Book
Malay World in Malay Chronicles (XIII – XIX cc.). Seafaring, Trade, Shariat
Еditor: Elena Davidovich
Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Москва, 2012, 264 p.
Malay Muslim historiography from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries (Hikayat Raja Pasai, Sejarah Melayu, Hikayat Aceh, Peringatan Sejarah Negri Johor, Hikayat Siak, Tuhfat al-Nafis) are well known and recognized as one of the most important sources of the history of the Malay world, including the history of law (shariat) and economical development in this area. Malay historical chronicles are narrative works in the Arabic script Jawi, written at the courts of the Malay Muslim rulers (sultans, Yang Dipertuan) and dedicated to their activities, lives and great service to their countries. Usually these texts have some common structure, containing both genealogies (silsilah) and a narrative part. Malay Muslim historical chronicles contain also much information and references concerning the history of seafaring, trade and law (shariat) in the Malay world. This information could be divided into the following subjects: seafaring (ships, sea routs, monsoons, navigation), trade (trade routs, traders, goods, prices, etc.), finance (money and coins, goods as money substitutes, prices, fees, and taxes), credit and loan system, piracy, law and legal system, system of governance, system of administration, rights and responsibilities of top officials, etc.
The common analysis of that information could be useful for studying the Malay economical and social development in its proper perspectives.
The author of this book is a Senior Scientific Researcher of the Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS, Professor of Malay University, expert in historical source studies.