Browse Items (122 total)

• akademikpenang...1 more

  Historical Sketch of Penang in 1794

  The article by John Bastin discusses the historical document "A Historical Sketch of the circumstances which led to the settlement of Penang & of the Trade to the Eastward previous to, and since that period" from 1794.
• TextDavid Bassettobituary

  Obituary David Bassett

  David Sherman Bassett, aged 85, passed away on September 13, 2024, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. Born on July 9, 1939, in Massachusetts, he was a devoted member of Ardmore Baptist Church and actively volunteered at the Shriner Hospital and Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. A Past Master at the Masonic Lodge in Norwood, Massachusetts, and a dedicated Shriner, he cherished activities like golfing and water skiing. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Fisher Bassett; sons Christopher D. Bassett (Karen) and Jeffrey D. Bassett (Melissa); grandchildren Gaige, Riley, Sierra, and Brianna; great-grandchildren Brynleigh and Colt; and in-laws Wayne and Rebecca Fisher. A visitation was held on September 17, 2024, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lexington Memorial Masonic Lodge #473.
• TextMalayanPatani...1 more

  Patani During the Turn of the 20th Century: A Malayan Perception

  At the turn of the 20th century, Patani was viewed by many in Malaya as a culturally rich but politically troubled region under growing Siamese control. Malay observers saw the decline of Patani’s autonomy with concern, as it affected their shared identity, religious practices, and historical ties. This perspective highlights a sense of loss and solidarity with the Malay community in Patani during a period of change and uncertainty.
• Textkedahsuccession

  The Kedah Succession Crisis 1879-1882

  The Kedah succession crisis from 1879 to 1882 involved disputes over the rightful heir to the throne after the death of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. Competing claims led to political tension and intervention by neighboring powers like Siam and the British. The crisis showed how regional politics and colonial interests influenced traditional royal successions in Kedah.
• TextChineseHakka

  The Hakkas

  The Hakkas is about a group of Chinese people called the Hakka. They moved a lot and settled in different places, including Malaysia. The book talks about their hard work, strong spirit, and how they kept their own language and culture. It also shows how the Hakkas helped build the places where they lived.
• Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The bridge plan was a strategy during the Malayan Emergency, introduced by Sir Harold Briggs in 1950 to defeat the communist insurgency.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Instead of relying only on military force, it focused on cutting off support to the Malayan National Liberation Army by relocating rural populations into controlled New Villages. This prevented guerrillas from getting food and supplies while security forces maintauned pressure.
• Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Oliver Lyttelton's Reccomendation were made during the Malayan Emergency after his visit to Malaya in 1951 to assess the worsening security situation. He found that the Home Guard system was poorly organized and divided between Malay kampong guards and Chinese New Villagfe guards, with weak coordination and unequal development.
• TextLondonmissionaries

  The London Missionary Society: a written record of Missionaries and Printing Presses

  The London Missionary Society kept detailed records of its work in spreading Christianity, especially through education and printing. Its missionaries played a key role in producing religious texts and school materials in local languages across Asia. The printing presses not only supported religious goals but also helped shape literacy, language development, and early publishing in the region.
• Adatadat perpatih...3 more

  The Early Adat Constitution of Negri Sembilan (1773-1824)

  The article by M.B. Hooker discusses the early adat (traditional law) constitution of Negri Sembilan from 1773-1824, examining the emergence of a centralized state, the roles of matrilineal and patrilineal descent in society, and how patrilineal principles were imposed on the matrilineal system.
  
  
• akademik

  Port Weld

  The article by M. E. Wayte discusses the geographical and ecological dynamics of the Port Weld area, focusing on the rapid siltation of inshore waters, the growth of mangrove forests, and the impact of these processes on the local river systems and coastline of western Malaya.
• akademik

  The Fishing Methods of kelantan and Terengganu

  In "The Fishing Methods of Kelantan and Trengganu," M. L. Parry explores the traditional fishing techniques used in these two Malaysian states. Unlike other Malay states, Kelantan and Trengganu have been minimally influenced by external fishing methods, resulting in a limited variety of fishing gear.
• akademik

  Report on Excavations in Kelantan

  The article discusses the 1939 archaeological excavations led by M. W. F. Tweedie in the caves and rock-shelters around Gua Musang in Kelantan, highlighting the sites explored, findings, and acknowledgments for expert assistance.
• TextMalaccapalace...1 more

  A new reconstruction of the palace of Sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca

  A fresh reconstruction of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace in Malacca offers new insights into Malay royal architecture and historical design. Based on archaeological findings and historical records, the study gives a clearer picture of the palace’s layout, structure, and cultural importance during the height of the Malacca Sultanate.
  
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  William Edward Maxwell was a toddler in 1847, and in1867, the colonies of the British which is Penang, Malacca, and Singapore were governed by India. And, the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlements was established. Then almost civil servats were recalled but Maxwell was not maybe due to the influence of his father.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  William Maxwell studies land tenure system since the influence of British in the Malay states grew and proper system of registration of land titles and boundaries was needed to create revenue from the occupied land. And he bring a new uniform known as Burma and simple scheme for the registration of titles known as the Torrens system.
• Journal of the Malayan branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  About Sir B.P. Maxwell and His contribution. Sir Peter Benson Maxwell( W.E. Maxwell's father) went to the Penang to take a position of Supreme Court Judge. After several years later, he published a book known as" Our Malay Conquests", epitomizing a polemic based on Julius Caesaqr's famous quote"venimus, vidimus, vicimus". His criticism was levelled at the conduct of the British in not respecting Malay customs.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  This passage describes the early connection between Frank Swettenham and William Edward Maxwell after Swettenham arrived in Singapore in 1871. Although the exact date of their first meeting is unclear, they likely met through Maxwell's government appointments and social events. As a new colonial cadet without strong political connections, Swettenham focused on learning Malay under his teacher Haji Mohamed Said. His quick success in passing the Malay examination helped establish his reputation and supported his later rise in the social administration.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  This passage shows that Frank Swettenham wanted to protect his personal legacy in British Malaya. He strongly supported the Federation of the Malay States and feared people would forget his achievements. his Malayan artefacts were later kept in the national Museum. The passage also explains how aolonial names such as Port Swettenham and Maxwell Hill were later changed after independance. 
• akademikarchery

  Archery in South East Asia & the Pacific

  The article by N. W. Simmonds provides a general survey of primitive archery in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, based on his travels in 1954-55, with a focus on botanical and technological aspects, supplemented by museum and library studies.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  This passage explains the "mimetic model" or premodern Southeast Asian states. Power was organized though a hierarch where smaller rulers imitated stronger kings to gain prestige and authority. Based on Rene Girard's idea of mimesis, rulers desired power by copying superior models, which often created rivalry and conflict. This system is described as the "mandala system", where a central kingdom controlled surrounding towns in expanding circles of influence and imitation.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  This passage shows that in premodern Southeast Asia, relationship between kings and power centers could be either hierarchical cases, a superior king ruled over inferior ones, maintaining order. In rivalrous cases, rulers of similar status completed for dominance, which could lead to war, such as conflicts between Pegu and Ayutthaya. Even lesser rules might challenge stronger ones or negotiate power under certain conditions. The passage also introduces the idea that political differences between groups but also by the need to distinguish oneself from similar group, creating "fractured resemblances".
• akademikSingapura

  The Prince of Merchants and The Lion City

  The article by Nicholas Tarling examines the influential role of John Palmer, known as the "Prince of Merchants," in British political and commercial affairs, particularly in relation to the British-Dutch negotiations and the acquisition of Singapore, highlighting his extensive correspondence and significant political connections.
• Texttalesterengganu

  Tall Tales from Terengganu II

  Tall Tales from Terengganu II presents a collection of local stories and legends from Terengganu, capturing the region's rich oral traditions and cultural heritage. These tales, passed down through generations, reflect the values, beliefs, and everyday life of the Terengganu people. By documenting these narratives, the work helps preserve a fading tradition, offering readers insight into the unique folklore of the area.
• TextmalayaSir Hugh Clifford

  Images of Malaya in the Stories of Sir Hugh Clifford

  Sir Hugh Clifford’s stories paint a picture of Malaya during British colonial times, focusing on village life, local customs, and the relationship between the British and Malays. His writing reflects both admiration and a colonial mindset, giving insight into how Malaya was seen through a British lens in the early 20th century.
  
• Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  common misunderstandings about monsoon wind patterns and their role in historical maritime trade across the Indian ocean and Southeast Asia. While it is often believed that ships followed a simple one-way seasonal pattern and returing west with the southwest monsoon. However the reality was more complex.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Evidence from the 1431 Chinese expedition demonstrates that sailors adapted flexibly to changing wind systems. Rather than strictly following a fixed directional cycle, fleets could travel both eastward and westward within the same monsoon season. For example, Chinese ship sailed from China to Java on the winter monsoon, then continued to Malacca during the southwest monsoon, and later crossed the Indian Ocean to Hormuz during the northeast monsoon. , returning again within that same seasonal patters.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The passage explain that sailing routes were heavily influenced not just by wind direction but by seasonal weather conditions. Stormy monsoon periods often made certain coastal harbors in accessible, such as the east coast of the Malay peninsula during the musim tutup kuala and the west coast of India during the southwest monsoon. These environmental constrains shaped navigation strategies more than simplistic wind model suggests.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The text correct the misconception that the southwest monsoon moves in a straightward diagonal path from Africa to Southeast Asia. In reality, it develops progressively, beginning near Aceh, then reaching Sri Lanka, and finally the west coast of India.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The term navigation did not the originally mean precise position-finding as it does today. It referred broadly to guiding a ship across open waters., while pilotage described navigation near coastlines using visible landmarks.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The development of modern navigation techniques began in Europe during the late 15th century, not the early 1420s as often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, Prince Henry the Navigater did not initiate advanced oceanic navigations for voyages to Asia. Rather, it was under king John ll of Portugal in the 1470s that significant progress occured. His directive aimed to improve navigation after Portuguese sailors crossed the equator in search of the legendary figure Prester John.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Portuguese adapted and simplified earlier Arabic instruments such as quadrants and astrolabes. These tools were modified to measure the altura in degrees, making them more practical for sailors. Additionally, nautical almanacs that is derived from Arabic knowledge were introduced, incorporating solar data alongside stellar observations.
• Journal of the Malayan branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Navigation reminded far from precise. Mariners could not accurately determine their exact geographic position. The concept of locating a ship at the intersection of latitude and longitude was largely theoretical and confined to scholars. Longitude was especially difficult to measure and could only be estimated, while latitude was not fully conceptualized as it is today. Instead, sailors relied on measuring the altitude of stars, rather than understanding latitude as a coordinate systems.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Even experienced navigators, including Arab seafarers known for their advanced techniques, did not use latitude in the modern sense. This reliance on celestial height measurements persisted for centuries, with some English sailors continuing the practice into the Victorian era.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  The marine charts from the early times were showing a recognizable Mediterranean and northwestern shoulder of Africa without latitude and longitude. Arabs used a chart that were inspired by Portuguese. The Mao K'un maps named a later compiler found in the Wu-pei chin were written with text, and are of no standard siza or orientation.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Voyage routes ran in lines followed parallel to an irregular coastline and they provided the navigation with a direct picture of the coast but it was not possible to fix these. They are more like the straight line guides of the LondonUndergraund with pretty pictures.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  Sailing directions were recorded in East and West for both coasting and open sea voyages. For example, 5the knowledge of the various trade routes with directions and favorable winds, and description of the coastlines. Office are termed as Pilots after fitting their modern equivalents that include geographical descriptions and commercial information.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of Royal Asiatic Society

  The Mao K'un with the Zheng he Voyages used a star charts instead of the ocean navigations. But there are mislabeled star chart title of navigational diagrams by Needham. Also there are some problems in identifying stars with sailors' and names'. Zheng aids to navigation but only approximate geographical coastal positions can be found.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

  There is no other instruments but Mao K'un maps for open ocean navigations. Star altitude were added for the first time when crossing the mouth of the bay of Bengal .
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Asiatic Society

  The passage describes how early sailors used the Pole Star, Polaris or navigation before the 1470s. Because Polaris appeared nearly fixed in the sky, its altitude helped sailors estimates latitude, although it was not perfectly alighed with the North Pole. The text also explains that Polaris was less useful in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean., where sailors relied more on coastal navigation. Araba and Chinese navigators used simple tools such as the kamal and star plates to measure star height above the horizon fo guidance at sea.
• Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Asiatic Society

  The marine compass was an important tool for navigation because it showed direction at sea. However, a compass 'course' is different from a 'bearing". Early compasses ranged from simple magnetized needles floating in water to more advanced instruments. The Chinese were the first to invent the magnetic compass, and during the Ming dynasty they developed it further by mounting it on a detailed diving board.
• Textpenghuluperak...1 more

  Penghulus in Perak and Selangor: Rationalisation and decline of A Traditional Malay Office

  Penghulus in Perak and Selangor once held important roles as local leaders, responsible for maintaining order, settling disputes, and managing village affairs. Over time, their influence declined due to colonial restructuring, the rise of modern bureaucracy, and changing political dynamics. The rationalisation process turned the role into a more administrative position, reducing its traditional authority and cultural significance.
• TextAbd Al-Ra 'ūf's Tarjumān Al-Mustafīd

  The Sources of Abd Al-Ra 'ūf's Tarjumān Al-Mustafīd

  Abd al-Ra’ūf’s Tarjumān al-Mustafīd, a Malay tafsir (Qur'anic commentary), draws heavily from earlier Arabic sources, particularly the works of al-Baydawi and al-Khazin. By adapting these texts into Malay, Abd al-Ra’ūf made Islamic teachings more accessible to local audiences. His work reflects both deep religious scholarship and a desire to spread Islamic knowledge within the cultural context of the Malay world.
• akademik

  The Origin of the Malayan Metal Age

  In "The Origin of the Malayan Metal Age," Prince John Lowenstein, Ph.D., examines the delayed arrival of civilization in Malaya. While Europe and the ancient Near East advanced in metal use thousands of years earlier.
• akademikneolithic

  Hollow Clay Stand and Censers from Neolithic Malaya, and their western Prototypes

  The article by Prince John Lowenstein discusses the discovery of various types of neolithic ceramics, specifically hollow clay stands and censers, at different excavation sites in northern Malaya, highlighting their unique shapes and dimensions.
• Textperaksuccession...1 more

  Succession to the Perak Sultanate

  Succession in the Perak Sultanate follows a unique and complex system based on seniority and rotating titles among royal family members. Rather than direct inheritance from father to son, the system promotes individuals through a ranked structure, with each title serving as a step toward the throne. This method helps maintain balance and tradition within the royal court while ensuring experienced leadership.
• TextBangkokMalay...1 more

  A Malay Mission to Bangkok during the reign of Rama II

  During Rama II’s reign, a Malay mission traveled to Bangkok aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and negotiate political matters. The mission highlighted the close but sometimes complicated relationship between the Malay states and the Siamese kingdom, reflecting efforts to maintain peace and manage influence in the region.
• TextArabMunshi Abdullah...1 more

  Munshi Abdullah's Arab Teachers

  Munshi Abdullah’s Arab teachers had a strong influence on his education and thinking, especially in the areas of religion, language, and literature. Through them, he gained a deep understanding of Arabic and Islamic teachings, which shaped his later writings and reformist views. Their guidance helped bridge traditional Islamic scholarship with the emerging modern ideas in the Malay world.
• akademikJohor...1 more

  Malay Titles

  The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the historical Malay titles, detailing their specific meanings and rules of descent, based on ancient customs and traditions from Malacca and Johor.
• akademikpasai

  A Pasai Chief with A Persian Memorial Inscription

  The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the discovery of a tomb in North Sumatra with a unique Persian inscription, highlighting the historical significance and connections of Pasai, as well as the prominence of the name Husam al-Din in its history.