengan pokok-pokok gelam. Bukitnya pula dilitupi hutan yang mengandungi pokok-pokok Melaka. Rekod catatan daripada Portugis pula mengatakan orang-orang Selat yang mendiami di muara Sungai Melaka ialah pengikut-pengikut Parameswara yang telah datang lebih awal lagi. Menurut rekod catatan daripada China, semasa kedatangan Laksamana Cheng Ho, Parameswara telah pun mendirikan istananya di kaki bukit. Apa yang nyata ialah pada zaman sebelum pembukaan Negeri Melaka, di kawasan muara Sungai Melaka terdapat sebuah kampung telah didiami oleh orang-orang selat yang hidup sebagai nelayan. Ini merupakan permulaan Kesultanan Melayu Melaka yang menjadi tumpuan sedunia dalam jangka masa yang pendek.

Before the estuary of the Melaka river became the centre of the Malay Melaka Sultanate, the main location where all trade ships from China stopped was Pulau Besar which at the time was called Pulau Air. At the time, the estuary of the Melaka River was inhabited by “Orang-orang Selat” (the Straits People). According to historical sources, there were only about 20 to 30 Straits People living in the area between the hill and the river and depended upon the river and the sea for their livelihood. The hill was covered with a jungle filled with Melaka trees (Emblica Officinalis). Portuguese records state that the Straits People who lived around the river estuary were followers of Parameswara who had arrived earlier. Meanwhile, Chinese records, following the Admiral Cheng Ho’s visit, Parameswara had already built a palace at the foothill, what was clear is that before the opening of Melaka, the Melaka River estuary already had a small village inhabited by the Straits People who were fishermen. This was the beginning of the Melaka Sultanate, which became the focus of the world attention in a short span of time.

PARAMESWARA (1170-1217)

PARAMESWARA (1170-1217)

Pada kurun kedua belas, seorang putera raja Hindu dari Palembang, Sumatera bersama-sama dengan pengikut-pengikutnya telah berundur ke Temasik (Singapura) dan telah melantik dirinya sendiri sebagai raja. Tidak lama kemudian Parameswara diusir keluar dari Temasik akibat serangan Siam. Beliau telah menyusur pantai barat semenanjung dan sampai ke Sungai Bertam. Semasa sedang berehat di bawah pokok, beliau tertarik melihat seekor kancil berpatah balik lalu menerajang anjing perburuannya ke dalam sungai. Beliau percaya kejadian itu sebagai petanda baik. Parameswara membangunkan negeri di situ kerana tempatnya yang strategik dan menamakannya Melaka sempena nama pokok ‘Melaka’ tempat beliau bersandar.

Parameswara dikenali sebagai pengasas Negeri Melaka.

In twelfth century, a Hindu prince and a small band of followers from Palembang, Sumatera fled to Temasik (now Singapore) where he established himself as ruler. Not long after, he was driven out of Temasik by a Siamese invasion. Moving up the West Coast of the Malay Peninsula brought him to Sungai Bertam. While resting under a tree, he watched a fleeing mouse deer that had turned back and kicked his hunting dog into the river. The sight impressed him so much that he wanted to start a settlement there. He believed that was a good omen. He set up settlement there, being a strategic place and called it Melaka, after the ‘Melaka’ tree against which he was leaning.

He is known as the founder of Melaka.

KEDUDUKAN AWAL KOTA MELAKA

MELAKA IN THE EARLY DAYS

Kedudukan Kota Melaka pada awal kurun ke-15 semasa pemerintahan Parameswara tidak diketengahkan dalam Sejarah Melayu tetapi keadaan kotanya pada tahun 1409 diceritakan oleh Ma Huan, seorang penolong kanan Laksamana Zheng He (Cheng Ho). Lukisan keadaan awal Kota Melaka ini adalah berasaskan catatan Ma Huan tersebut.

Menurut catatan Sejarah, apabila beliau menubuhkan Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, Parameswara tinggal bersama-sama orang Selat yang telah mendiami kawasan di tebing muara Sungai Melaka. Perkembangan Kota Melaka dan kekukuhan kuasa politik meluaskan kawasan-kawasan Istana Parameswara. Orang-orang Selat dibenarkan tinggal di sekitar Bukit Melaka.

Menurut Ma Huan, ada sungai yang besar mengalir di sebelah Istana Raja. Sebuah jambatan telah dibina untuk menyambung sebuah bazar yang terletak di seberang dan mengandungi 20 buah gerai yang menjual pelbagai barangan niaga. Istana Raja didirikan berhampiran tebing sungai di kaki bukit.

Apabila taraf Raja dinaikkan menjadi Sultan, adat istiadat dan pantang larang diwujudkan, Istana Raja dipindahkan ke atas bukit dan kawasannya dijadikan kawasan larangan.

The Malay Annals do not discuss Melaka in the beginning of the 15th century under Parameswara, but its conditions in 1409 were described by Ma Huan, a senior aide of Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho). This painting of Melaka then is based on his notes.

According to history, when he founded Melaka, Parameswara lived with the Straits people who resided on the banks of the Melaka River. Melaka grew rapidly and its political strength led to the expansion of Parameswara’s palace. The Straits people were allowed to reside in the areas around Bukit Melaka (Melaka's Hill). Ma Huan also stated that a large river flowed beside the palace. A bridge to bazaar of 20 stalls across the river was built. The palace was sited at the foothill and on the banks of the river.

When the status of the ruler was upgraded to Sultan, and many royal customs were created, the palace was moved to the hilltop and its grounds became a prohibited area.

KEDATANGAN YIN CHING

THE ARRIVAL OF YIN CHING

Pada tahun 1403, Yung Lo menjadi Maharaja China dan menghantar utusannya ke negeri-negeri yang mempunyai hubungan dengan China untuk memberitahu tentang pertabalannya. Yin Ching dipilih untuk mengetuai perutusan tersebut. Ketika itu, persekitaran Melaka hanya dikenali dengan nama ‘Wu Shu’ (lima pulau). Semasa Yin Ching belayar ke Nusantara, beliau telah mendengar tentang satu kerajaan baru di rantau selat ini. Dia mengambil kesempatan ini untuk melawat Melaka dan mewujudkan perhubungan di antara China dan Melaka. Ketibaan Yin Ching di Melaka pada tahun 1403 membawa satu perkembangan baru yang membolehkan Melaka merancang strategi-strategi yang sesuai bagi memperkukuhkan kedudukannya.

Selaku utusan Maharaja China, Yin Ching menyampaikan hadiah-hadiah Raja China kepada Parameswara dan menghormatinya sebagai Ketua Kerajaan Melaka. Lawatan Yin Ching memulakan satu perhubungan politik yang positif bagi Melaka dan kemajuan perdagangan di antara China dan Melaka.

In 1403, Yung Lo became the Emperor of China and sent his delegations to countries, which had relations with China, informing them of his installation. Yin Ching was chosen to head the delegations. At that time, the region around Melaka was known only as ‘Wu Shu’ (five islands). When Yin Ching travelled to the Malay Archipelago, he heard a new government in the region. He took this opportunity to visit Melaka and established relations with it. In year 1403 saw the start of a new era, this enabled Melaka to plan strategies to strengthen its position.

As the emissary of the Emperor of China, Yin Ching presented gifts to Parameswara, and honouring him as the head of the Melaka government. Yin Ching’s visit saw the beginning of a positive political relationship and the growth of trade between Melaka and China.

KEDATANGAN PEDAGANG-PEDAGANG

THE ARRIVAL OF TRADERS

Permulaan Kota Melaka dalam dunia perdagangan tanpa satu komoditi tempatan berasaskan kepada beberapa factor dan usaha Parameswara sendiri. Situasi polikti di Asia Tenggara pada penghujung abad ke-14, sedikit sebanyak membantu kedudukan dan perkembangan Kota Melaka. Tiada kuasa besar pun yand bertakhluk di Nusantara ini, melainkan Pasai di Sumatra Utara dan Ayuthia di Teluk Siam untuk menyekat kemajuan Kota Melaka. Lokasinya juga membantu Kota Melaka yang merupakan angin Timuran tamat dan angin lain bermula.

Di antara Pasai dan Ayuthia, tiada pula satu kuasa yang menampung dan menjaminkan urusan perdagangan. Apabila Melaka diwujudkan, Melaka bukan sahaja menjadi tempat persinggahan untuk pedagang menanti pertukaran angin, tetapi untuk mendapatkan perlindungan serta tempat perniagaan yang adil. Parameswara mewujujdkan pasara perdagangan di tebing Sungai Melaka dan kediaman pendagang-pedagang berhampiran dengan pusat pasar. Beliau juga mengadakan beberapa peraturan yang menjadi asas kepada Undang-Undang Kanun Melaka.

Kestabilan politik dan undang-undang adil mendorong para pedagang menuju dari Nusantara ke Melaka. Selain daripada pedagang-pedagang China, pedagang-pedagang dari Benua India, Pegu dan Arab pun mula datang mula dating untuk mencuba nasib di dalam satu suasana yang selesa.

The growth of Melaka in the world of commerce even though it had no commodities of its own was the result if many factors as well as the efforts of Parameswara himself. The political setting in South East Asia at the end of the 14th century helped Melaka become stable and grow. There were no strong nations in the archipelago at that, other than Pasai in North Sumatera and Ayuthia in the Gulf of Siam to block Melaka’s growth. Its location also helped Melaka grow because it was where one monsoon wind ends and another starts.

There were no other powers between Pasai and Ayuthia to facilitate and guarantee trade activities. When Melaka was founded, it was not only became a destination point to wait out the change in the monsoon winds, but it also offered protection as well as fair trading practices. Parameswara established an exclusive bazaar near the estuary and merchant quarters nearby. He also enacted laws and regulations that became the basis for the laws of Melaka.

Political Stability and fair laws enabled the traders from the archipelago to reach Melaka. Other than the Chinese, traders came from India, Pegu and Arabia to sell their wares in a conductive environment.

LAWATAN PARAMESWARA KE CHINA

PARAMESWARA’S VISIT TO CHINA

Lawatan Yin Ching pada tahun 1403 memulakan satu perhubungan erat di antara Kota Melaka dan China. Hubungan ini bukan sahaja dari segi perdagangan, tetapi juga dari segi politik. Di antara tahun 1403 sehingga 1410, selain dari kapal-kapal dagangan China, Laksamana Cheng Ho juga melawat Melaka sebanyak dua kali dan Melaka juga menghantar perutusan ke Negeri China sebanyak tiga kali.

Perhubungan erat di antara Melaka dengan China menjadi kenyataan apabila Maharaja China menghantar Laksamana Cheng Ho ke Kerajaan Ayuthia, Negeri Thai, pada tahun 1409 untuk memberi amaran supaya tidak mengganggu Kota Melaka. Bantuan moral ini diterima oleh Parameswara kerana ketika itu Kota Melaka menghadapi ancaman Ayuthia.

Parameswara bersama dengan seisi keluarganya ingin membalas jasa baik Maharaja China, dan telah belayar ke Negeri China sebagai tetamu Laksamana Cheng Ho, untuk mengukuhkan perhubungan Melaka dan China. Seramai 540 orang termasuk menteri, pegawai dan pedagang-pedagang, telah menyertai rombongan Parameswara. Hasil pengeluaran Melaka juga dibawa bersama sebagai hadiah.

Parameswara disambut dan dilayan dengan baik. Beliau juga dijemput ke balairong Seri Maharaja beberapa kali dan dijamu makan bersama Maharaja itu. Apabila Parameswara hendak pulang ke Melaka, Maharaja China iaitu Yung Lo, telah menghadiahkan pelbagai barangan termasuk emas, perak, peralatan porselin, pakaian sutera dan matawang Ming. Perhubungan erat ini berterusan hingga ke beberapa dekad seterusnya.

Yin Ching's visit in 1403 started close ties between Kota Melaka and China not only in commerce and trading, but also politically. From 1403 to 1410, apart from trading ships, arriving from China Admiral Cheng Ho also visited Melaka twice while Melaka had sent a delegation to China thrice.

The close ties between Melaka and China were evident when the Emperor of China sent Admiral Cheng Ho to the Ayuthia Kingdom in Thailand in the year 1409 to warn it not to attack Melaka. Parameswara welcomed this moral support as Melaka was under Ayuthia's threat by that time.

Parameswara and his whole family wanted to repay the kindness of the Emperor of China . They traveled to China as the guests of Admiral Cheng Ho to strengthen ties further. Up to 540 people accompanied him, including ministers, officials and traders, and they took with them products of Melaka as gifts to the Emperor.

When he arrived in China, Parameswara received a warm welcome and was invited to the Royal Chambers several times, and enjoyed meals with the Emperor. When Parameswara returned to Melaka, Emperor Yung Lo rewarded him with gifts of gold, silver, porcelain, silk and Ming currency. These close ties continued on for several decades after.

KEDATANGAN MANI PURINDAN

THE ARRIVAL OF MANI PURINDAN

Apabila Melaka berkembang dan mula dikenali di rantau ini, ramai pedagang dari India telah datang, bukan sahaja untuk berniaga tetapi juga untuk bermastautin selama-lamanya. Mani Purindan adalah salah seorang pedagang yang kaya dari Kalinga, India. Oleh kerana tiada persefahaman dengan keluarganya, beliau datang ke Melaka bersama dengan 7 kapal dagangannya. Kedatangan beliau bertujuan untuk menjadi penduduk Melaka dan menghadap Sultan Muhammad Syah. Baginda menerima hasrat Mani Purindan dan memberi pangkat taraf menteri dalam jemaah menteri. Kemudian, Mani Purindan mengahwini Tun Ratna Sendari, anak Tun Perpatih Besar, iaitu Penghulu Bendahari. Anak cucu Mani Purindam menjawat jawatan tertinggi dalam sejarah Kesultanan Melayu Melaka.

After Melaka grew and became known throughout the region, many traders from India came not just to trade but also to reside here. Mani Purindan was a rich trader from Kalinga, India. Following a family dispute, he came to Melaka with 7 ships intending to reside here. He gained an audience with Sultan Muhammad Syah who accepted him and gave him the post of minister. Later, Mani Purindan married Tun Ratna Sendari, the daughter of Prime Minister Tun Perpatih Besar. His descendants rose in the hierarchy of the Malay Sultanate.

PUSAT PERKEMBANGAN AGAMA ISLAM

A CENTRE FOR THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

Walaupun Kota Melaka menerima dan terus menjadi Negara Islam pada abad ke 13 selepas perkahwinan di antara Parameswara (Sultan Iskandar Syah) dan Puteri Pasai, corak kehidupan harian umat Islam di Kota Melaka tidak banyak berubah. Raja Tengah bergelar Seri Maharaja mengambil alih takhta kerajaan selepas kemangkatan ayahanda baginda iaitu Sultan Iskandar Syah. Kesedaran Seri Maharaja bahawa beliau adalah seorang mukmin tepat dengan ketibaan Syed Abdul Aziz ke Melaka, iaitu satu peristiwa penting dalam sejarah Negeri Melaka. Bermulalah kegiatan-kegiatan penyebaran Islam di Nusantara ini yang menjadikan Melaka sebagai pusat perkembangan Islam. Seri Maharaja menukar namanya kepada Sultan Mohammad Syah dan terus mewujudkan pelbagai adat dan larangan, termasuk peraturan bagi jawatan-jawatan, pakaian, pembinaan dan lain-lain hal yang menukar cara kehidupan harian masyarakat Melayu Melaka. Berbekalkan kekuatan iman dan semangat, Kota Melaka dapat menghantar utusan-utusan ke luar negeri untuk menyebarkan agama Islam. Peranan ini sebagai pusat penyebaran agama Islam di Asia Tenggara hanya merosot apabila penjajah menguasai Melaka.

Although Melaka became an Islamic state in 13th century following the marriage of Parameswara (Sultan Iskandar Syah) to the Princess of Pasai, the daily lifestyle of the Muslims did not change very much. Raja Tengah who was known as Seri Maharaja ruled Melaka after the death of his father. Seri Maharaja’s acceptance of Islam coincided with the arrival of Syed Abdul Aziz in Melaka. This is important development in the history of Melaka. It led to the rise of Islamic activities in the Archipelago and made Melaka the centre for the spread of Islam. Seri Maharaja changed his name to Sultan Mohammad Syah and immediately introduced many customs and prohibitions, including various regulations governing state service, attire, and construction and so on, which overall have change the lifestyle of the people of Melaka. Soon, Melaka began to send delegations to other nations in order to spread the word of Islam. Melaka’s role as the centre of Islamic expansion diminished when it was colonized by the foreign powers.

RAJA KASSIM SEBAGAI NELAYAN

RAJA KASSIM AS A FISHERMAN

Raja Kassim ialah putera sulung Sultan Mohammad Syah (1283-1339) dengan Tun Wati, anak perempuan Mani Purindan. Sultan Mohammad Syah kemudian mengahwini Puteri Rokan dan mendapat seorang putera, iaitu Raja Ibrahim. Apabila Sultan Mohammad mangkat, Raja Ibrahim telah dilantik menjadi sultan dengan gelaran Sultan Abu Syahid kerana bukan sahaja ibunya berketurunan Diraja, tetapi juga kerana peranan bapa saudaranya iaitu raja Rekan, yang telah tinggal bersama dengan Sultan Mohammad Syah.

Raja Kassim, walaupun tua daripada Raja Ibrahim, bukan sahaja tidak dilantik kerana ibunya orang biasa, tetapi juga tidak dibenarkan tinggal di istana. Beliau tinggal bersama-sama nelayan (kemungkinan orang laut) dan mencari kehidupan di laut. Hanya bapa saudaranya, Tun Ali mengambil berat tentang kehidupan Raja Kassim serta melindunginya. Raja Kassim menjual hasil usahanya kepada pedagang-pedagang yang berlabuh di Selat Melaka.

Salah seorang pedagang yang ditemui adalah Maulana Jalalludin. Adegan ini menunjukkan Maulana Jalalludin mempelawa Raja Kassim menaiki kapal dengan penuh hormat. Pertemuan ini menjadi punca perubahan masa depan Raja Kassim. Maulana memberi dorongan kepada Raja Kassim supaya mencari pertolongan yang membolehkan beliau menuntut haknya, iaitu takhta kerajaan Melaka.

Raja Kassim was the eldest son of Sultan Mohammad Syah (1283-1339) from his marriage with Tun Wati, Mani Purindan’s daughter. Sultan Mohammad Shah later married the Princess of Rokan and had another son, Sultan Ibrahim. When Sultan Mohammad Shah died, Sultan Ibrahim was made Sultan, bearing the title Sultan Abu Shahid, not just because his mother was a Royal, but also due to the part played by his uncle, Raja Rokan who was close to Sultan Mohammad Shah.

Although he was older than Raja Ibrahim, Raja Kassim was not only overlooked because his mother was a commoner, but was also not allowed to reside in this place. He lived among fishermen (seafarers) and made a living from the sea. Only his uncle, Tun Ali, cared about him and protected him. Raja Kassim sold his produce to traders who stopped at the Straits of Melaka.

One of the traders who met him was Maulana Jalalludin. Here, he was shown respectfully welcoming Raja Kassim onto his ship. The meeting was an important point in Raja Kassim’s life. Maulana encouraged him to seek whatever aid he could get to claim his to the throne Melaka.

SULTAN MUZAFFAR SYAH (1340-1378)

SULTAN MUZAFFAR SYAH (1340-1378)

Sultan Muhamad Syah mempunyai dua orang putera iaitu Raja Ibrahim dan Raja Kasim iaitu daripada dua orang isteri yang berlainan keturunan. Raja Ibrahim telah menaiki takhta apabila ayahandanya mangkat tetapi belum sempat Baginda dimasyhurkan, baginda dibunuh oleh adiknya Raja Kasim dan pakatan orang-orang Tamil. Kemangkatannya dianggap sebagai mati syahid.

Raja Kasim menggantikan Raja Ibrahim dan mengambil gelaran Paduka Seri Sultan. Dalam zaman pemerintahannya, baginda mengisytiharkan Islam sebagai agama rasmi Melaka dan mengeluarkan wang syiling pertama dalam rekod untuk digunakan di Melaka serta mewujudkan jawatan Laksamana.

Sultan Muhammad Syah had two sons, Raja Ibrahim and Raja Kasim from different wives who are of different lineages. Raja Ibrahim succeeded his father upon his death however, he was murdered before he could be installed as king by his brother in a conspiracy with Tamils. Thus, he was buried as “Abu Shahid”, a martyr.

Raja Kasim succeeded Raja Ibrahim, taking the title of Paduka Seri Sultan. During his reign, he declared Islam as the official religion, issued what is known to be the first recorded coins used in Melaka and established the post of Admiral.

PERANAN TUN KUDU

TUN KUDU’S ROLE

Tun Kudu ialah Puteri Bendahara Seri Wak Raja iaitu kekanda kepada Tun Perak. Tun Kudu telah dikahwinkan dengan Sultan Muzaffar Syah dan Tun Perak pula dihantar ke Kelang untuk menjadi Penghulu Kelang, manakala Tun Ali dilantik menjadi Bendahara. Tun Kudu menjadi puteri pertama mengorbankan diri demi kestabilan politik Kerajaan Melayu Melaka.

Ancaman Ayuthia (Siam) akhirnya menjadi kenyataan pada tahun 1446 apabila mereka menyerang Melaka melalui darat. Tun Perak membawa orang-orang Kelang untuk membantu Melaka mematahkan serangan tersebut. Kebijaksanaan dan kecergasan Tun Perak diperhatikan oleh sultan yang berkeinginan melihat Melaka maju selangkah lagi. Sultan telah melantik Tun Perak sebagai Bendahara menggantikan Tun Ali yang kemudiaannya dilantik sebagai Penghulu Bendahari.

Kemunculan Tun Perak di medan politik Melaka menjadi punca ketegangan antara Tun Ali dan Tun Perak. Memandangkan kedua-dua pemimpin yang disayangi tidak bersatu hati, ini boleh memecah-belahkan rakyat Melaka. Sultan Muzaffar Syah ingin menghentikan perpecahan dan berunding dengan Tun Ali.Tun Ali adalah seorang duda tua. Apabila didesak, ia mengemukakan satu syarat yang tidak munasabah untuk menyelesaikan ketegangan tersebut, iaitu beliau ingin mengahwini Tun Kudu, Permaisuri Melaka yang juga kekanda Tun Perak.

Di luar dugaan Tun Ali, Sultan Muzaffar Syah sanggup menceraikan Permaisuri yang disayanginya demi kestabilan politik Melaka. Begitu juga Tun Kudu, demi keamanan negeri dengan rela mengorbankan diri untuk berkahwin dengan Tun Ali.

Pengorbanan Tun Kudu dan Sultan Muzaffar Syah adalah tidak sia-sia. Tun Ali dan Tun Perak menjadi sahabat karib dan saling bantu-membantu untuk membangunkan negeri. Tidak beberapa lama kemudian, Tun Ali sendiri meminta baginda melantik Tun Perak sebagai Bendahara.

Tun Kudu was the daughter of Prime Minister Seri Wak Raja and older sister of Tun Perak. She was married to Sultan Muzaffar Syah, Tun Perak was sent to Kelang to become the Headman there while Tun Ali was made Prime Minister. Tun Kudu became the first woman to sacrifice herself for the stability of Melaka.

The threat of Ayuthia (Siam) became real in 1446 when it launched a land attack on Melaka. Tun Perak brought his men from Kelang to help Melaka. The Sultan who appointed him Prime Minister noticed his cleverness. Tun Perak’s rise in Melaka’s politics became a source of tension between him and Tun Ali. Realizing that this could lead to Melaka being split as both these leaders were well-loved by the people, Sultan Muzaffar Syah, in an effort reconcile the two, held talks with Tun Ali. He was an old widower who made an unthinkable suggestion, which is he marry Tun Kudu, the queen of Melaka and the sister of Tun Perak. For Tun Ali’s surprise, Sultan Muzaffar Syah was willing to divorce his queen whom he loves dearly for the sake of Melaka’s stability. Tun Kudu herself was willing sacrifice herself for the sake of peace in the nation.

The sacrifices of Tun Kudu and Sultan Muzaffar Syah were not wasted. Tun Perak became close friends who helped each other to develop the kingdom. Not too long after that, Tun Ali himself requested that the Sultan appoint Tun Perak as the Prime Minister.

PEMBERONTAKAN PERTAMA DI MELAKA

THE FIRST UPRISING IN MELAKA

Walaupun Raja Ibrahim dilantik menjadi Sultan yang bergelar Parameswara Dewa Syah, namun kuasa kerajaan dipegang oleh bapa saudaranya, iaitu Raja Rokan. Pembesar-pembesar Melaka tidak suka orang luar memegang jawatan tetapi mereka tidak mengambil tindakan kerana sayangkan Raja yang masih muda.

Raja Kassim telah diarah keluar dari istana dan tinggal di kampung nelayan. Perkara ini berlaku setelah menerima bimbingan daripada Maulana Jalalludin yang berbincang dengan bapa saudaranya, Tun Ali, Penghulu bendahari Melaka. Tun Ali bersetuju untuk membantu Raja Kassim dan bermuafakat dengan pembesar-pembesar negeri Melaka yang tidak suka akan tindak-tanduk Raja Rokan, untuk menyerang istana dan merampas kuasa dari Raja Rokan. Bendahara Seri Wak Raja juga menyertai kumpulan ini dengan satu muslihat.

Pergerakan serangan terhadap istana berlaku pada waktu malam dalam suasana huru-hara kerana ramai tidak mengetahui tentang rancangan tersebut. Reaksi pertama ialah mempertahankan keselamatan Raja. Apabila melihat bendahara berada dalam kumpulan penyerang, mereka berpatah balik ke kumpulan Raja Kassim yang menaiki gajah. Pertempuran berlaku antara orang-orang Melaka dan pengikut-pengikut Raja Rokan. Raja Rokan yang memeluk kuat Parameswara Dewa Syah telah tertikam bersama anak buahnya lalu kedua-duanya mati.

Parameswara Dewa Syah dikebumikan dengan gelaran Sultan Abu Syahid. Kemangkatan Sultan Abu Syahid, walaupun tidak dirancang, adalah peristiwa yang penting bagi kestabilan politik Melaka dan menjadikan ia berdikari.

Although Raja Ibrahim was appointed as Sultan, called as Parameswara Dewa Syah, the real power laid with his uncle, Raja Rokan. The noblemen of Melaka did not want outsiders to control Melaka but they did not take any action because of their love for the young Sultan.

Raja Kassim was asked to leave the palace and live in Kampung Nelayan. On Maulana Jalaludin’s advice, he brought the matter up with his uncle Tun Ali, The State Treasurer. Tun Ali agreed to help Raja Kassim and conferred with the nobility of Melaka who did not agree with the actions of Raja Rokan. They attacked the palace and wrested power from Raja Rokan. Prime Minister Seri Wak Raja was also part of the group.

The uprising against the palace took place at night, causing confusion, as the public was unaware of the scheme. Their initial reaction was protecting the safety of the king. When they realized that the Prime Minister was with the attackers, they joined Raja Kassim who was riding an elephant. The fighting broke out between the people of Melaka and the followers of Raja Rokan. He was stabbed while hugging Parameswara Dewa Syah, also accidentally killed.

Parameswara Dewa Syah was buried, posthumously honoured as Sultan Abu Syahid. His death was an important turning point, which brought political stability to Melaka and made it self-reliant.

SERANGAN LAUT AYUTHIA

THE SEA ATTACK BY AYUTHIA

Serangan darat Ayuthia yang mengalami kekalahan tidak mematahkan semangat Kerajaan Ayuthia. Pada tahun 1456, semasa pemerintahan Raja Boromo Trilokanat (1448-1488), mereka telah melancarkan serangan laut terhadap Melaka, di bawah pimpinan Panglima Perang Okya Tejo.

Serangan Ayuhia ini dijadikan bahan cerita termasyhur dalam Sejarah Melayu kerana buat pertama kalinya angkatan tentera laut Melaka dapat mengalahkan satu kuasa besar di rantau ini.

Apabila Melaka mendapat tahu rancangan Ayuthia tersebut, Melaka juga melengkapkan angkatan tentera lautnya dan mengambil keputusan untuk mematahkan serangan tersebut di Batu Pahat. Angkatan Melaka ini diketuai oleh Tun Perak dan dibantu oleh Tun Hamzah, seorang panglima yang dikenali sebagai Dato’ Bongkok. Mereka tiba di muara Sungai Batu Pahat dan berpengkalan di situ. Di sekeliling kawasan muara telah dipasangkan dengan pelita-pelita yang memberi gambaran pada waktu malam seolah-olah ada satu angkatan laut yang besar di situ.

Apabila angkatan tentera Ayuthia tiba di sebelah malam, mereka kagum melihat angkatan Melaka yang begitu ramai. Pertarungan sengit berlaku antara kedua-dua angkatan tentera laut. Bagi Melaka, ini ialah serangan laut yang pertama bagi mereka. Pengetahuan tentang keadaan laut digunakan sepenuhnya oleh angkatan laut Melaka dan akhirnya mereka berjaya mengalahkan angkatan Ayuthia. Kapal-kapal Melaka mengejar kapal Ayuthia hingga ke Singapura sebelum masing-masing berpatah balik.

Kejayaan dalam peperangan tersebut memberi keyakinan kepada Melaka untuk mereka mengaturkan dasar dan menyebarkan pengaruhnya ke seberang laut.

The defeat in the land attack of Melaka did not deter Ayuthia. In 1456, during the reign of King Boromo Trilokanat (1448-1488), a sea attack on Melaka was planned under the leadership of Commander Okya Tejo. This attack became the basis of romantic tales in the Malay Annals because it was the first time that the Melaka naval forces were able to defeat one of the biggest powers of the region.

When Melaka heard Ayuthia’s plans, it strengthened its naval forces and decided to stop invasion at Batu Pahat. Tun Perak who was aided by Tun Hamzah and a famous warrior named Datok Bongkok led the Melaka forces. They reached Batu Pahat River and camped there. The whole area was lit with lamps, which gave the impression of the presence of a huge naval strength.

When Ayuthia is navy survived in the night, they were impressed by what they saw as evidence of the huge Melaka force. A fierce battle ensued between the two forces. This was the first sea attack Melaka faced. Knowledge of the conditions of the sea and the tides came in useful and in the end, Melaka was able to fend off the attack. Its ship chased the Ayuthians to Singapore before each goes to separate ways.

The victory later gave Melaka the confidence to formulate politics and expand its influence overseas.

KEMUNCULAN HANG TUAH

EMERGENCE OF HANG TUAH

Hang Tuah walaupun mencapai nama dan tahap yang terkenal di Nusantara ini, beliau dilahirkan dalam keluarga miskin. Lahir di Kampung Duyong, anak kepada Hang Mahmud dan Dang Merdu Wati. Kepintaran Hang Tuah dapat dilihat sejak kecil lagi dalam mempelajari agama dan seni mempertahankan diri. Semasa berusia 10 tahun, Hang Tuah berkenalan dengan 4 orang yang sebaya dengannya. Persahabatan ini telah menyatukan mereka dalam apa jua kegiatan sehingga dikenali dengan gelaran “lima bersaudara”, iaitu Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu, dan Hang Kasturi.

Kemunculan Hang Tuah dalam sejarah Nusantara ini berlaku akibat serangan pengamuk-pengamuk di kampung berhampiran dengan kampung Bendahara. Bendahara Tun Perak bersama pengawal-pengawalnya datang untuk menyiasat perkara tersebut. Tiba-tiba empat orang pengamuk datang menyerang Tun Perak dan pengawal-pengawalnya lari untuk menyelamatkan diri sendiri. Hang Jebat telah membunuh seorang dari pengamuk itu, Hang Lekir dan Hang Lekiu membunuh seorang lagi dan Hang Tuah membunuh dua orang pengamuk sebelum mereka dapat mendekati Tun Perak.

Tun Perak kagum dengan keberanian Hang Tuah dan rakan-rakannya. Beliau memberikan kain persalinan dan terus melantik mereka sebagai hulubalang. Mereka juga diperkenalkan kepada Sultan Muzaffar Syah. Dari sinilah bermulanya satu lagenda.

Although he achieved fame and respect throughout the Archipelago, Hang Tuah was born in a poor family in Kampung Duyong, the son of Hang Mahmud and Dang Merdu Wati. His intelligence was obvious from an early age as he studied religion and martial arts. When he was 10, Hang Tuah met four persons at his age, which whom they had such a strong relationship, that they were known as the “five brothers”- Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekiu and Hang Lekir.

His role in the history of Archipelago began with the attack of some people who ran amok in a village near to the Prime Minister’s place.

Together with his men, Prime Minister Tun Perak went there to investigate the matter. Suddenly, four men attacked him, but his guard ran off to save themselves. Hang Jebat killed one of the men; Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu were also killed one, while Hang Tuah killed two of them.

Tun Perak was impressed with the bravery of Hang Tuah and his friends, and presented them with robes or honour and appointed them as chiefs. They were later introduced to Sultan Muzaffar Syah. It was began the legend of Hang Tuah.

ISLAM KE PULAU JAWA

ISLAM IN JAVA ISLAND

Lukisan ini menggambarkan Maulana Malik Ibrahim melawat pedalaman Pulau Jawa bagi menyebarkan agama Islam di kalangan penduduk Jawa. Melaka juga memainkan peranan penting menyebarkan Islam ke Jawa.

This painting depicts Maulana Malik Ibrahim who visited the interiors of Java Island to spread the Islamic faith to the locals. Melaka was also responsible in spreading the knowledge of Islam to Java.

ISLAM KE BRUNEI

ISLAM IN BRUNEI

Lukisan ini menggambarkan adegan ketika Sheikh Shamsuddin tiba di Kampung Air, Brunei, pada tahun 1450, untuk mengislamkan Raja Brunei. Pada waktu itu, Raja Brunei diberi gelaran Maulana Al-Sultan Mohammad Shafiuddin. Melaka juga memainkan peranan penting menyebarkan Islam ke Brunei.

This painting depicts the arrival of Sheikh Shamsuddin in Kampung Air, Brunei, in 1450 to convert the King of Brunei to Islam. The King came to be known as Maulana Al-Sultan Mohammad Shaifuddin. Melaka was also responsible in spreading the knowledge of Islam to Brunei.

HANG TUAH DIKURUNG

HANG TUAH IN CONFINEMENT

Sejak peristiwa menyelamatkan nyawa Tun Perak dari serangan amuk, keberanian dan kegagahan Hang Tuah semakin ketara. Sifat peribadi Hang Tuah dan jasanya dikenang oleh Sultan Mansur Syah sehingga Hang Tuah dilantik sebagai Laksamana Melaka. Beberapa negeri di Sumatera dan di Semenanjung Tanah Melaka sudah pun terletak di bawah jajahan takluk pengaruh Melaka. Melaka diakui sebagai satu kuasa dan pusat perdagangan di Nusantara ini. Kuasa dan kekayaan membawa kemewahan yang mana dilambangkan oleh kehidupan orang-orang Melaka. Apabila suatu kerajaan mencapai kejayaan ke tahap empayar, maka mulalah muncul perasaan cemburu dan krisis politik. Kebangkitan dan pencapaian Hang Tuah menimbulkan rasa iri hati di kalangan beberapa pembesar Melaka. Beliau difitnah mengatakan mempunyai hubungan dengan seorang dayang Raja. Sultan Mansur Syah tanpa menyiasat kebenaran, mengarahkan Tun Ali supaya Hang Tuah dibunuh. Tun Ali yang menimbangkan keadaan, mempercayai bahawa Hang Tuah yang sebenarnya telah diiftnah, membawanya ke Ulu Melaka di mana beliau telah disembunyikan.

Walaupun kemudiannya Hang Tuah muncul semula di arena politik, peristiwa seumpama ini tetap berulang, iaitu pemimpin-pemimpin yang berkaliber digugurkan mengikut sesuka hati Raja yang memerintah, dan akhirnya ia menjadi punca utama kejatuhan Kerajaan Melayu Melaka.

After he saved Tun Perak in the amok attack, Hang Tuah’s bravery received more attention. His actions were not forgotten and Sultan Mansur Syah had appointed him as the Admiral of Melaka. At that time, several states in Sumatera and in the Peninsula were already under Melaka, which it was recognized as a major power and a trade centre in the Archipelago. Power and wealth were reflected in the lifestyles of the people of Melaka.

Once a kingdom becomes an empire, jealousy and political intrigues begin to appear. Hang tuah’s rise and achievements made some of Melaka’s dignitaries jealous of him. He was accused of having an illicit affair with a palace maid. Without a proper investigation

RAJA PAHANG MENJADI GURU GAJAH

THE KING OF PAHANG AS AN ELEPHANT’S TEACHER IN MELAKA

Kemenangan Melaka ke atas Ayuthia membebaskan negeri itu daripada belenggu ketakutan dan keyakinan untuk mengambil tindakan positif dalam menguasai Sungai Pahang dan Negeri Pahang. Ini berikutan Kerajaan Pahang yang bakal menyokong Negeri Melaka akan menjamin kedaulatan Melaka.

Negeri Pahang ketika itu kaya dengan hasil emas dan sumber alam semulajadi. Ia diperintah oleh Maharaja Dewa Sura di bawah naungan Ayuthia. Pahang memainkan peranan utama apabila Ayuthia menyerang Melaka melalui darat. Sultan Mansur Syah memerintahkan supaya Pahang ditakluki. Satu angkatan tentera laut di bawah naungan Tun Hamzah (Dato’ Bongkok) menyerang Pahang dan dengan mudah mengalahkannya. Maharaja Dewa Sura yang melarikan diri ke Ulu Pahang telah ditangkap bersama seisi keluarganya, dan dibawa ke Melaka. Beliau dipenjarakan di hujung Balai Istana dan diberi segala kemudahan sebagai Raja. Puterinya, Wanang Seri dikahwinkan oleh Sultan Mansur Syah.

Ketika itulah gajah baginda yang bernama Kancaci telah terlepas ke hutan. Ia tidak dapat dibawa balik oleh orang-orang Melaka. Maharaja Dewa Sura, seorang berpengetahuan tentang gajah untuk menangkap gajah baginda dan beliau berjaya membawa pulang gajah tersebut. Sebagai membalas jasa Dewa Sura, Sultan Mansur Syah telah membebaskan beliau dan melantiknya sebagai guru mengajar ilmu berkenaan haiwan itu.

Tun Hamzah (Dato’ Bongkok) dilantik menjadi Raja Pahang sebagai wakil Sultan Mansur Syah. Pahang menjadi jajahan pertama yang ditakluki Melaka.

Melaka’s victory over Ayuthia freed it from its fears and convinced it to take positive action to control the Pahang River and the state itself because future supportive governments there would strengthen Melaka’s position.

Pahang then was rich in gold and natural resources. King Dewa Sura ruled it under the protection of Ayuthia. Pahang played a key role when Ayuthia attacked Melaka by land. Sultan Mansur Syah decided that Pahang should be conquered. A naval force under Tun Hamzah (Dato’ Bongkok) attacked Pahang and easily defeated it. King Dewa Sura fled to Ulu Pahang but was later being caught with his family and brought back to Melaka. He was imprisoned in the palace and given all privileges as a king. Sultan Mansur Syah later married his daughter, Wanang Seri.

It was around this time that the Sultan’s elephant, Kancaci escaped into the forest. The people of Melaka could not recalture it. King Dewa Sura, who was an expert on elephant, was released to catch it and he successfully did so. As a reward, Sultan Mansur Syah gave him a freedom and appointed him as a teacher or trainer to those who wanted to learn about elephants.

Tun Hamzah (Dato’ Bongkok) was appointed as the King of Pahang, as a representative of Sultan Mansur Syah. Pahang became the first colony of Melaka.

HANG LEKIR

HANG LEKIR

Hang Lekir adalah salah seorang daripada empat sahabat Hang Tuah. Seperti sahabat-sahabat yang lain, beliau besar bersama-sama dengan Hang Tuah. Beliau juga telah mempelajari ilmu mempertahankan diri iaitu ilmu silat, bersama-sama dengan Hang Tuah. Beliau adalah pengikut Hang Tuah yang paling setia. Menurut Sejarah Melayu, Hang Lekir yang telah mengamuk apabila mendapat tahu bahawa Hang Tuah telah dibunuh mengikut perintah Sultan, bukan Hang Jebat seperti yang diriwayatkan dalam Hikayat Hang Tuah.

Hang Lekir was one of the four companions of Hang Tuah. He, as the others, grew up with Hang Tuah. He also learnt the art of self-defense (The Silat) with Hang Tuah. He was an ardent follower of Hang Tuah. According to The Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu), it was Hang Lekir who was the amok, and not Hang Jebat as depicted in The Story of Hang Tuah (Hikayat Hang Tuah), upon learning that Hang Tuah had been put to death as directed by the Sultan.

HANG LEKIU

HANG LEKIU

Seperti sahabat-sahabat Hang Tuah yang lain, Hang Lekiu juga adalah pengikut Hang Tuah. Beliau juga kawan sepermainan Hang Tuah dan telah mempelajari ilmu mempertahankan diri iaitu ilmu silat bersama-sama dengan Hang Tuah. Akhirnya, beliau diiktiraf oleh Sultan sebagai pahlawan Melaka di samping Hang Tuah dan sahabat-sahabat yang lain.

Like Hang Tuah other companions, Hang Lekiu too grew up with Hang Tuah and studied the art of self-defense (the Silat) with Hang Tuah. The Sultan later recognized him as one of the warriors of Melaka together with Hang Tuah and his other companions.

HANG TUAH

HANG TUAH

Hang Tuah adalah wira Melayu terakhir. Beliau merupakan simbol kehormatan, keberanian dan taat setianya kepada raja. Falsafah bersatu padu tanpa berbelah bagi adalah pegangan beliau. Hang Tuah lima bersaudara iaitu, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu dan Hang Kasturi menjadi terkenal selepas mereka menyelamatkan Bendahara daripada serangan orang mengamuk. Beliau adalah Laksamana dalam zaman pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah. Sebagai Laksamana beliau dianugerahkan sehelai jubah berlambangkan seekor naga oleh Maharaja China sementara pokok kangkung menjadi lambang kebijaksanaannya melihat wajah Maharaja China di negara China kerana rakyatnya diharamkan memandang muka baginda. Ungkapannya yang termasyhur ialah, “takkan Melayu hilang di dunia”. Hang Tuah lima bersaudara juga terkenal dengan amalan seni silat gayong.

Hang Tuah was the ultimate Malay hero. He was a symbol of honour, courage and loyalty. His philosophy was complete unity. Hang Tuah and his companions namely, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu, and Hang Kasturi, became famous after they saved the Bendahara (Prime Minister) from an amok. He was Laksamana (Admiral) during Sultan Mansur Syah’s reign. During his tenure as Laksamana, the Emperor of China presented him a long coat with the picture of a dragon embroidered on to it which became his symbol while the watercress became his symbol for being smart in his attempt to look at the Chinese Emperor whose looks was forbidden to the subjects. His most famous line was, ‘The Malay race will not perish from the earth.’

HANG JEBAT

HANG JEBAT

Hang Jebat juga seorang pahlawan Melayu pada zaman pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah. Peristiwa termasyhur dalam hidupnya ialah apabila beliau mengamuk di istana ekoran diberitahu bahawa Hang Tuah telah dihukum bunuh kerana dituduh mengkhianati Sultan. Walaupun orang yang ditugaskan untuk menjalankan hukuman telah tidak melakukannnya, tetapi Hang Jebat benar-benar percaya Hang Tuah telah dibunuh. Hang Tuah seterusnya telah dipanggil balik oleh Sultan untuk membantu mengawal Hang Jebat. Dalam pergelutan dengan Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat telah mengeluarkan kata-kata, “raja adil raja disembah, raja zalim raja disanggah.” Hang Tuah pula berucap, “takkan Melayu menderhaka kepada rajanya.” Akhirnya, Hang Jebat ditikam mati oleh Hang Tuah dengan kerisnya yang bernama Taming Sari.

Hang Jebat was also a Malay warrior during Sultan Mansur Syah’s reign. An well known episode in his life was when he became an amok and went on a rampage in the palace when told that the Sultan had ordered Hang Tuah murdered on the suspicion of being a traitor. Although the man ordered to kill Hang Tuah did not carry out the deed, Hang Jebat believed Hang Tuah was dead. The Sultan, when told that Hang Tuah had not been killed, ordered Hang Tuah be brought back to help restrain Hang Jebat. During the struggle, Hang Jebat said his famous words, which translates, ‘obedience to a just ruler, opposition to an unjust ruler’ to which Hang Tuah replied, ‘A Malay will never betray his ruler’. The episode ended when Hang Tuah killed Hang Jebat with his keris (a Malay dagger) ‘Taming Sari’.

HANG KASTURI

HANG KASTURI

Hang Kasturi dikatakan yang terakhir menjadi ahli kumpulan bersaudara Hang Tuah. Beliau juga telah mempelajari ilmu mempertahankan diri iaitu Silat bersama-sama dengan Hang Tuah serta sahabat-sahabatnya yang lain. Bersama-sama yang lain, beliau juga telah mendapat pengiktirafan Sultan sebagai pahlawan Melaka yang terbilang.

It was said that Hang Kasturi was the last to join Hang Tuah’s band of ‘brothers’. He too learnt the art of self-defense (The Silat) together with Hang Tuah and his other companions. Together with the others, the Sultan recognized him as one of Melaka’s distinguished warriors.

ROBOHAN ISTANA SULTAN

THE DEMOLITION OF THE PALACE

Pertarungan hebat antara Hang Tuah dan Hang Jebat yang berlaku di Istana Sultan Mansur Syah telah berakhir dengan pembunuhan Hang Jebat. Disebabkan peristiwa pahit itu dan pencemaran di istana, Sultan Mansur Syah tidak ingin mendiami istana itu lagi. Maka diititahkan supaya istana itu dirobohkan dan dibuang ke laut. Arahan Baginda dilaksanakan dengan sempurna.

Sebuah istana baru yang cantik telah dibina di tapak istana yang dirobohkan. Istana ini dinamakan ‘Mahligai’, akan tetapi kemudiannya telah dibakar.

The epic battle between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, which took place inside the Sultan Mansur Syah’s palace, ended with the death of Hang Jebat. The bitter episode and the subsequent stigma made the Sultan did not want to live in the palace anymore. He ordered the palace to be demolished and thrown it away into the sea. His order was diligently obeyed.

A new and beautiful palace was built on the same site of the old building. It was called as ‘Mahligai’. However, this royal residence was later been burnt as well.

SULTAN MANSUR SYAH (1378-1449)

SULTAN MANSUR SYAH (1378-1449)

Raja Abdullah telah mengganti ayahandanya Sultan Muzaffar Syah dan mengambil gelaran Sultan Mansur Shah. Zaman pemerintahannya merupakan zaman kegemilangan Kerajaan Melayu Melaka yang terkenal dengan cerita rakyat dan kebudayaan Melayu. Bilangan penduduk Melaka turut bertambah menjadi 40,000 orang.

Empayarnya berkembang melalui tawanan dan perkahwinan. Di bawah pimpinan kebijaksanaan Bendahara Tun Perak, kerajaannya berkembang ke Pahang, Terengganu, Kedah dan Johor di Semenanjung; Kampar, Bengkalis, Rokan dan Siak di Sumatera; Patani di Siam sementara Inderagiri diberi kepadanya sebagai hantaran kahwin dengan seorang puteri Jawa.

Anak daripada isteri pertamanya berketurunan Siam iaitu Raja Ahmad menjadi Sultan pertama Pahang manakala anak daripada isteri Cinanya Puteri Hang Li Po iaitu Paduka Mamat menjadi penguasa Langkat, yang keturunannya memerintah Selangor. Agama Islam juga tersebar ke Nusantara melalui penaklukan baginda. Lagenda Hang Tuah dan empat sahabatnya turut muncul semasa pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah.

Raja Abdullah was the son of Sultan Muzaffar Syah who succeeded the throne and took the name Sultan Mansur Syah. It was during his reign that Melaka reached its peak and was the golden age of Malay folklore and culture. Its population rose to 40,000 inhabitants.

His empire spread through conquests and marriage. Under the able leadership of Bendahara (Prime Minister) Tun Perak, his empire spread to Pahang, Terengganu, Kedah, Johor in Semenanjung; Kampar, Bengkalis, Rokan and Siak in Sumatera; Patani in Siam and received Inderagiri as a dowry with his Javanese wife.

His son, Raja Ahmad, by his first wife of Siamese descent, became the first Sultan of Pahang while his son Paduka Mamat by his Chinese wife Princess Hang Li Po became the ruler of Langkat, whose descendants ruled Selangor. Thus, Islam was spread through the Malay Archipelago of his conquests. The legend of Hang Tuah and his four companions emerged during Sultan Mansur Syah’s reign.

KEDATANGAN HANG LI POH

THE ARRIVAL OF PRINCESS HANG LI POH

Hubungan yang terjalin antara Melaka dan China telah bermula dengan kedatangan Yin Ching pada tahun 1403. Laksamana Cheng Ho mengeratkan lagi hubungan ini dan mengiringi rombongan Parameswara ke China pada tahun 1411. Hubungan persahabatan dan diplomatik antara China dan Melaka mencapai kemuncaknya semasa pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah (1338-1449). Baginda mengutuskan Tun Perpatih Putih ke China dengan membawa surat jawapan Baginda. Utusan Melaka disambut oleh Perdana Menteri dan kemudiannya menghadap Maharaja China. Tun Perpatih berjaya menggambarkan keagungan Sultan Melaka. Disebabkan tertarik dengan keagungan Sultan Melaka, Maharaja China menitahkan supaya puterinya iaitu Hang Li Poh, dikahwinkan dengan Sultan Mansur Syah. Seorang menteri kanan menemani Hang Li Poh dengan 500 orang pengiring-pengiringnya ke Melaka. Sesudah mengislamkan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Sultan pun mengahwininya dan membina sebuah istana di atas bukit yang kemudiannya dikenali dengan nama Bukit China.

Relations between Melaka and China began in 1403 with the arrival of Yin Ching. Admiral Cheng Ho strengthened these ties and accompanied Parameswara to China in 1411. The friendly relations and diplomatic ties between China and Melaka reach its peak during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah (1338-1449).

Sultan Mansur Syah sent Tun Perpatih Putih to China with a written reply. The envoy was well received by the Prime Minister and took him to meet with the Emperor. Tun Perpatih Putih succeeds in his way to make the Emperor felt so much impressed upon the greatness of the Sultan of Melaka. He was then ordered his princess, Hang Li Poh to marry Sultan Mansur Syah. A senior minister accompanied her and 500 ladies-in-waiting to Melaka. After she converted to Islam, Sultan Mansur Syah married her and built a palace on a hill, which later came to be known as Bukit China.

MELAKA SEBAGAI PUSAT PERDAGANGAN

MELAKA AS A TRADE ENTREPORT

Melaka sebagai emporium Timur yang terkenal bermula dengan jualan ikan kering kepada pedagang-pedagang yang singgah di Pulau Besar, sebelum Melaka wujud. Parameswara menjadi pengasas untuk memajukan Melaka sebagai temnpat dagangan dengan pembukaan 20 gerai membeli-belah. Beliau juga mengenakan syarat-syarat dan cukai-cukai yang berpatutan. Pedagang-pedagang mula datang dari semua sudut Asia dan merasa puas hati dengan perlindungan yang diberi kepada mereka. Pedagang-pedagang dari Sumatera, China, India Selatan, Gujerat, Arab, Pegu, Benggal, Siam, Kalimantan, Ujong Padang, Champa dan Brunei datang dan menjadikan Melaka sebagai pusat Portugis yang mengesahkan bahawa 84 bahasa digunakan di Kota Melaka.

Kedudukan Kota Melaka dimana satu musim angina berhenti dan lain pula bermula, membolehkan pedagang-pedagang datang dan singgah sebelum bergerak ke destinasi lain atau pulang. Undang-undang kanun Melaka dan Undang-undang Laut Melaka mengawal hak-hak pedagang dan kerajaan. Barang-barang yang menjadi eksport adalah emas, bijih, belacu, kain sutera, satin, besi, barang-barang makanan, porselin, tembikar, lada, rempah, cengkih, kayu manis, buah pala, gaharu, bahan-bahan wangian, batu-batu permata, kaca, belerang, tembaga, kapur, arak, senjata, manik-manik cermin dan lain-lain.

Tidaklah hairan apabila Tome Pires berkata….sesiapa menakluk Melaka mempunyai kuasa untuk mencekik Kota Venice.

Melaka as the well-known Ëmporium of the East”began with selling of dried fishes to the traders, who anchored of Pulau Besar before the establishement of Melaka. Parameswara became the founder of progressive Melaka by turning it into a trade centre by opening 20 stalls for business purpose. He also established codes and taxes that were fair. Merchants started arriving from all corners of Asia, satisfied with the protection provided. Traders from Sumatera Kingdoms, China, South India, Gujerat, Arabs, Pegy, Benggal, Siam, Kalimantan, Ujong Pandang, Combodia & Brunei came and make Melaka as their trade centre. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Melaka amazed the Portuguese who confirmed that 28 languages were spoken at Melaka during that period.

The location of Melaka where “one trade wind ends and another begin” enable the traders to arrive and stay before proceeding to their destination or return. The laws of Melaka and the Maritime Laws protected the interest of the traders and the Sultanate. The export-import wares were gold, tin, copper, iron, Indian cloth, Chinese silk, satin, porcelain and pottery, precious stones, mirror, glass, sulphur, lime, liquer, weapons, beads, scent, pepper, spices and other items.

It was not amazing when Tome Pirez exclaimed “whoever holds Melaka, has his hands on the throat of Venice”.

MELAKA MENYERANG KELANTAN

MELAKA ATTACK ON KELANTAN

Awal kurun ke-15 menyaksikan Melaka sibuk dengan pelbagai peristiwa. Tun Perak yang menjadi tulang belakang empayar Melaka telah meninggal dunia pada tahun 1498, dan adiknya Tun Perpatih Putih dilantik menjadi Bendahara. Beliau diarahkan menyerang Manjong di Perak dan berjaya menawannya. Pada ketika itu, semua negeri di Semenanjung terletak di bawah naungan Melaka kecuali Kelantan. Sultan Mahmud Syah berhasrat menakluki Kelantan yang masih tidak menerima ketuanan Melaka. Temenggong Tun Mutahir diarah menawan Kelantan. Beliau membawa satu angkatan laut yang besar menyerang Kelantan dan berjaya menangkap puteri-puteri Raja Kelantan dan dibawa ke Melaka. Sultan Mahmud kemudian berkahwin dengan salah seorang puteri ini, iaitu Puteri Onang Kening.

Dengan kemenangan ini, keseluruhan Semenanjung terletak di bawah naungan Melaka. Berikutan dengan serangan Melaka, Ligor pula hendak menyerang balas, lalu menyerang Pahang yang terletak di bawah naungan Melaka. Bendahara Tun Mutahir dan Khoja Hassan menguatkan kubu pertahanan Pahang dan berjaya mengalahkan Ligor apabila ia menyerang Pahang.

In the beginning of the 15th century, Melaka was occupied with several developments. Tun Perak, who was the pillar of the Melaka Empire, died in 1498. His brother Tun Perpatih Putih became the Prime Minister. He was ordered to attack Manjong in Perak and managed to capture it. At this time, all the Peninsula states were under Melaka’s rule except for Kelantan.

Sultan Mahmud Syah wanted to conquer Kelantan because it refused to accept Malacca’s rule. The Temenggong Tun Mutahir was ordered to defeat Kelantan. The Kelantanese fought bravely but were defeated by Melaka. The Kelantan prince defeated but the princesses were caught and brought back to Melaka Sultan Mahmud married to one of them called Onang Kening.

With the victory, the whole Peninsula came under Melaka patronage. Ligor wanted to revenge and invaded Pahang, which was under Melaka’s rule. Prime Minister Tun Mutahir and Admiral Khoja Hassan strengthened Pahang’s defence and defeated Ligor when they were attacked.

ISTANA MAHLIGAI TERBAKAR

THE ROYAL PALACE BURNS

Istana Mahligai Sultan Mansur Syah ialah kebanggaan Kesultanan Melayu Melaka. Ia melambangkan kekayaan, kemakmuran dan kekuasaan Melaka. Istana ini melambangkan keunggulan senibina Melaka. Istana besar itu amat indah dipandang dan kemuncak istana pula dipasang satu permata besar yang bersinar-sinar pada siang hari. Istana besar itu tiba-tiba terbakar. Kemungkinan fokus sinaran kepada atap genting kayu berlian yang kering semasa musim kemarau mengakibatkan kebakaran tersebut. Kebakaran itu dilihat oleh semua penduduk Kota Melaka yang datang untuk memadamkannya. Beberapa hulubalang dapat masuk ke dalam istana dan menyelamatkan harta Raja. Oleh kerana suhu kebakarannya terlalu tinggi, maka api tidak dapat dipadamkan atau kesemua barang yang berharga dikeluarkan. Istana Mahligai hangus terbakar.

Selepas beberapa hari, Sultan Mansur Syah memerintahkan supaya dibina sebuah istana lagi di tapak yang sama dalam tempoh sebulan. Tun Perak dapat mendirikan sebuah istana batu yang tidak kurang indahnya dari Istana Mahligai.

Sultan Mansur Syah’s main palace was the pride of the Malay Sultanate. It is not only symbolized the wealth, prosperity and power of Melaka, but also Malay architecture at its best. The main palace was beautiful to see and a precious pearl was placed at the topmost point to catch the sun’s rays.

One day, the palace caught fire. It could have been started by the precious pearl, which reflected the sun’s rays on to the dry wood of the palace during a drought. All the people of Melaka who came to help put it out of fire witnessed the incident. The palace officials managed to enter the burning palace and save some of the Sultan’s belongings. Because of the extreme heat, the fire could not be extinguished or the entire precious items in the palace were saved. The palace was completely burnt down.

Later, Sultan Mansur Syah ordered to build another palace on the same site within one month. Tun Perak built the one which was no less splendid than the first palace.

TUN PERAK

TUN PERAK

Tun Perak pengganti Bendahara Tun Ali telah berkhidmat dalam pemerintahan empat Sultan Melaka dari tahun 1456 hingga 1498. Beliau bergelar Bendahara Paduka Raja. Semasa berkhidmat di bawah pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah beliau bertanggungjawab menaikkan keagungan Melaka dalam bidang maritim di Asia Tenggara. Di bawah kebijaksanaan pimpinan beliau juga Melaka telah dapat menawan Kampar, Rokan, Bengkalis, Siak, Jambi dan Inderagiri di Sumatera; Patani di Siam; Pahang, Terengganu dan Johor di Semenanjung. Kegemilangan Melaka memuncak pada masa ini yang terkenal juga sebagai Zaman Kegemilangan Budaya Rakyat dan Kebudayaan Melayu. Tun Perak meninggal dunia pada tahun 1498. Beliau diganti oleh sepupunya Tun Mutahir.

Tun Perak succeeded Bendahara (Prime Minister) Tun Ali and served fewer than four Melaka Sultans from 1456-1498. He took the title Bendahara Paduka Raja. While serving Sultan Mansur Syah he was responsible for Melaka’s rise to power in the maritime of South East Asia. Under his able leadership, the Empire of Melaka spread to Kampar, Rokan, Bengkulis, Siak and Jambi, Inderagiri in Sumatera; Pahang, Terengganu and Johor in the Peninsula; Patani in Siam. Melaka reached its peak and was also known as the Golden Age of Malay folklore and Culture during this time. Tun Perak died in 1498. Tun Mutahir cousin succeeded him.

KEBERANIAN SULTAN ALAUDDIN RIAYAT SHAH

THE BRAVERY OF SULTAN ALAUDDIN RIAYAT SHAH

Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah (1449-1481) ialah Sultan yang ke-6 memerintah Empayar Melaka. Baginda menggantikan ayahandanya iaitu Sultan Mansur Syah. Baginda adalah seorang yang gagah berani dan adil. Semasa beliau mengambil alih tugas kerajaan, terdapat banyak pencuri yang merampas harta benda pedagang-pedagang di Kota Melaka.

Satu malam, Baginda berpakaian seperti seorang pencuri membuat rondaan di Kota Melaka bersama dua orang pengawalnya. Ketika itu, Baginda bertemu dengan lima orang pencuri mengusung sebuah peti. Apabila dicabar, kelima-lima pencuri itu berlari meninggalkan peti tersebut. Baginda memerintahkan seorang pengawal supaya menjaga peti itu lantas Baginda mengejar pencuri tadi. Baginda berjaya membunuh dua orang pencuri dan pengawalnya membunuh seorang lagi. Dua orang lagi terjun ke dalam sungai Melaka dan berjaya melepaskan diri.

Sejak peristiwa ini, Kota Melaka bebas dari pencuri.

Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah (1449-1481) was the sixth ruler of the Melaka Empire, taking over from his father, Sultan Mansur Syah. He was a brave warrior and a just ruler.

When he took over the reign of Melaka, there were many robbers that robbed the traders in Melaka. At one night, he dressed as a thief and patrolled the city with two guards along with him. He saw five thieves were carrying a large chest. When he confronted them, they ran off leaving the chest behind. Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah chased and killed two of them by himself, while his guard killed the other one. The rest were escaped by jumping into the river.

Since then Melaka was free from robbers.

MELAKA MENYERANG PASAI

MELAKA ATTACK ON PASAI

Semasa pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah, Melaka mencapai tahap empayar. Ia bukan sahaja memperolehi kekayaan dan kemakmuran akibat aktiviti perdagangan tetapi juga penaklukan beberapa negeri di Nusantara ini. Raja-raja yang baru dilantik akan datang ke Melaka untuk mendapatkan restu Sultan Melaka. Begitu juga Raja-raja yang digulingkan akan datang dan meminta bantuan Sultan Melaka untuk mendapatkan negara mereka semula.

Sultan Zainal Abidin ialah Raja Pahang yang digulingkan dari takhtanya oleh saudaranya. Baginda datang ke Melaka dan merayu pada Sultan Mansur Syah meminta bantuan untuk mendapatkan kembali takhtanya. Sultan Mansur Syah menghantar satu angkatan tentera dan penyokong-penyokong musuh Zainal Abidin. Akhirnya, Melaka berjaya mengalahkan Pasai dan menjadikan Zainal Abidin sebagai Sultan Pasai.

Walaupun kejayaan itu tidak menjamin kesetiaan Raja Pahang, peristiwa ini menunjukkan kemampuan Sultan Melaka dan sikap tolak ansur antara pemimpin Melaka.

Melaka became an empire during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah, attaining not only wealth and prosperity from its trading activities, but also through the conquest of kingdoms in the Malay Archipelago. Newly appointed kings came to Melaka to get the Sultan’s blessings. Similarly, those who were overthrown came to seek the Sultan’s help to regain their kingdoms.

A relative overthrew Sultan Zainal Abidin, the former ruler of Pasai. He came to Melaka and pleaded Sultan Mansur Syah to help him to regain the thrown. The Sultan sent an army under the command of Tun Perak, assisted by Tun and Hang Tuah. Pasai was finally defeated and Zainal Abidin became the Sultan.

Although this victory did not guarantee the loyalty of the Pahang’s king, it were clearly showed the great power of the Sultan of Melaka and the tolerance of Melaka dignitaries.

SULTAN ALAUDDIN RIAYAT SYAH (1449-1481)

SULTAN ALAUDDIN RIAYAT SYAH (1449-1481)

Raja Husain, anak Sultan Mansur Syah dengan isterinya yang kelima menaiki takhta pada usia 21 tahun dan memerintah Melaka dengan gelaran Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah. Baginda merupakan raja yang berdaya usaha dan adil. Baginda terkenal kerana berusaha mengekalkan keamanan di negeri Melaka mengikut undang-undang jenayah Islam. Baginda menyamar dan meronda pada malam hari untuk menangkap pencuri. Baginda telah diracun dan mangkat pada tahun 1481.

Raja Hussain was Sultan Mansur Syah’s son by his fifth with who ascended the throne at the age of 21 and ruled Melaka as Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah. He was an enterprising ruler and just. His was best known for maintaining law and order in Melaka according to Islamic criminal laws. He would patrol by night incognito in order to catch thieves. He was poisoned and died in 1481.

PENGAWALAN RAJA MOHAMMAD

RAJA MOHAMMAD’S SAFETY

Raja Mohammad ialah anakanda kepada Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah dan Tun Senaja. Tun Senaja ialah adik Tun Mutahir dan anak saudara Tun Perak. Walaupun Baginda mempunyai anak sulung, Raja Menawar yang sedang dilatih sebagai Raja di Kampar, Sumatera. Raja Mohammad dilantik sebagai Sultan Melaka dan bergelar Sultan Mahmud Syah apabila Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah mangkat.

Perlantikan Raja Mohammad sebagai Sultan tidak diterima oleh beberapa golongan pembesar istana. Raja Tua adalah nenek kepada Raja Mohammad dan Raja Menawar. Beliau menyayangi Raja Menawar lebih daripada Raja Mohammad dan secara terang-terangan menyatakan bahawa Raja Menawar lebih layak menjadi Sultan.

Raja Mohammad pada ketika itu berusia lebih muda dan sering sakit. Tun Perak dan Hang Tuah tidak membiarkan sahaja kawalan Raja Mohammad, malahan mereka sendiri mengawal rapi segala gerak geri perihal Raja Mohammad. Apabila Baginda sakit tenat, Raja Tua datang meratap dan menghampirinya dengan tujuan mahu membunuhnya. Tun Perak dan Hang Tuah memberi amaran kepadanya yang mereka akan mengamuk sekiranya Raja Tua melangkah ke hadapan. Akhirnya, Raja tua berundur dari tempat itu.

Walaupun peristiwa ini menunjukkan kesetiaan Tun Perak dan Hang Tuah kepada Raja, ia meyakinkan Raja Mohammad yang Baginda boleh berbuat sesuka hati dan ini menjadi punca keruntuhan akhlak dan kejatuhan Kesultanan Melayu Melaka di Kota Melaka.

Raja Mohammad was the son of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah and Tun Senaja. Tun Senaja was the younger sister of Tun Mutahir and the niece of Tun Perak. The Sultan had an older son, Raja Menawar who was trained to be the King of Kampar, Sumatera. Raja Mohammad was appointed to be the next Sultan of Melaka and known as Sultan Mahmud Syah, taking over when Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah died.

Some factions in the palace did not accept Raja Mohammad’s appointment as the Sultan of Melaka. Raja Tua, the grandmother of both Raja Mohammad and Raja Menawar, loved Raja Menawar more and clearly said that he was the one who should be the Sultan.

At that time, Raja Mohammad was still young and always sick. Tun Perak and Hang Tuah did not neglect his safety, but they guarded him at every moment. When he was sick, Raja Tua wanted to attend him, intending to kill him. Tun Perak and Hang Tuah did not allow her to come near him. When she insisted they warned her that they would react by running amok. In the end, she conceded and left the palace.

Even though this incident highlighted Tun Perak’s and Hang Tuah’s loyalty to the Sultan, it gave Raja Mohammad the confidence that he could do whatever he wanted to. This became the main factor that led to moral degradation and eventually the fall of the Melaka Sultanate.

TUN TEJA (PENGORBANAN ANTARA CINTA DAN PEMERINTAH)

TUN TEJA (A SACRIFICE BETWEEN LOVE AND RULER)

Tun Teja adalah tunang kepada Sultan Abdul Jalil (Sultan Pahang). Menurut Sejarah Melayu, dia dipujuk kemudian diculik dan dibawa ke Melaka oleh Hang Nadim. Tetapi menurut cerita dari Hikayat Hang Tuah yang mengatakan bahawa Laksamana Hang Tuah yang membawa Tun Teja ke Melaka. Walau apapun, kisah ini membuktikan kelemahan golongan wanita dan begitu mudah untuk diperdayakan. Sifat lelaki yang ego dan penipuan mereka yang ingin memenangi hati Sultan Melaka telah menyebabkan seorang wanita telah menjadi korban.

Penculikan Tun Teja untuk dijadikan isteri Sultan Melaka telah menyebabkan pergaduhan antara dua buah negeri iaitu Pahang dan Melaka. Peperangan tanpa kemenangan ini telah menyebabkan seorang wanita yang juga tunang, kekasih dan kemudiannya permaisuri menjadi korban.

Tun Teja was Sultan Abdul Jalil (Sultan of Pahang)’s fiancée. According to The Malay History, she was coaxed and then kidnapped to Melaka by Hang Nadim while Hikayat Hang Tuah (The Story of Hang Tuah) claimed that Hang Tuah was the one who took Tun Teja. Whatever it might have been, it just proved how gullible and fragile a woman could be. The egoistic nature and deceit of men who wanted to win Sultan Melaka’s heart resulted in a woman being the sacrifice.

The kidnapping of Tun Teja to become the consort of Sultan Melaka led to war igniting between the states of Pahang and Melaka, a war that saw no winner between the two states and a woman who was a fiancée, lover and later consort, was the sacrifice.

Tun Teja adalah tunang kepada Sultan Abdul Jalil (Sultan Pahang). Menurut Sejarah Melayu, dia dipujuk kemudian diculik dan dibawa ke Melaka oleh Hang Nadim. Tetapi menurut cerita dari Hikayat Hang Tuah yang mengatakan bahawa Laksamana Hang Tuah yang membawa Tun Teja ke Melaka. Walau apapun, kisah ini membuktikan kelemahan golongan wanita dan begitu mudah untuk diperdayakan. Sifat lelaki yang ego dan penipuan mereka yang ingin memenangi hati Sultan Melaka telah menyebabkan seorang wanita telah menjadi korban.

Penculikan Tun Teja untuk dijadikan isteri Sultan Melaka telah menyebabkan pergaduhan antara dua buah negeri iaitu Pahang dan Melaka. Peperangan tanpa kemenangan ini telah menyebabkan seorang wanita yang juga tunang, kekasih dan kemudiannya permaisuri menjadi korban.

Tun Teja was Sultan Abdul Jalil (Sultan of Pahang)’s fiancée. According to The Malay History, she was coaxed and then kidnapped to Melaka by Hang Nadim while Hikayat Hang Tuah (The Story of Hang Tuah) claimed that Hang Tuah was the one who took Tun Teja. Whatever it might have been, it just proved how gullible and fragile a woman could be. The egoistic nature and deceit of men who wanted to win Sultan Melaka’s heart resulted in a woman being the sacrifice.

The kidnapping of Tun Teja to become the consort of Sultan Melaka led to war igniting between the states of Pahang and Melaka, a war that saw no winner between the two states and a woman who was a fiancée, lover and later consort, was the sacrifice.

HANG NADIM DIKETEPIKAN

THE DOWNFALL OF HANG NADIM

Hang Nadim ialah anak Melaka dan menjadi hulubalang Melaka yang terkenal. Beliau juga anak saudara Bendahara Tun Mutahir dan mengahwini anak Laksamana Hang Tuah. Beliau merupakan seorang yang gagah berani dan salah seorang yang berpotensi untuk menjadi Laksamana Melaka. Sultan Mahmud Syah ingin membeli kain untuk kegunaannya sendiri dan meminta Hang Nadim kerana kebolehannya untuk membeli 40 jenis kain serasah, setiap jenis sepanjang 40 ela dengan 40 jenis bunganya. Hang Nadim bertolak ke India Selatan dengan menumpang kapal Hang Isap. Hang Nadim dapat mengumpulkan kain-kain seperti yang dititah dan beliau belayar balik dengan kapal Hang Isap. Sayang sekali kapal Hang Isap telah karam berhampiran dengan Ceylon (sekarang Sri Lanka). Hang Nadim hanya dapat menyelamatkan beberapa gulung kain dan akhirnya belik ke Melaka. Sultan Mahmud sangat murka kepada Hang Nadim kerana kehilangan kain-kain itu.

Apabila Hang Tuah meninggal dunia, Khoja Hassan pula dilantik menjadi Laksamana. Hang Nadim sepertimana terbukti selepas kejatuhan Melaka, lebih berkaliber dan bersemangat daripada Khoja Hassan. Beliau telah dilantik menjadi Laksamana telah melancarkan serangan demi serangan terhadap Portugis untuk menawan semula Melaka. Sekiranya beliau dilantik dengan lebih awal menjadi Laksamana, kemungkinan besar Melaka boleh mematahkan serangan Albuquerqe.

Hang Nadim was a native of Melaka and was made chieftain. He was a nephew of Prime Minister Tun Mutahir and was married to Hang Tuah’s daughter. He was a courage man who had the potential to become an Admiral. Sultan Mahmud Syah wishing to buy cloth for his own use chose Hang Nadim for his experience in this. He asked for 40 types of printed coromandel cloth, each 40 yards in length. Hang Nadim left to South India by a small ship belonged to Hang Isap. He bought the cloth and returned home by using the same ship. Unfortunately, the ship sanked near Ceylon (Sri Lanka), but Hang Nadim managed to save only several bundles of cloth and returned to Melaka.. Sultan Mahmud was angry with him for losing the cloth.

When Hang Tuah died, Khoja Hassan has been appointed to be the Admiral although Hang Nadim was so much capable and spirited. This fact can be proven right after Melaka fell down. In a bid to regain Melaka, he launched several attacks against Portuguese. If only he had been made the Admiral of Melaka at the first place, he could have possibly fought off Albuquerqe.

KEDATANGAN TUN TEJA KE MELAKA

TUN TEJA ELOPES TO MELAKA

Tun Teja ialah anak perempuan Bendahara Pahang dan mempunyai paras rupa yang sangat cantik sekali sehingga disebut Tun Teja Ratna Benggal. Mengikut Sejarah Melayu beliau telah ditunangkan dengan Sultan Abdul Jamil Sultan Pahang. Sultan Mahmud telah mendengar tentang kecantikan Tun Teja dan baginda pun menyatakan hasratnya ingin mengahwini Tun Teja. Hang Nadim yang mendengar hasrat Baginda, ingin memenuhi kehendak Sultan Melaka. Sekaligus akan memulihkan namanya yang tercemar akibat kehilanagn kain Sultan di Ceylon. Hang Nadim sampai di Pahang dan menyediakan sebuah kapal Jong. Beliau berbaik dengan seorang penolong Tun Teja dan menerusinya, beliau dapat menghampiri Tun Teja lalu memuji kebesaran Sultan Melaka dan ketampanan Sultan Mahmud. Tun Teja yang tertarik dengan kata-kata Hang Nadim hendak mengikutnya kembali ke Melaka. Dengan persetujuan itu, Hang Nadim dapat membawa Tun Teja ke kapal Jong lalu belayar ke Melaka. Apabila Sultan Pahang mendengar Tun Teja ke Melaka bersama Hang Nadim, beliau pun mengejar kapal Jong itu dengan perahunya. Tiada sebuah perahu pun dapat merapati Jong itu kerana kemahiran memanah Hang Nadim. Malah, apabila perahu Raja menghampiri kapal Jong, Hang Nadim telah memanah payung Raja sehingga terbelah dua. Orang Pahang tidak berani mendekati Hang Nadim sehinggalah tiupan angin menggerakkan kapal Jong ke tengah laut. Tun Teja sampai di Melaka dan Sultan Mahmud pun berkahwin dengannya.

Tun Teja was the daughter of the Prime Minister of Pahang and was so beautiful that she was referred to as the Jewel of Bengal. She was already betrothed to Sultan Abdul Jamil of Pahang. Sultan Mahmud heard of her beauty and wanted to marry her. Hang Nadim heard about this and wanted to fulfil his wish, while at the same time, redeem him after losing the Sultan’s cloths in Ceylon. Hang Nadim reached Pahang and prepared a ship. He befriended Tun Teja’s maid and through her, approached Tun Teja, praising the Sultan of Melaka’s greatness and looks. Tun Teja was captivated by Hang Nadim’s descriptions and wanted to go to Melaka. With her consent Hang Nadim bought Tun Teja to his ship and set sail for Melaka. When the Sultan of Pahang heard that Tun Teja was sailing with Hang Nadim to Melaka, he gave chase with his sailing boats. Due to Hang Nadim’s skillful archery, not even one boat could come to his ship. When the Sultan’s boat came near his ship, Hang Nadim shot an arrow, which split the Sultan’s umbrella into two. The Pahang men dared not come close to him until Hang Nadim’s ship was blown out to sea. Tun Teja arrived in Melaka and Sultan Mahmud married her.

PEMBUNUHAN RAJA ZAINAL

THE MURDER OF RAJA ZAINAL

Raja Zainal ialah adik Sultan Mahmud Syah dan tinggal dalam Kompleks Istana di salah satu istana kecil. Beliau juga seorang pemuda yang sangat kacak dan rupawan. Kekacakan beliau telah menarik perhatian ramai wanita yang melihatnya. Raja Zainal juga menggunakan kelebihannya untuk memperkosa perempuan-perempuan tanpa mengira samada mereka isteri orang ataupun tidak. Perempuan-perempuan yang tidak disukainya akan diserahkan pula kepada pengikut-pengikutnya. Perbuatan Raja Zainal mengganggu ketenteraman Kota Melaka dan perkara tersebut disampaikan kepada Sultan Mahmud Syah. Baginda sangat murka terhadap Raja Zainal. Apabila orang-orang yang dipilihnya enggan membunuh Raja Zainal, Sultan Mahmud mengarahkan hambanya iaitu Hang Berkat, membunuh Raja Zainal. Hang Berkat memasuki rumah Istana Raja Zainal yang sedang tidur. Pembunuhan itu diberitahu kepada Sultan dan Raja Zainal dikebumikan mengikut adat. Pembunuhan Raja Zainal adalah mengikut adat negeri tetapi dijalankan tanpa perbicaraan yang pasti akan memburukkan nama istana. Namun, ia dapat diselesaikan secara adil tanpa mencemarkan keluarga Diraja.

Raja Zainal was the younger brother of Sultan Mahmud Syah and lived in one of the smaller palaces within the palace complex. He was a very handsome and elegant man. His good looks attracted the attention of the ladies. Raja Zainal used his looks to lure and seduce women, regardless of whether they were other people’s wives or not. Those he did not desire were passed on to his followers. Raja Zainal’s behaviour disrupted the peace of Melaka and matters were brought to the Sultan’s attention. Sultan Mahmud was very angry with Raja Zainal. When the men he chose to murder Raja Zainal refused to do so, Sultan Mahmud ordered his slave, Hang Berkat to kill him. Hang Berkat entered Raja Zainal’s palace when he was sleeping. Sultan Mahmud was informed of the murder and he ordered that Raja Zainal be given a royal burial.

Raja Zainal’s murder followed custom, but was conducted without a trial, which would have disgraced the palace. As such, the matter was settled fairly without disgracing the Royal family.

PENUBUHAN DINASTI KESULTANAN MELAYU MELAKA

THE FOUNDING OF THE MELAKA MALAY SULTANATE DYNASTY

Parameswara seorang putera dari Palembang yang terpaksa mengembara akibat perpecahan Empayar Majapahit pada abad ke-13. Beliau menjelajah ke Temasik (Kini Singapura), Muar dan Hulu Muar sebelum menetap di Bertam Hulu. Pada suatu hari ketika berehat di bawah sepohon pokok semasa memburu, beliau melihat seekor pelanduk putih melawan anjing-anjing pemburunya dan menendang seekor anjing ke dalam sungai. Parameswara takjub melihat kejadian ini dan bertekad menubuhkan kerajaannya di tempat yang memberi semangat keberanian itu. Beliau menamakan tempat itu sebagai Melaka, sempena nama pokok beliau bersandar.

Parameswara, a prince of Palembang was forced to wander as a result of the breakup of the Majapahit Empire in 13th century. He travelled to Temasik (Now Singapore), Muar and Hulu Muar before settling down in Bertam Hulu. One day, while on a hunting trip, he was resting under a tree when saw a white mouse deer confronting his hunting dogs and kicked one of them into the river. Surprised and impressed by the sight, Parameswara being inspired by the sight, decided to set up his kingdom in this place, naming it Melaka after the tree which he was resting under.

PERKAHWINAN PARAMESWARA DENGAN PUTERI PASAI

PERKAHWINAN PARAMESWARA DENGAN PUTERI PASAI

Perkahwinan antara Parameswara (Iskandar Syah) dan Puteri Ratna Keumala Puteri Pasai adalah satu peristiwa penting bagi Sejarah Melaka. Peristiwa ini berlaku pada abad ke 13. Ketika itu, Melaka sedang membangun dari sebuah kampung nelayan yang kecil ke satu pelabuhan yang sedang memperluaskan kegiatan perdagangannya. Pasai pula sudah pun masyhur sebagai sebuah kuasa di Sumatera Utara dan mempunyai Kerajaan Islam.

Perkahwinan ini menjadi asas bagi Melaka untuk muncul sebagai pusat perdagangan dan perkembangan Islam di Nusantara ini.

The marriage of Parameswara (Iskandar Syah) to the Princess of Pasai in 13th century was an important event in the history of Melaka. At that time, Melaka was developing from a small fishing village to a prosperous port. Pasai on the other hand was already known as a major power in the North of Sumatera and had a Muslim government.

The marriage became the foundation on which Melaka grew became a major trade centre and as the centre for the spread of Islam in the Archipelago.

PERARAKAN SULTAN MELAKA

THE ROYAL PROCESSION OF MELAKA

Kedatangan Syed Abdul Aziz ke Melaka mengubah corak kehidupan rakyat Melaka. Sultan Mohammad Syah (1283-1339) mewujudkan pelbagai adat istiadat dan larangan yang merangkumi beberapa aspek kehidupan harian (beberapa adat tersebut masih dipraktikkan sekarang dalam upacara istiadat Diraja di Semenanjung Tanah Melayu). Salah satu daripada adat ini ialah upacara Perarakan Diraja. Ia dibuat dalam dua cara, iaitu Raja Berangkat diusung dan Raja Bergajah. Diorama ini menggambarkan upacara Raja Berangkat diusung.

Apabila upacara Sultan berangkat diusung, Penghulu, Bendahari, Laksamana dan Menteri-menteri memegang keliling usungan itu. Alat-alat kebesaran Diraja dengan iringan pancaragam juga turut mengikuti Bendahara sementara pembesar-pembesar negeri mengiring dari belakang usungan Diraja itu.

Upacara-upacara seperti ini menonjolkan keagungan dan kemegahan Raja-Raja Melaka dan institusi Kesultanan Melaka.

The arrival of Syed Abdul Aziz in Melaka changed the lifestyles of people in Melaka. Sultan Mohammad Shah (1382-1339) introduced many ceremonial customs and prohibitions which covered many aspects of daily life (some of these customs are still being practised during royal ceremonies in the Malay Peninsula). One was the royal procession. This was conducted in two different ways – procession by sedan chair or on elephant back. This diorama depicts the royal procession on a sedan chair.

When the Sultan was carried on a sedan chair, the carriage was carried on the shoulders of the admiral, treasurer and the ministers. The bearers of the royal insignias and the royal band, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries would follow them.

Such ceremonies highlighted the greatness and grandeur of the Rulers of Melaka and the institution of the Royalty of Melaka.

THE CONFRONTATION BETWEEN TUN BIAJID – SULTAN MAHMUD SYAH

THE FOUNDING OF THE MELAKA MALAY SULTANATE DYNASTY

Tun Biajid adalah anak lelaki Laksamana Hang Tuah. Beliau adalah seorang hulubalang Negeri Melaka yang bertanggungjawab di kawasan Morib, Selangor. Beliau sering ke Morib atas urusan tersebut. Sultan Mahmud mengambil kesempatan ini untuk menggoda isteri Tun Biajid. Pada suatu malam, Sultan Mahmud bermalam di rumah Tun Biajid dan apabila hendak keluar dari rumah itu pada waktu subuh, baginda telah bertembung dengan yang kebetulan baru pulang dari Morib. Apabila menyedari perbuatan Sultan Mahmud, Tun Biajid sambil menimbang-nimbang lembingnya berkata, “Hai Sultan, demikiankah pekerjaaan tuan hamba akan hamba. Jikalau tuan hamba bukan tuan kepada hamba, jika tiada lembing ku tumbukkan di dada, bukanlah hamba laki-laki”.

Apabila pengawal-pengawal Sultan hendak menyerang Tun Biajid, Sultan Mahmud menahan mereka dan bersetuju dengan kata-kata Tun Biajid serta memahami keengganannya menderhaka, maka beliau tidak dibunuh. Tun Biajid menceraikan isterinya dan tidak mahu ke istana, walaupun sultan membenarkan seorang dari istana dikahwinkan dengan Tun Biajid. Apabila diarahkan ke istana, Tun Biajid akan menaiki perahu dan belayar ke mana-mana.

Tun Biajid was a son of Admiral Hang Tuah and he was court official in charge of Morib, Selangor. He often visited Morib to carry out his duties. Sultan Mahmud spent a night at Tun Biajid’s house and as he was leaving the house in the early morning, he met Tun Biajid who was just returning from Morib. By realising the situation, Tun Biajid, while balancing the spear in his hand, said, “So that is how you behave, Sultan? As you were my master, if not, if my spear did not pierce your heart, I’m not a man”.

RAJA KEDAH DIANUGERAHKAN NOBAT

THE KING OF KEDAH IS PRESENTED THE NOBAT

Apabila Melaka menjadi empayar, raja-raja di Nusantara ini yang baru dilantik akan tiba di Melaka untuk mendapat restu Sultan Melaka ketika itu. Pengiktirafan Sultan Melaka mengesahkan kedudukan Raja berkenaan dan beliau tidak akan dicabar oleh pihak lain. Penerimaan oleh Sultan Melaka dianggap mulia dan disanjung tinggi oleh negeri yang memohon. Raja-raja yang direstui akan dianugerahi samada kain persalinan atau satu set nobat ataupun kedua-duanya. Upacara ini disebut Raja Dinobatkan.

Nobat ialah satu set kelengkapan alat-alat muzik yang mengandungi gendang, serunai dan sebagainya. Nobat dianggap sebagai alat muzik Diraja. Sultan-Sultan Melaka mengutamakan nobat dalam upacara-upacara Balairong Seri setiap hari melainkan diarah supaya jangan dimainkan untuk satu tempoh tertentu kerana kematian seseorang yang disanjung tinggi oleh Sultan. Nobat juga dimainkan semasa seorang Raja dinobatkan.

Raja Kedah datang ke Melaka untuk memohon restu Sultan Melaka untuk menerajui Kerajaan Kedah. Sultan Mahmud membenarkan Raja Kedah ke Balairong Seri. Selepas beberapa bulan, Raja Kedah memohon untuk pulang. Sultan Kedah menganugerahkan satu set nobat untuknya. Alat muzik nobat masih memainkan peranan dalam upacara-upacara adat istiadat Di Raja Kedah.

When Melaka achieved the status of empire, the other kings in the Archipelago who had just been installed arrived in Melaka to get the blessings of the Sultan. The recognition accorded by the Sultan of Melaka would strengthen his position and other contenders would not challenge the king. Acceptance by the Sultan of Melaka was important and highly regarded. The kings who sought his approval would be granted either a set of clothes, or a set of ‘nobat’, or both.

The ‘nobat’ is a set of musical instruments comprising Malay drums, clarinet and other instruments. The ‘nobat’ is considered the musical instruments of the Royalty. It had to be played every day during court ceremonies unless otherwise instructed. It was also played when a King was being installed.

The King of Kedah arrived in Melaka and received the blessings of the Sultan to head his kingdom. Sultan Mahmud allowed him to stay in his court. After some months, the king of Kedah asked that he be allowed to return home. Sultan Mahmud then presented him with a set of ‘nobat’. The musical instruments are still being played in royal ceremonies in Kedah.

KEDIAMAN PUTERI HANG LI POH DI BUKIT CHINA

THE RESIDENCE OF PRINCESS HANG LI POH ON BUKIT CHINA

Bukit China ialah salah satu bukit yang terdapat dalam kumpulan bukit-bukit yang sekarang disebut dengan satu nama. Nama Bukit China wujud sejak zaman Sultan Mansur Syah dan bukan kerana perkuburan Cina yang terdapat sekarang. Sebenarnya, sebuah istana telah dibina di Bukit China sebagai kediaman Puteri Hang Li Poh. Sebuah perigi juga digali mengikut titah Sultan Mansur Syah untuk kegunaan Puteri Hang Li Poh dan perigi ini masih lagi wujud.

Kedatangan Puteri Hang Li Poh dan perkahwinannya dengan Sultan Mansur Syah mengeratkan persahabatan Melaka dengan Negara China. Hasil dari perkahwinan ini, Baginda dikurniakan seorang anak lelaki yang dinamakan Paduka Mamat. Disebabkan penempatan Istana Puteri Hang Li Poh, bukit berkenaan menerima gelaran Bukit China.

Bukit China (Chinese Hill) is one of the hills found in the group of hills, which are now collectively known by one name. The name ‘Bukit China’ was introduced during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah and not because of the Chinese graves that are now found there. A palace had been built on Bukit China as the residence of Princess Hang Li Poh. On the orders of Sultan Mansur Syah, a well was dug there for the princess to use. This well still exists to this day.

The arrival of Princess Hang Li Poh and her marriage to the Sultan strengthened the ties between Melaka and China. A son was born out of this marriage, and he was called Paduka Mamat. It was because of Princess Hang Li Poh’s palace that the hill was called Bukit China.

KEKUASAAN POLITIK MELAKA

THE POLITICAL STRENGTH OF MELAKA

Diorama ini mewujudkan satu peristiwa yang berlaku semasa pemerintahan Sultan Mansur Syah (1378-1449). Ia menunjukkan peristiwa anak Sultan membunuh anak Bendahara.

Raja Mohammad, anak Sultan Mansur Syah, telah menaiki kuda dan sedang berjalan melalui kampung Bendahara. Ketika itu, Tun Besar, anak Bendahara Tun Perak dan rakan-rakannya sedang bermain sepak raga. Bola yang disepak oleh Tun Besar terkena pada destar Raja Mohammad lalu jatuh ke tanah. Raja Mohammad murka kemudiannya membunuh Tun Besar. Kesemua saudara Tun Besar pun mengeluarkan senjata hendak membunuh Raja Mohammad, tetapi Tun Perak meleraikan kumpulan itu supaya jangan menjadi derhaka. Beliau menyatakan bahawa beliau tidak akan bertuankan Raja Mohammad. Mendengar kejadian itu, Sultan Mansur Syah memerintahkan Raja Mohammad keluar dari Melaka dan dijadikan Sultan Pahang.

Peristiwa ini menggambarkan kesetiaan Tun Perak kepada Sultan, keadilan Sultan kepada rakyat, kasih sayang Sultan kepada anaknya dengan menghukum anaknya yang bersalah, kuasa dan pengaruh Sultan Melaka yang sentiasa dipatuhi.

This diorama depicts the events that took place during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah (1378-1449). It tells the story of the killing of the Prime Minister’s son by the Sultan’s son. Raja Mohamad, the son of Sultan Mansur Syah, was riding his horse through the Bendahara’s village. At that time, Tun Besar, the son of Prime Minister Tun Perak, and his friends were playing a game of ‘sepak raga’. The rattan ball that Tun Besar kicked struck the headgear of Raja Mohamad and knocked it off. In anger, Raja Mohamad stabbed and killed Tun Besar. The relatives of Tun Besar came out with weapons and wanted to kill Raja Mohamad. But Tun Perak said nobody should become a traitor, although he vowed not to serve Raja Mohamad. Hearing of this, the Sultan banished his son from Melaka but made him the Sultan of Pahang.

This event highlighted Tun Perak’s loyalty to the Sultan, the Sultan’s fairness, his love for his son, his punishment for the son, and the power and influence he commanded.

MINIATUR BUKIT MELAKA

MELAKA HILL IN MINIATURE

Miniatur ini menggambarkan kedudukan Bukit Melaka (Bukit St. Paul sekarang) dan kandungannya semasa Zaman Kesultanan Sultan Mansor Syah (1378–1449). Kedudukan ini berasaskan kepada petikan-petikan Sejarah Melayu dan rekod-rekod Portugis.

Mengikut Sejarah Melayu, kompleks istana mengandungi istana besar yang disebut Mahligai, beberapa istana kecil, balairong seri, beberapa balai bagi nobat, mendaya, penungguan dan pinggan mangkuk, dapur, sukan, bilik-bilik mandi dan lain-lain. Tempat tinggal pekerja-pekerja istana, kandang gajah dan kuda raja terletak di bahagian timur bukit yang ada jalan bersambung ke Bukit China.

Tiada sebarang maklumat mengenai kandungan bahagian selatan bukit. Mungkin ianya menjadi dusun buah-buahan memandangkan ia terlalu curam untuk dibina bangunan. Pada zaman Kesultanan Melaka, bukit ini menjadi bukit larangan.

This miniature display shows the situation in Melaka Hill (now St Paul’s Hill) during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah (1378 –1449). It is based on the Malay Annals and Portuguese records.

According to the Malay Annals, the palace complex consisted of the main palace called ‘Grand Palace’, several small palaces, the audience hall, halls for the ‘nobat’ (drum halls), audience, waiting rooms, utensils, kitchen, mosque, bathing area, and others. The servant’s quarters, sometimes the stables for the horse and elephants were kept in the eastern section of the hill, which was also connected by a passage to Bukit China.

There is no information on the contents of the Southern side of the hill, but it was possibly an orchard because it was too steep to hold any buildings. During the era of the Sultanate, the hill was a restricted area.

Maklumat Lanjut / More Info

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