Malay Kingdom

Muzium Negara Gallery B

This gallery attempts to portray the rise of these kingdoms in the Malay Archipelago with particular reference to the Melaka Sultanate which rose to a peak of brilliance in the 15th century AD.

Photo B01 - Entrance to Gallery B
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The Malay Kingdom or Kerajaan-Kerajaan Melayu

Introduction to Kerajaan-Kerajaan Melayu

These kingdoms were already in existence as early as the 2nd century AD. They were found throughout the Malay World or the Malay Archipelago, which consists of the

• Malay Peninsula
• Borneo
• Sumatra
• Java
• Sulawesi
• the Moluccas
• other islands in modern Indonesia and the Philippines
• and also parts of Indochina (Funan and Champa).

Historical records and surviving artifacts show that these kingdoms possessed organised systems of government. The historical records and surviving artifacts also show that they have established relations with foreign powers, especially China and India.

Some developed into large empires as they succeeded in expanding their political and economic power.

Together with Melaka, the other kingdoms grew with it. They subsequently formed the basis from which several modern nations developed.

Read more about these kingdoms in the book Early Kingdoms of the Indonesian Archipelago and Malay Peninsula, by Paul Munoz.

Book Description

At a period when sea navigation depended more on the skill and courage of sailors than on technology, men were nonetheless able to build maritime regional empires that stretched from Indochina to the Indonesian Archipelago.

About the Author

Paul Munoz has harboured a passion for history and ethnography since he was a youngster. He has spent many years travelling the world exploring the culture. Customs, and history of numerous civilizations.

Malay Kingdom