Browse Items (122 total)

  • Collection: Journal of the Malayan Branch 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…

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…

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…

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…

The English ship captains sailed in Asian water had been sailing in the region for twelve years such as from Bengal to Batavia it called Penang, via the stag called at Malacca.

The bridge plan was a strategy during the Malayan Emergency, introduced by Sir Harold Briggs in 1950 to defeat the communist insurgency. …

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…

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…

Karayuki-san were Japanese women who came to Singapore between 1877 and 1941, often working as migrant workers or in the sex trade. Their stories reveal the hardships they faced, as well as how they adapted to life far from home. Their presence…

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Between 1821 and 1885, Kedah faced a period of turmoil marked by Siamese invasion, the Sultan’s exile, and efforts to regain the throne. The struggle involved political negotiations, shifting alliances, and local resistance. Despite setbacks, the…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the various romanizations and interpretations of the name "Gulanggi" or "Kulanggi" found in the Kedah Annals, highlighting its connection to the romance of Hikayat Amir Hamzah and the author's influences from…

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The article looks at a legal issue in Jelebu involving Adat Perpateh, a matrilineal custom practiced by the Minangkabau. It highlights the tension between traditional adat laws and modern legal systems, showing how local customs still play a strong…

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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.

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The article by Alastair Lamb discusses the tradition of publishing brief preliminary reports on archaeological discoveries, focusing on the findings at the Kuala Selinsing site near Taiping, Perak, including a lost gold ring and surface collections…

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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…

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Murray Ross Henderson played a key role in shaping botanical research in Malaya during the early to mid-20th century. Starting as a botanist at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1921, he became curator in 1924 and later served as Director from 1949 to…

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Discussed the misinterpreted usage of the term "Bajau". The term does not only represent an ethnic in Sabah, but its also the name of a river. Bajau represents a vast ethnic in the Borneo Island, not limited to one ethnicity.

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Nora Chatri in Kedah is explored as a traditional dance-drama with deep roots in local culture and ritual. The report gives an early look at its performance style, stories, and social role, showing how it remains an important part of Kedah’s cultural…

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The article by Alastair Lamb details his exploratory visits to various archaeological sites in South Thailand since 1960, emphasizing the region's significance for understanding the early history of Malaya and the need for more comprehensive…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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This article looks at the Peranakan Chinese community in Northeast Kelantan, showing how they blended Chinese and Malay traditions in daily life. It highlights their unique culture, language, and social roles, as well as how they maintained their…

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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…

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This article explores the famous painting of Prince Dipanagara’s capture by Raden Saleh, showing how the artwork reflects both resistance to colonial rule and the artist’s personal perspective. It contrasts with Dutch versions of the event, offering…

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Raffles was awarded the Order of the Golden Sword by the Sultan of Palembang as a gesture of honor and diplomacy. The award symbolized mutual respect and recognition between Raffles and local rulers during his efforts to expand British influence in…

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Rawa and Rinchi are explored as distinct ethnic groups with unique cultural traits, languages, and histories. The note provides more details about their origins, migration patterns, and traditional customs, showing how they have maintained their…

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The article by Alastair Lamb details his archaeological research and observations from multiple visits to Kedah in 1957 and 1958, highlighting the incomplete and inaccurate documentation of sites, and the need for more comprehensive and preserved…

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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.

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The article by E. Banks details the traditional rice planting customs, including retreat periods and various rituals, among the people of the Baram District in Sarawak, and highlights the cultural significance and practices associated with these…

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Sandakan is a town in Sabah, Malaysia. It tells how the town started, grew, and changed over a century or approximately 100 years. Sandakan was important for trade, especially timber, and many people from different places came to live there. The book…

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It appeared that there was a conflict between the hospital and the colonial government. The colonial government refused to help the hospital when they were caught in debt despite the hospital serves the colonial needs apart from the poor Chinese…

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Sir Arthur Young played a key role in shaping policies toward the Chinese community in Malaya and the Straits Settlements during the early 20th century. He focused on maintaining order and controlling secret societies, often using strict surveillance…

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Sir Stamford Raffles had a deep interest in natural history and played a key role in promoting its study across Penang, Singapore, and Indonesia. He supported the collection and documentation of local plants, animals, and geological features, often…

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The article by Amin Sweeney examines an old Malay sha'ir (poem) inscribed on a cannon, correcting previous transcription errors and discussing its structure and historical significance.

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The article by Christopher and John Bastin documents the inscriptions from old tombstones in Penang's Protestant Cemetery and important tablets in St. George's Church, providing valuable biographical information about Penang's early governors,…

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The article by Ir. J. L. Moens looks at old historical and geographical records to identify early sea powers in the indian Archipelago, focusing on Srivijaya, Java, and Kataha, using Chinese and Arabian Sources.

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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,…

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The article by J. M. Gullick looks into the origins and historical meaning of the name "Sungei Ujong." It discusses how the name might have changed over time and its connections to places like Seremban and Cape Rachado. The article also mentions a…

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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…

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The article by Rodney Needham explores the use of death-names among the Penan people of middle Borneo, which are names assumed upon the death of close relatives and are based on the birth order of children, discussing the possibility of a similar…

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In “The Boats of Local Origin employed in the Malayan Fishing Industry,” C. A. Gibson-Hill examines the traditional sailing boats used in Malaya’s fishing industry. Until recently, these boats relied on sails, oars, or paddles for propulsion. The…

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Pakpak Batak communities in North Sumatra have been navigating cultural shifts influenced by modernization, migration, and changing religious identities. While many still uphold traditional customs and social structures, younger generations are…

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The article by C. Skinner details the British-Indian invasion of Java in 1811, focusing on the experiences of Lt. W. G. A. Fielding, who documented the campaign in his diary, highlighting the significant figures involved and the expedition's notable…

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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…

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The excavation at Kampong Ipoh in Negeri Sembilan uncovered a row of ancient megalithic stones, giving insight into prehistoric rituals and community life in the area. The findings help us understand the region’s early history and how people used…

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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…

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