Translated by Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh
A history of the Malay Peninsula and the islands of the Archipelago.
The Genealogy of Kings (Malay: Sulalat al-Salatin or Sejarah Melayu) is a literary work that gives a traditional interpretation of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate. The work which was composed sometime between the 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language.
In 2001, The Genealogy of Kings was listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register. The work covers the founding of Melaka and its rise to power; its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms and distant countries; the advent of Islam and its spread in Melaka and the region as a whole; the history of the royalty in the region including battles won or lost, marriage ties and diplomatic relationships; the administrative hierarchy that ruled Melaka; the greatness of its rulers and administrators, including the Bendahara Tun Perak and Laksamana Hang Tuah.
About the Author
Tun Sri (or Seri) Lanang is largely credited as the author of the Sulalat al-Salatin (Genealogy of Kings), popularly known as the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals). He was a bendahara (prime minister) to the sultan of Johor at a time when the Johor sultanate was under attack by the Portuguese and the Acehnese. Tun Sri Lanang’s real name was Tun Muhammad. His official title, bestowed by the sultan, was Bendahara Paduka Raja (Bendahara Paduka Raja III, Bendahara XIV, Johor).
About the Translator
Prof. Dr. Muhammad bin Haji Salleh is one of the Malaysian writers who was awarded the title of National Literary Officer in 1991. He also won the S.E.A. Writers Award in 1997
