Bolkiah facts for kids

Bolkiah ibni Sulaiman (Jawi: بلقية ابن سليمان; died 1524) was the sixth Sultan of Brunei. He ruled from 1485 until his death in 1524. He became sultan after his father, Sultan Sulaiman, stepped down. His time as ruler is known as the "Golden Age of Brunei." This was because Brunei became very powerful across Borneo and the southern Philippines.

Sultan Bolkiah was likely the first sultan to use cannons. He hired 40 Javanese blacksmiths to teach metal casting in Brunei. This helped bring cannon technology to Brunei.

Bolkiah is mentioned in old Bruneian records. These include the Batu Tarsilah, a 19th-century stone tablet. He also appears in the Silsilah Raja-Raja Berunai, another 19th-century manuscript. The Spanish called him Sultan Salan in the Boxer Codex, a 16th-century Spanish book.

Who was Sultan Bolkiah?

Bolkiah was known as Nakhoda Ragam, which means "Singing Captain." This title shows his love for music. He enjoyed playing instruments like the lute and drums. He was known for being a peaceful leader who avoided violence. He was also an adventurous sailor. He often traveled to explore his lands. Many stories are told about his journeys.

What was Bolkiah's Reign Like?

Brunei's Golden Age

Sultan Bolkiah's rule is called the golden age of Brunei. His empire was very large. It included parts of present-day Sarawak and Sabah in Borneo. It also reached Manila and the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. Some historians believe his rule also covered parts of Kalimantan. These areas included Sambas, Kotaringin, and Pontianak. The Silsilah Raja-Raja Berunai says he "defeated the states of Suluk and Seludong."

Stories about Brunei's early history often mention Sultan Bolkiah. Other important figures include Awang Alak Betatar, Brunei's first Sultan. His brothers, Awang Semaun and Ong Sum Ping, are also part of these tales.

European Visitors to Brunei

Magellan's delegation being welcomed to Borneo in 1521

In the early 1500s, Portuguese reports showed Brunei's strong trade links. For example, in 1515, Tomé Pires wrote about Brunei's merchant ships. They sailed to Malacca for trade. This showed Brunei was an important trading power.

In 1521, Antonio Pigafetta visited Brunei. He was part of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition. His visit showed how powerful Brunei was. He wrote about Brunei's control over Borneo and the Philippine islands.

Magellan's ships arrived at a harbor on Borneo's northwest coast. The Spanish crew received a warm welcome. The local people were used to seeing European ships. The night passed peacefully without any trouble.

The next morning, local leaders visited the Spanish flagship, the Trinidad. They arrived in a grand, golden barge with musicians. They brought gifts like animals, fruits, and drinks. This started friendly talks between the two groups.

Sultan Bolkiah then sent more barges with chiefs and musicians. They performed loudly around the Spanish ships. The Spanish commander, Espinosa, raised flags to show respect. The Sultan also sent gifts of rice, honey, and cakes. Bolkiah then allowed the Spanish to trade freely with his people.

Espinosa sent seven of his men, including Pigafetta, to meet the Sultan. They brought gifts for Bolkiah and his family. These included a Turkish cloak, velvet seats, and a gold pen.

At the palace, the visitors were amazed by its richness. A large hall was filled with finely dressed courtiers. Beyond this, a grand room had silk and brocade drapes. Three hundred of the king's warriors guarded the area. The Sultan, a strong man around forty, sat on a large cushion. One of his young sons was by his side.

Guests were given pillows to sit on and view the Sultan. They learned they could not speak directly to Bolkiah. Messages had to pass through several officials. This showed the strict rules of the court.

Later, Espinosa saw about a hundred local junks (boats) in the harbor. He thought the Sultan was planning an attack. So, he ordered his ships to leave and fired cannons. Two junks sank, and others were damaged.

Soon, a smaller boat approached with a peace flag. A leader explained that the fleet was returning from a military mission. They had no plan to attack the Spanish. Espinosa realized his mistake and apologized. The Sultan accepted his apology, and relations improved.

What Pigafetta's Reports Showed

Pigafetta's report confirmed Brunei's power. He wrote about Brunei's attack on the Labai government. This attack helped Brunei regain control of Labai. His account also showed that Brunei ruled parts of western Borneo. This was in addition to its lands in the northwest and east. It also ruled over the Philippine Islands.

Pigafetta also mentioned a city in Brunei Bay where non-Muslims lived. He said, "The heathens king is as powerful as the Moro king..." This refers to the Bisaya people living near Brunei. It suggests they were still a strong group.

In 1526, Portuguese traders visited Brunei. They saw its wealth and power. They described Brunei as a strong kingdom. They noted that Bruneian people were brave sailors. They traded in places like Malacca and Pegu (Burma).

Brunei's Growth and Influence

Western records from the 16th century confirm Brunei's growth. These records support stories of Nakhoda Ragam. He is believed to be Sultan Bolkiah. He expanded the Brunei Empire across Borneo and the Philippine Islands.

Brunei's royal family records also mention Sultan Bolkiah. They describe him as a brave leader. He defeated the Sultanate of Sulu and the Kingdom of Luzon. One record says he defeated the lands of Datu Kemin's Sulu and Seludong.

Sultan Bolkiah married Puteri Laila Menchanai. She was a princess from Sulu. This marriage helped Brunei's influence grow in the Philippines. It also helped spread Islamic teachings in the region. Brunei's power reached its highest point during his rule. His empire covered most of coastal Borneo. It stretched from Banjarmasin in the south to Luzon in the north.

Brunei's borders expanded to include northern and northeastern Borneo. This happened after conquering kingdoms on the northwest coast. Brunei also took control of states like Sulu and Maynila. The poem Syair Awang Semaun tells stories of this expansion. It includes tales of Bolkiah's time.

Stories and Legends

The Salasilah Raja-Raja Brunei also shares stories about Bolkiah. One legend says he sailed around Borneo. He planted a black pepper seed on every island he visited. This showed a tradition of planting seeds in new areas.

Another story tells of the Sultan meeting his spouse, Puteri Lela Menchanai. Some legends say he met her while in the Sultanate of Gowa. He also married the daughter of a Chinese noble in Kinabatangan. It is said her followers married Bruneian people. They became the ancestors of the Kedayan ethnic group.

There are also stories in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. They tell of a Bruneian nobleman who married a princess found floating in the water. This story is similar to how Sultan Bolkiah met Princess Lela Menchanai. The Iban people in Sarawak also have a story about a Sultan of Brunei. This shows how far Bolkiah's stories spread.

Bolkiah's Death and Burial

Tombstone of Bolkiah

After Sultan Bolkiah died in 1524, his son, Abdul Kahar, became the next sultan.

Sultan Bolkiah's mausoleum (burial place) is in Kota Batu. It sits on a ridge facing the Brunei River. A light blue and white fence surrounds his tomb. This fence symbolizes his love for peace and music.

His sandstone tomb is very unique. It has two tombstones on top of eight stone layers. The tomb is decorated with carvings. These include the royal emblem and flower designs.

Places Named After Him

• IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Campus is a college campus in Seria, Brunei.
• Kampong Bolkiah is a village and housing area in Bandar Seri Begawan.
• Kampong Bolkiah Religious School teaches Islamic religion in the village.
• Jalan Bolkiah is a road in Seria, Brunei.

See also

• List of Sultans of Brunei
• Hassanal Bolkiah