JAMBI SULTANATE, a Forgotten Kingdom in Sumatra

Summary

The Sultanate of Jambi, an Islamic kingdom founded in the 16th century, controlled nine major rivers in Sumatra. Initially a vassal state of the Sultanate of Mataram, it later gained independence under Orang Kayo Hitam. The kingdom was ruled by various dynasties, with its kings using the title 'Panembahan' until the 17th century when Sultan Abdul Kahar became the first sultan. The Jambi sultanate experienced prosperity in the 17th century but weakened due to internal and external political turmoil. By the early 20th century, the kingdom fell to the Dutch after the last sultan's martyrdom in 1904.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sultanate of Jambi was an Islamic kingdom founded around the 16th century AD, located in the present-day Jambi Province on Sumatra.
• 😀 The kingdom was marked by control over nine major rivers, which defined its territorial extent.
• 😀 The origin of the Sultanate is unclear, but written sources from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, like the 'Hikayat Kerajaan Jambi,' provide insight into its history.
• 😀 A key legend involves Puti Selaro Pinang Masak from Pagaruyung marrying Ahmad Salim, a preacher from Istanbul, whose descendants became the royal family of Jambi.
• 😀 Jambi was initially a vassal state of the Sultanate of Mataram (Java), but Orang Kayo Hitam freed it from Mataram's control.
• 😀 After the liberation, Jambi was ruled by kings titled 'Panembahan' until the 17th century, when the title 'Sultan' was introduced.
• 😀 Sultan Abdul Kahar was the first Sultan of Jambi, and the last Sultan was Sultan Thaha Syaifudin, who died in 1904.
• 😀 The power in Jambi was shared between four major tribes: Suku Kraton, Suku Perban, Suku Kadipan, and Suku 12 Bangso.
• 😀 The Suku Kraton tribe had the highest authority, holding control over diplomacy and the royal throne, with their main holdings along the Batanghari River.
• 😀 The peak of Jambi's prosperity occurred in the 17th century, especially under Sultan Agung Abdul Jalil, when it established ties with the Dutch VOC.
• 😀 Jambi's decline began in the 18th and 19th centuries due to internal and external challenges, culminating in its absorption into the Dutch colonial empire after the last Sultan's death.

Q & A

What is the historical origin of the Sultanate of Jambi?

The Sultanate of Jambi was founded around the 16th century AD, covering the current Jambi province in Indonesia. It is marked by the control of nine large rivers, including the Batanghari and Batang Tebo rivers. The earliest records of the kingdom come from stories and sagas written at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century.

Who were the ancestors of the royal family of Jambi according to the saga?

The royal family of Jambi is said to be descended from a daughter named Puti Selaro Pinang Masak from Pagaruyung, who married Ahmad Salim, a preacher from Istanbul, Turkey. He was also known as Datuk Paduko Berhalo, and their descendants later became the kings of Jambi.

How did Jambi break free from the Sultanate of Mataram's control?

Jambi was initially a vassal of the Sultanate of Mataram in Java, required to send tribute. However, one of Datuk Paduka Berhalo's descendants, Orang Kayo Hitam, managed to free Jambi from the control of Mataram.

What was the title of the rulers in Jambi before the 17th century?

Before the 17th century, the rulers of Jambi held the title 'Panembahan,' with notable rulers including Panembahan Rantau Cotton and Panembahan Kota Baru.

Who was the first Sultan of Jambi, and when did this change occur?

The first Sultan of Jambi was Sultan Abdul Kahar, marking the shift from the Panembahan title to Sultan in the early 17th century.

What is the significance of the four main tribes in the Sultanate of Jambi?

The power of Jambi was shared by four main tribes: Suku Kraton, Suku Perban, Suku Kadipan, and Suku 12 Bangso. These tribes held significant authority in different regions of the kingdom and their positions were tied to specific territories and political responsibilities.

What was the role of the Suku Kraton tribe in the Sultanate of Jambi?

The Suku Kraton tribe held the highest authority in Jambi, with their princes having the right to occupy the throne and positions like prime ministers. They also handled diplomacy and relations with other Malay kingdoms and were based in Tanah Pilih, Jambi City.

What were the three social groups in the Sultanate of Jambi and their roles?

The people of Jambi were divided into three groups: (1) those who served the king without political power, (2) those who paid tribute but could maintain some political independence, and (3) migrant traders, primarily from the Minangkabau region, who were required to pay tribute but had assimilated into local communities.

What was the peak of Jambi's prosperity?

Jambi's prosperity peaked in the mid to late 17th century during the reign of Sultan Agung Abdul Jalil, when Jambi established trade relations with the VOC and surpassed Palembang in wealth, rivaling the power of Banten on Java.

What led to the decline of the Sultanate of Jambi?

The decline of Jambi's power was due to internal and external political turmoil, which weakened both its economic and political strength. By the 19th century, Jambi was considered a small and less influential kingdom, and the Sultanate was completely dissolved after the last Sultan died in 1904.