Misteri di dalam Naskah Melayu Tertua di Dunia yang Perlu Diketahui

Summary

In this video, the Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws, an ancient Malay manuscript, is explored for its historical and cultural significance. Often regarded as the oldest Malay text, it is revealed that the manuscript’s true name is 'Nitisarasamuscaya', derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'composition of essence, perfect wisdom'. The text offers insight into the legal system during the Hindu-Buddhist era, despite its unclear dating. The manuscript is associated with the Dharmasraya Kingdom, though its precise origins and location remain mysterious. The video delves into the text’s mix of Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic influences, particularly through the figure of Kuja Ali Dipati, who likely played a crucial role in its creation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws is known as the oldest Malay text, with its true name being 'Nitisarasamuscaya,' derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'composition of essence, perfect wisdom.'
• 😀 The manuscript contains a detailed calendar, though many sections are damaged, leaving its exact date unclear. Radiocarbon analysis suggests it was written around 1379–1387 AD.
• 😀 The Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws was a legal document compiled for the Dharmasraya Kingdom, with the text being a gift from Maharaja Dharmasraya to the village heads (Dipati) of Kerinci.
• 😀 The exact location of 'Palembang' mentioned in the text is still debated. Researchers suggest it could refer to a region near the Dharmasraya Kingdom, but the precise area remains uncertain.
• 😀 The manuscript’s content reflects Hindu-Buddhist traditions, as evidenced by Sanskrit mantras and laws dealing with theft, but it also includes Islamic elements, suggesting a period of religious transition.
• 😀 The author of the manuscript, Kuja Ali Dipati, is suspected to be a Muslim, with the title 'Kuja' resembling the Persian 'Khawaja,' meaning master or leader.
• 😀 The manuscript includes references to Allah, indicating Islamic influence in the region during the Hindu-Buddhist era.
• 😀 There is a possibility that the final pages of the manuscript, written in the Kerinci local script, were added at a later date, but it is unclear when this occurred, creating uncertainty about the timeline.
• 😀 The Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws was written as a collaborative effort, with input from the local nobility and village heads of Kerinci, conducted in a formal assembly in Palembang.
• 😀 The manuscript is significant for understanding the cultural and religious transitions in Southeast Asia, where Hindu-Buddhist beliefs began merging with Islamic influences, a key element of the region's historical development.

Q & A

What is the Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws and why is it significant?

The Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws, also known as *Nitisarasamuscaya*, is considered the oldest Malay text in the world. It holds historical significance as a legal manuscript from the Hindu-Buddhist era, offering insights into the ancient legal and cultural practices of Southeast Asia.

What does the name 'Nitisarasamuscaya' mean?

'Nitisarasamuscaya' is a Sanskrit term meaning 'composition of essence, perfect wisdom.' This title reflects the philosophical and legal importance of the text, linking it to Hindu-Buddhist traditions.

What is the mystery surrounding the dating of the Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws?

The dating of the manuscript remains uncertain due to damaged and faded sections of the text. Researchers, like Thomas Hunter, have reconstructed the calendar and suggest the text dates back to 1300 or 1309 Saka, corresponding to 1379 or 1387 AD in the Buddhist calendar.

Who was likely the author of the Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws?

The text was written by a figure named 'Kuja Ali Dipati,' a title that is believed to be derived from the Persian word 'Khawaja,' meaning 'master' or 'chief.' This suggests the author had an Islamic background, despite the manuscript's Hindu-Buddhist content.

What is the significance of the Sanskrit mantras found in the Tanjung Tanah manuscript?

The Sanskrit mantras found in the manuscript indicate the deep Hindu-Buddhist influence on the text. These mantras are part of the text's spiritual and philosophical framework, underscoring the cultural and religious context of the time.

How does the Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws connect to the Dharmasraya Kingdom?

The Tanjung Tanah Code of Laws is believed to have originated from the Dharmasraya Kingdom, a historical Hindu-Buddhist realm in Southeast Asia. The text mentions a gift from Maharaja Dharmasraya to the leaders of villages in the Kerinci region, suggesting a political and legal connection to this ancient kingdom.

What challenges exist regarding the location of Palembang mentioned in the text?

The exact location of 'Palembang,' mentioned as the venue for the manuscript's creation, remains uncertain. Researchers have proposed different locations, but the ambiguity of historical records and the lack of definitive archaeological evidence complicate the identification of Palembang.

What role did the name 'Kuja Ali Dipati' play in understanding the manuscript?

'Kuja Ali Dipati' is a crucial clue in understanding the manuscript, as it connects the text to an individual who may have been a Muslim leader, despite the text's Hindu-Buddhist content. The use of a Persian-derived title suggests the author's Islamic influence.

How does the Kerinci local script contribute to the understanding of the Tanjung Tanah manuscript?

The manuscript includes text written in the Kerinci local script, known as Incung Letter, especially in the final pages. This script helps provide cultural and linguistic context to the document, further emphasizing the integration of local traditions with broader regional influences.

Why is the time gap between the creation of the main text and the last pages of the Tanjung Tanah manuscript a mystery?

The last pages of the manuscript, written in the Kerinci script and featuring Islamic phrases, may have been added later than the main body of the text. The exact time gap between these additions and the original text remains unclear, with researchers uncertain whether the pages were written a few years, decades, or even centuries later.