Influence of Bharatiya (Hindu) culture on Malaysian rulers

The ancient Malay Dweep is the Malaysia of today. Malay Dweep is a congregation of many islands. Later it came to be known as Melaka. Many Sanskrut words are used in Malay language. A reference to the Ramayan and Mahabharat also exists in Malay literature. Till the 15th century, that is till Islam came to Malaysia, the Hindu emperors Majapahit, Ayudhya and Shrivijay ruled for 1500 years. No history of Malaysia before 2000 years is available.

 

1. Names of ancient kings who ruled Malaysia (Note 1)

Mr. Puglendi Senthiyappan

Due to the influence of the two languages Sanskrut and Tamil in Singapore and Malaysia during the ‘Malay’ regime the concept of royalty was deep rooted. The history of Malay kings who came to rule Malaysia from the first one till 700 years later has been given by Dr. Aagus Salim in his book ‘Story of Singapore Malay Rulers’.

Name of the king Regime
1.Stri (Shri) Tribhuvan known by the name of Sang Neela Uttama (Note 2) 1299    to 1347
2. King Kesil Besar known by the name ‘Paduka Seri Vikram Veer’ 1347 to 1362
3.Raja Muda known by the name ‘Shri Rana Veerkarma’ 1362 to 1375
4.Dashian king known by the name ‘Paduka Seri (Shri) Maharaja’ 1375 to 1388
5. King Iskandar Shah known by the name ‘Shri Parmeshwar’ 1388 to 1391

Note 1 – The regime of rulers of Singapore have been taken from the research of Dr. Agus Salim. (The King of 14th century Singapore, JMBARAS, 20 (2)

Note 2 – Stri Tribhuvan means opulence of the three regions.

 

2. Palace of the King of Malaysia

Istana Negara is the official residence of the Malaysian king Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Istana Negara is the official residence of the Malaysian King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Istana Negara comes from Sanskrut words ‘Nagar Sthanam’.

The throne of Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his queen Raja Permaisuri Agong is golden like that of the Narsinha (Man-lion) incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu.

 

3. Royal insignia

Different kinds of pointed maces, one of the royal emblems of Malaysia with other weapons

3 A. The yellow umbrella

A yellow umbrella for the king or sultan

The royal umbrella used for the king or sultan (the design on it has been magnified alongside).

3 B. The mace

‘Gada’ is the root Sanskrut word and is known as ‘gadai’ in Tamil, ‘gedak’ in Malay, ‘batuta’ in old Toglog language. This weapon (a ball with a pointed tip attached to a stick) originating from South Asia is made from wood or metal. Other than Bharat the mace is used in South-East Asia. It is also used in the martial art of Silat for self-defense.

The mace is the chief weapon of the Hindu Deity Hanuman. Wrestlers in South and South-east Asia worship Hanumant known for His strength and valour. The four-armed Bhagwan Vishnu wields the mace named kaumodaki (kaumudi) in one hand. In the Mahabharat Bheem, Duryodhan and Jarasandh were considered master mace wielders.

– Mr. Puglendi Senthiyappan, Malaysia

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