Malacca Sultanate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sultanate of Malacca کسلطانن ملاک Kesultanan Melaka
1400–1511
The extent of the Sultanate in the 15th century, during the reign of Mansur Shah. Pre-modern Southeast Asian political borders are subject to speculation.
Capital	Malacca
Common languages	Classical Malay
Religion	Sunni Islam
Government	Absolute Monarchy
Sultan
• 1400–1414	Parameswara
• 1414–1424	Megat Iskandar Shah
• 1424–1444	Muhammad Shah
Bendahara
• 1400–1412 (first)	Tun Perpatih Permuka Berjajar
• 1445–1456	Tun Ali
• 1456–1498	Tun Perak
• 1498–1500	Tun Perpatih Putih
• 1500–1510	Tun Mutahir
• 1510–1511	Tun Pikrama
History
• Established	1400
• Portuguese invasion	1511
Currency	Tin ingot, native gold and silver coins
Preceded by Succeeded by Kingdom of Singapura Johor Sultanate Pahang Sultanate Portuguese Malacca
Today part of	Malaysia Indonesia Singapore Thailand

The Malacca Sultanate (Malay: Kesultanan Melaka) was a powerful Malay kingdom located in what is now Malacca, Malaysia. It was founded around 1400 by Parameswara, also known as Iskandar Shah. At its peak in the 15th century, Malacca became one of the most important trading ports in the world. Its lands stretched across much of the Malay Peninsula, the Riau Islands, and parts of northern Sumatra.

As a busy international port, Malacca was a major center for Islamic learning and culture. It helped the Malay language, literature, and arts to grow. This period is often called the "golden age" of Malay sultanates. Classical Malay became the main language for trade and communication in Maritime Southeast Asia. The Jawi script was used for writing, religion, and sharing ideas. During this time, a strong Malay identity was formed, and the region became more "Malay."

In 1511, the city of Malacca was captured by the Portuguese Empire. The last Sultan, Mahmud Shah, had to leave. His family later started new kingdoms like the Johor and Perak. The Malacca Sultanate left a lasting impact on politics and culture. It set up systems for trade, diplomacy, and government that lasted for centuries. It also introduced ideas like daulat, a special Malay idea of kingship.

History of Malacca

How Malacca Began

Malacca was founded around the year 1400. Before this, the area was controlled by the Srivijaya empire, and later by the Javanese Majapahit empire.

According to old stories like the Malay Annals, a prince from Palembang named Seri Teri Buana came to Temasek (modern-day Singapore) in 1299. He became king of a new kingdom called Singapura. Singapura grew into an important trading center.

However, its success worried two powerful kingdoms: Ayutthaya from the north and Majapahit from the south. Singapura was attacked several times and finally fell in 1398. The last king of Singapura then fled to the west coast of the Malay Peninsula.

This last king is known as Parameswara in Portuguese sources and Iskandar Shah in Malay stories. He traveled to different places before reaching a fishing village at the mouth of the Bertam River (now the Malacca River). This village was a safe place for refugees. By the early 1400s, it was already a diverse place with people from different cultures and religions.

Legend says that Parameswara was resting under a Malacca tree when he saw a small mouse deer outsmart his hunting dog. He thought this was a good sign and decided to build his kingdom there. He named the settlement "Malacca" after the tree. The mouse deer is now on Malacca's coat of arms. Another story says Arab traders called it 'Malakat', meaning 'gathering of merchants', because so many traders came there.

Malacca's Rise to Power

Map of 15th century Malacca and its contemporaries.

After founding Malacca, Parameswara began to develop it into a trading port. The local sea people, called the Orang Laut, helped by patrolling the seas and guiding traders to Malacca. Soon, Malacca became famous as a trade hub.

In 1405, the Chinese Yongle Emperor sent an envoy to Malacca. This visit started a friendly relationship between Malacca and China. Two years later, the famous Admiral Zheng He visited Malacca six times. Chinese, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants came to set up trading posts, and Malacca's population grew rapidly.

In 1411, Parameswara himself traveled to China with Admiral Zheng He to visit the Ming court. This showed how important Malacca had become. After Parameswara's death, his son, Megat Iskandar Shah, continued to rule. During his time (1414–1424), Malacca found new resources like tin and sago palms. To protect the city, he ordered walls and a fortress to be built.

Malacca's growth happened at the same time as the rise of Ayutthaya in the north. To deal with this threat, the king of Malacca visited China in 1418. The Chinese emperor warned Ayutthaya not to attack Malacca. This strong friendship with China helped Malacca become powerful both economically and diplomatically.

Between 1424 and 1433, more royal visits to China happened during the rule of the third ruler, Raja Tengah (1424–1444). During his reign, an Islamic scholar named Saiyid Abdul Aziz came to Malacca. The king and his people listened to his teachings. Raja Tengah then became a Muslim and took the name Muhammad Shah, with the title Sultan.

Sultan Muhammad Shah made Islam part of the government, affecting customs, royal rules, and trade. To ensure fair trade, the Undang-Undang Laut Melaka (Maritime Laws of Malacca) were created. Four Shahbandars (harbor masters) were appointed to help different groups of traders. Even though China later stopped its sea explorations, it still treated Malacca with great respect, like an equal country.

In 1444, Muhammad Shah died. His younger son, Raja Ibrahim, became Sultan Abu Syahid Shah (1444–1446). He was a weak ruler. Court officials then killed him and made his older brother, Raja Kasim, the new Sultan. Raja Kasim became Sultan Muzaffar Shah (1446–1459).

A threat from the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya became real in 1446 when they attacked Malacca by land. Tun Perak, a brave leader from Klang, brought his men to help. Malacca won the battle, and Tun Perak became the Bendahara (chief minister) because of his strong leadership.

In 1456, the Siamese attacked again by sea. Malacca's navy, led by Tun Perak, fought fiercely and drove them away. This victory made Malacca confident and helped it expand its power in the region. It also brought political stability and improved Malacca's reputation.

Malacca's Golden Era

The replica of Malacca Sultanate's palace built from information in the Malay Annals. This shows the architecture during the time of Sultan Mansur Shah (1458-1477).

Malacca reached its greatest power in the mid-15th century. Its lands stretched from southern Thailand to parts of eastern Sumatra. The kingdom controlled the important Straits of Malacca, a key shipping route. Its port city became a major hub for trade, attracting merchants from China, Japan, Persia, India, and Arab lands.

The reign of Sultan Muzaffar Shah's son, Sultan Mansur Shah (1459–1477), saw the sultanate grow to its largest size. One of the first areas added was Pahang, a land rich in gold. Sultan Mansur Shah sent a fleet led by Tun Perak to conquer Pahang. They won, and Tun Hamzah was appointed to rule Pahang. The Sultan also made peace with Ligor to ensure a steady supply of rice.

The sultanate's military was strong, thanks to nine elite knights. These included Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, and others. Hang Tuah was the smartest, speaking 12 languages and skilled with many weapons. He became the laksamana (admiral) and leader of the knights.

Sultan Mansur Shah also visited Majapahit, a declining kingdom. After seeing Malacca's military strength, the King of Majapahit agreed to marry his daughter to Sultan Mansur Shah. He also gave control of several territories in Sumatra to Malacca.

Relations with China grew even stronger. Sultan Mansur Shah sent an envoy to China. According to the Malay Annals, the Chinese Emperor was so impressed that he sent his daughter, Hang Li Po, to marry the Sultan. A large palace was built for her on a hill, now called Bukit Cina ("Chinese Hill"). Sultan Mansur Shah also built a grand palace at the foot of Malacca Hill, showing the sultanate's wealth and beautiful Malay architecture.

Malacca also had a brief conflict with Đại Việt (Vietnam). When Vietnam invaded Champa, a Muslim kingdom, Malacca reported it to China. China warned Vietnam not to attack Malacca.

A bronze relief of Hang Tuah, a legendary Malay hero. This is displayed at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sultan Mansur Shah continued to expand Malacca's territory, adding Kampar and Siak. Many states in the region became dependent on Malacca. Their rulers would visit Malacca to get the Sultan's blessing. If a ruler was overthrown, they would ask Malacca for help to regain their throne. For example, Sultan Zainal Abidin of Pasai fled to Malacca and asked Sultan Mansur Shah for help. Malacca's army helped him get his throne back. This showed Malacca's importance and the support it had in the region. Sultan Mansur Shah died in 1477, leaving Malacca at its peak.

The prosperity continued under his son, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah (1477–1488). More foreign rulers paid respect to Malacca. Sultan Alauddin was known for keeping peace and order. He was followed by his son, Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488–1511), who was a teenager. So, the kingdom was managed by Bendahara Tun Perak and other officials. The famous Princess of Gunung Ledang is said to have lived during Mahmud Shah's reign.

Malacca continued to thrive with many foreign traders after Tun Mutahir became Bendahara. His good leadership attracted even more traders. By 1500, Malacca was a powerful Malay empire, a main center for trading Indian cloth, Chinese porcelain, and Malay spices. It was also a key place for Islamic activities in the Malay Archipelago. Malacca even conquered Kelantan in 1506.

The Portuguese Invasion

By the 15th century, Europeans really wanted spices. The spice trade was mostly controlled by Venetian merchants, who got spices from the Spice Islands through Malacca. In 1481, King John II of Portugal wanted to control this trade directly. This led to Portuguese sea explorations, like those by Vasco da Gama, who set up a Portuguese base in India.

Later, under King Manuel I, a Portuguese nobleman named Diogo Lopes de Sequeira was sent to explore trade in Malacca. He arrived on August 1, 1509, hoping to start trade. However, the powerful Tamil Muslims in Malacca's court, who were friends with Bendahara Tun Mutahir, did not like the Christian Portuguese. Gujarati merchants, who were also Muslim, preached against the "infidels."

Because of disagreements between Sultan Mahmud Shah and Tun Mutahir, a plan was made to kill de Sequeira and capture his men and ships. But the plot was discovered, and de Sequeira managed to escape, leaving some of his men behind as prisoners.

In April 1511, Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese expedition leader, arrived in Malacca with his ships. His goal was to stop Malacca's trade with Islamic and Venetian merchants.

The Portuguese attacked on July 25, 1511, but failed. Albuquerque launched another attack on August 15, 1511, which was successful. Malacca was captured that day. The Portuguese built a fortress called A Famosa using stones from Muslim graves, mosques, and other buildings. They also built churches and administrative buildings. The Portuguese charged higher taxes on Chinese traders and limited their land ownership.

News of Malacca's capture reached China's Ming dynasty. The Chinese were also upset because the Portuguese had kidnapped many Chinese children. In response, several Portuguese were later killed by the Chinese in battles in China.

After 1511

Portuguese Malacca

The surviving gate of the Portuguese Fortress of Malacca

After the 1511 conquest, the important Malay port of Malacca came under Portuguese control. It stayed that way for 130 years, despite many attempts by Malacca's former rulers and other regional powers to take it back. The Portuguese built the stone fort known as A Famosa in 1512. They used stones from Malay graves, mosques, and other buildings to build it. The fort was only captured once, in 1641, when the Dutch and Johor defeated the Portuguese.

However, Portuguese control of Malacca did not mean they controlled all Asian trade. Their rule in Malacca faced many problems. They couldn't produce enough goods themselves and relied heavily on Asian suppliers, just like the Malays before them. They lacked money and people, and their government suffered from confusion, corruption, and inefficiency. Other ports, like Johor (founded by the exiled Sultan of Malacca), started to attract Asian traders. Malacca began to decline as a trading port. Instead of controlling the trade, the Portuguese had broken up the old Asian trade network. The single, central port that kept the Straits safe for trade was replaced by many smaller, competing ports.

The Portuguese also tried to spread Christianity, but they didn't have much success. This was mainly because Islam was already very strong among the local people.

Chinese Reaction

The Portuguese capture of Malacca made the Zhengde Emperor of China very angry. He had received envoys from the exiled Sultan Mahmud. The furious Chinese emperor reacted strongly, leading to three decades of problems for the Portuguese in China.

Early victims included Portuguese envoys led by Tomé Pires in 1516. They were met with hostility. The Chinese took all their property. Many envoys were imprisoned, tortured, and executed. Pires himself is believed to have died in a Chinese prison. Two Portuguese fleets heading to China in 1521 and 1522 were attacked and defeated.

In response to Portuguese piracy and illegal bases, the Chinese military destroyed Portuguese bases and stopped trade with foreigners by sea. Chinese traders also avoided Malacca after it fell to the Portuguese. Some Chinese in Java even helped Muslim attempts to invade the city.

However, relations slowly improved. By 1557, Ming China allowed the Portuguese to settle in Macau, a new Portuguese trade colony. The Malay Sultanate of Johor also improved its relations with the Portuguese.

Malacca's Successors

The exiled Sultan Mahmud Shah tried many times to retake Malacca, but he failed. The Portuguese fought back and forced the Sultan to flee to Pahang. Later, the Sultan went to Bintan and set up his new capital there. From Bintan, he gathered his Malay forces and launched several attacks and blockades against the Portuguese. These frequent raids caused the Portuguese great difficulty.

The Portuguese realized they had to stop the Sultan's forces for good. In 1526, they finally destroyed Bintan. The Sultan then moved to Kampar in Sumatra, where he died two years later. He left behind two sons: Muzaffar Shah and Alauddin Riayat Shah II.

Muzaffar Shah was invited to become the ruler of the northern part of the peninsula, establishing the Sultanate of Perak. Meanwhile, Alauddin became his father's successor and founded the Sultanate of Johor. Malacca was later conquered by the Dutch in a joint military effort in January 1641. The Portuguese fort fell not so much to fighting, but to famine and disease that killed many people. As agreed between the Dutch and Johor in 1606, Malacca was given to the Dutch.

The fall of Malacca helped other kingdoms, like Brunei. Brunei's ports became new trading centers, and the kingdom grew into a new Muslim empire in the Malay Archipelago. Many Muslim traders who fled from the Portuguese occupation came to Brunei after its ruler converted to Islam.

How Malacca Was Governed

Malacca had a well-organized government with clear laws. At the top was the Sultan, who was an absolute ruler. The idea that the king's power came from a special lineage was still important. With Islam, this idea was called daulat (sovereignty). Malacca's laws named four main officials chosen by the Sultan.

Below the Sultan was the Bendahara, like a chief minister, who advised the Sultan. This was the highest position a common person could hold. The Bendahara also made sure Malacca had good relations with other countries. Malacca's fifth Bendahara, Tun Perak, was excellent in both war and diplomacy. He successfully defended Malacca from Siamese attacks twice. He also advised the Sultan to marry the daughter of the King of Majapahit, an old enemy, to make peace.

Next was the state treasurer, called Penghulu bendahari. Then came the Temenggung, who was like the chief of police and state security. After the Temenggung, the Laksamana's power was very important. He was the head of the navy and the Sultan's main representative. He made sure the Malacca Straits were safe and enforced the Undang-Undang Laut Melaka (Maritime Laws of Malacca). The most famous Laksamana was the legendary Hang Tuah.

At the bottom of this noble structure were the four Shahbandars (harbor masters). Each Shahbandar was in charge of different groups of traders. For example, one handled traders from Gujarat, another for traders from Southern India and Bengal, and so on. There were also other officials called Orang Besar. A governor called the Mandulika managed annexed territories.

The sultanate was ruled by several sets of laws. The main legal texts were the Undang-Undang Melaka (Laws of Malacca) and the Undang-Undang Laut Melaka (Maritime Laws of Malacca). These laws developed over time, influenced by old Hindu/Buddhist traditions, Islam, and local customs.

Islam and Malay Culture

It's not fully clear when Malacca's first ruler, Parameswara, converted to Islam. Some sources say his son, Megat Iskandar Shah, converted at age 72. The Malay Annals say that during the rule of the third ruler, Muhammad Shah (1424–1444), the royal family and people started accepting Islam. Most agree that Islam was firmly established during the reign of Muzaffar Shah (1445–1459).

Islamisation in the Malacca region grew stronger between the 15th and 16th centuries. Malacca became a center for Islamic studies. Islam spread from Malacca to many parts of Sumatra, the Malay peninsula, Java, and even the Philippines. The Malay Annals show that the courts of Malacca and Pasai exchanged religious questions. Some of the "nine saints" who spread Islam in Java are said to have studied in Malacca.

The Portuguese writer Tome Pires mentioned that the rulers of Kampar and Indragiri in Sumatra became Muslim because of Sultan Muzaffar Shah's influence and studied Islam in Malacca. The Malay Annals also mention scholars who served in the Malacca royal court as teachers and advisors to the Sultans.

Special ceremonies that mixed Islamic traditions with local culture also began in Malacca. For example, during the reign of Muhammad Shah, a ceremony was held for the 27th night of Ramadan, called Laylat al-Qadr. It involved a procession to the mosque for prayers. Similar grand ceremonies were held for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. Malaccan Malay society became deeply influenced by Islam. Before Malacca fell, warriors even asked for copies of Islamic heroic stories, like the Hikayat Amir Hamzah, to inspire them in battle.

Malacca's rise as an Islamic center had important effects. First, Islam changed the idea of kingship. The Sultan was no longer seen as divine, but as God's Khalifah (representative on Earth). Second, Islam helped Malacca build good relationships with other Islamic states, including the Ottoman Empire. This attracted more Muslim traders to Malacca. Third, Islam brought many changes to Malaccan society and culture. It became a key part of Malay identity. This identity was further shaped by Malacca's standards in Malay culture, such as literature, architecture, food, clothing, performing arts, martial arts, and royal traditions. Over time, this common Malay culture spread throughout much of Maritime Southeast Asia.

Trade and Economy

Malacca's tin ingot, photo taken from National History Museum of Kuala Lumpur.

Malacca grew from a small village to a global trading hub in just one century. This fast growth was due to several reasons. Its location was perfect, right on the Straits of Malacca, one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Also, there was a growing demand for goods from both the East and the West. Ships from China, Japan, Java, and the Spice Islands arrived with the northeast monsoon. Ships heading to India, the Red Sea, and East Africa sailed with the southwest monsoon.

While other ports existed in the Straits, none matched Malacca's success. Malacca had an advantage because its rulers created a safe and good environment for business. Chinese records from the 15th century noted Malacca's success was due to its strong security. It also had a well-equipped and well-managed port. Merchants had access to warehouses to store their goods safely while waiting for good winds. Elephants were even used to transport goods to these warehouses.

Malacca managed its diverse merchant population very well. It's said that 84 different languages were spoken there during its busiest times. To manage this global marketplace, traders were grouped by region and placed under one of four shahbandars (harbor masters).

Malacca didn't produce many goods itself. It had small amounts of tin and gold, and dried fish. Even the salt for preserving fish had to be brought in. Basic goods like vegetables, cattle, and fish were supplied by Malacca's trading partners. Rice, mainly for local use, was imported. So, much of Malacca's trade relied on goods flowing from other parts of the region.

One of Malacca's most important jobs was to collect cloves, nutmeg, and mace from the Spice Islands. It also redistributed cotton textiles from India and Bengal. Other goods traded in Malacca included porcelain, silk, and iron from China. Natural products from the Malay archipelago like camphor, sandalwood, spices, and seaweed were also traded. From coastal areas came forest products like rattan, resin, and wax. These goods were then shipped to ports west of Malacca, especially Gujarat.

Tin ingots were a unique currency in Malacca. They were shaped like a peck and weighed just over a pound. Ten blocks made a 'small bundle', and 40 blocks made a 'large bundle'. Gold and Silver coins were also used for trade within the kingdom.

Malacca's Lasting Impact

The Malacca Sultanate marked the golden age of the Alam Melayu (Malay world). It became a very important port in the East during the 16th century. It was so rich that the Portuguese writer Tome Pires said, "Whoever is lord of Malacca shall have his hands on the throat of Venice.". In just one century, the Malay empire left a huge and lasting legacy, especially for Malay culture and the History of Malaysia.

Malacca was the first Malay Muslim state to become a regional sea power. While there were earlier Muslim kingdoms, none matched Malacca's success in expanding its territory and influence. Malacca also helped develop a common Malay culture based on Islam, mixing local and Hindu-Buddhist ideas with Islamic values. Its traditions, laws, and royal customs set the example for later Muslim sultanates in the region.

Besides promoting Islam, Malacca is important for modern Malaysia because it was the first centralized kingdom to unite the entire Malay peninsula under its rule. This is different from older kingdoms like Kedah, which only controlled parts of the peninsula. Because of this, many consider Malacca to be the spiritual birthplace of Malaysia. After the Sultanate of Malacca fell to Portugal in 1511, Sultan Mahmud Syah I went to Kampar, Sumatra. He left behind a prince named Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II, who went on to establish the Sultanate of Johor.

The Malacca Sultanate also continued the historical struggles of its earlier kingdoms, Singapura and Srivijaya, against their Java-based rivals. By the mid-15th century, Majapahit could not control the rising power of Malacca, which gained control of the Malacca Straits and expanded its influence to Sumatra. As a major trading hub, Malacca attracted Muslim traders from all over the world and became a center of Islam, spreading the religion throughout Maritime Southeast Asia. The spread of Islam into Java in the 15th century led to the gradual decline of Majapahit.

At the same time, Malacca's literary traditions developed Classical Malay, which became the main language for communication in the region. The arrival of Islam and the flourishing trade using Malay as a common language led to the dominance of Malacca and other succeeding Malay-Muslim sultanates in Maritime Southeast Asia.

See also

• List of Sunni Muslim dynasties
• Sultanate of Johor
• Sultanate of Kedah
• Sultanate of Brunei
• Sultanate of Singgora
• Sultanate of Riau-Lingga