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Anonymous
Malay Annals
Published by Good Press, 2021
EAN 4064066464844
Table of Contents
Introduction
IN presenting this work to the Public, it may be proper to offer some explanation on the circumstances under which it was written, on the object of the Translator, and on the character and present condition of the people, whose early annals it records.
From the period at which Dr. Leyden first visited the Eastern Islands, in 1805, he may be said to have espoused the cause of the Malayan race with all the ardour and enthusiasm which so peculiarly distinguished his character. In the feudal notions and habits of this people, he found so much in accordance with his own feelings of honour and independence, that he was at once alive to their true character and interests; and, while his powerful and intelligent mind was engaged in deeper researches into their languages and literature, he neglected no opportunity of becoming acquainted with their more popular tales and traditions.
He was aware, that, in these islands, as well as on the continent of India, the commencement of authentic history was only to be dated from the introduction of Mahometanism; but, in the wild traditions of the Malays, he thought he sometimes discovered a glimmering of light, which might, perhaps, serve to illustrate an earlier period. These glimmerings, he was accustomed to say, were very faint, but, in the absence of all other lights, they were worth pursuing; they would, at all events, account for and explain many of the peculiar institutions and customs of the people, and serve to make his countrymen better acquainted with a race who appeared to him to possess the greatest claims on their consideration and attention. Under this impression, he was induced to undertake the translation of the work now published, being a compilation of the most popular traditions existing among the Malays themselves. It was intended that the text should have been illustrated by notes and references, explanatory of the more interesting parts, and that the late Annals of the different states of the Archipelago, since the establishment of Mahometanism, should have been annexed; but the premature and lamented death of Dr. Leyden will account for its appearing in its present imperfect state.
The public attention has latterly been so much directed to these islands, and the recent occupation of Java by the British authorities, has thrown so much light on the nature and resources of the Malayan Archipelago, and on the extent, character, and pursuits of its inhabitants, that it is not necessary in this place to enter upon any detailed account of either.
From the period at which Europeans first visited these islands, their civil history may be summed up in few words; it is included in that of their commerce. The extensive trade of these islands had long collected at certain natural and advantageous emporia; of these Bautain, Achau, Malacca, and Macasser, were the principal. The valour of Portugal broke the power of the native states, and left them exposed to the more selfish policy of their successors. The Dutch had no sooner established their capital at Batavia, than, not satisfied with transferring to it the emporium of Bautain, they conceived the idea of making it the sole and only depot of the commerce of the Archipelago. Had this object been combined with a liberal policy, and had the local circumstances of Batavia not obstructed it, the effect might have been different, and, instead of the ruin and desolation which ensued throughout a large portion of these islands, they might have advanced in civilization, while they contributed to raise the prosperity, and support the ascendancy of the Dutch metropolis. But when we advert to the greedy policy which swallowed up the resources of this extensive Archipelago in a narrow and rigid monopoly; and that, instead of leaving trade to accumulate, as it had previously done at the natural emporia, it was forced,