The First Islamic Sultanate, This is the History of the Perlak Kingdom
Perlak became the oldest Islamic kingdom and the first Islamic sultanate in the archipelago. This kingdom became the forerunner of the development of Islam in Indonesia, thus having a fairly long historical sequence. According to historical records of the Perlak Kingdom, it is estimated to have been established since the year 840 to 1292 AD. Here is more complete information.
The Development of the Perlak Kingdom in the Archipelago
The kingdom located on the eastern coast of Aceh has abundant natural resources and a strategic location. One of its well-known natural products is perlak wood, a type of wood used for shipbuilding.
This condition attracted many traders from various countries to come to this area. The arrival of these traders became the forerunner of the spread of Islamic teachings in this region.
In the early 8th century, Perlak was known to have a port that became a center for international trade. Immigrants intended to spread Islam by expanding trade wings.
In addition, the Perlak Kingdom is referred to as the Islamic sultanate in the archipelago that had a relatively long government; the kingdom, which was established in 840 AD, had 18 kings who ruled.
The first king to serve in this kingdom was Sultan Alaidin Saiyid Maulana Abdul Aziz Syah (225 to 249 Hijri or from 840 to 964 AD).
Then, the history of the Perlak Kingdom was continued under the leadership of Sultan Alidin Saiyid Maulana Abbas Syah from 285 to 300 Hijri. Subsequently, the leadership was held by Sultan Alaidin Saiyid Maulana Ali Mughayar Syah in the year 302 H.
This leadership alternated until the last king was led by Sultan Makhdum Alaidin Malik Muhammad Amin Syah II Johan Berdaulat (1225 -1263 AD).
Read Also: Understanding the History of the Samudra Pasai Kingdom, the First Islamic Kingdom
The Golden Age and Causes of Its Decline
The golden age of this kingdom was experienced during the reign of Sultan Makhdum Alaidin Malik Muhammad Amin Syah II Johan Berdaulat. Under his leadership, the Perlak Kingdom experienced rapid progress and development, especially in the field of Islamic missionary expansion and Islamic education.
In addition, during this time, the king also married his two daughters, namely Putri Ganggang Sari or known as Putri Raihani to Sultan Malikul Saleh of Samudra Pasai and Putri Ratna Kumala to the King of Tumasik (Singapore).
Thus, the history of the Perlak Kingdom became more prosperous during the reign of Sultan Makhdum Alaidin Malik Muhammad Amin Syah II Johan Berdaulat.
Not only that, during this time the Perlak Sultanate was quite popular among traders, both non-Arab and Arab traders. This was inseparable from the role of the Bandar Khalifah port as a trading center.
According to the book "The History of the Entry and Development of Islam in Indonesia" by Ali Hajsmy, Bandar Khalifah became an important port and a stopover for trade.
After experiencing a golden age, this kingdom gradually experienced decline. This was due to royal family members competing for power in governance.
For this reason, the government was unstable. Traders who were aware of this decided to go elsewhere, namely to Pasai.
Read Also: Exploring the History of the Aceh Kingdom in the Past
Heritage of the Perlak Kingdom
Perlak became one of the regions that experienced rapid progress in trade due to its strategic location. It is not surprising that the historical relics from the time of this kingdom are largely related to trade, ranging from currency to royal seals. Not only that, there is also the tomb of King Benoa, which strengthens the existence of the Perlak Sultanate.
1. Currency of the Perlak Kingdom
One of the historical evidence of the Perlak Kingdom is in the form of currency, which is divided into three types. The first currency relic is known as dirham or gold currency.
In this currency relic, there are inscriptions of Sulthan and Al A’la. These two inscriptions refer to the reign of Sultan Makhdum.
The next currency is known as Kupang, which has inscriptions on both sides. There are inscriptions of Syah Alam Barisyah and Dhuribat Mursyid Am.
In addition, there are brass coins made of copper. The discovery of this currency shows that the Perlak kingdom had developed rapidly in its time.
2. Tomb of King Benoa
Another historical evidence that can still be seen today is the tomb of one of the kings. Located on the edge of Trenggulon beach, this tomb has a gravestone inscribed with Arabic letters.
Historical records show that Benoa was one of the countries under the authority of Perlak at that time.
3. Royal Seal
In addition to tombs and currency, there are other historical relics of the Perlak Kingdom, namely the royal seal. This relic is a silent witness of the Perlak Sultanate, where at the bottom of the seal is inscribed an Arabic pattern, namely Al Watsiq Billah Kerajaan Negeri Bendahara Sanah 512. This kingdom is part of the Perak sultanate.
That is some information about the Perlak Sultanate, which became the first Islamic kingdom in the archipelago. The golden age of this kingdom is inseparable from its strategic location and abundant natural resources. It is not surprising that this royal port became a trading center and the beginning of the development of Islam in Indonesia.
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