and Malaya runaways of Javanese tradition. The word appears to me to be of Indian origin. We know in the early history of the world that men gave their names to countries and to races. In Indian mythology we read that Rishabu had by Iyantee 100 sons-82 of whom became Bralimans-9 hermits and among the remaining 9-their father's kingdom, India was divided; to Malayu, 4th of these 9, fell the portion which took his name Malava or Malwa which at that time included a great portion of western India. Alexander met Malayu's descendants under the name of Malli on the Indus (see note on first annal). The Malli afterwards colonized on the west coast of India to which they gave their name (Malabar) here they turned their attention to commerce and carried on a flourishing trade at several important ports. Is it improbable that such a people colonized part of Sumatra ? They may have come as traders and acquired such an influence over the ignorant inhabitants (if they were such) of the Archipelago as to have been called to occupy through marriage, thrones already established, or have themselves founded kingdoms. These kingdoms as well as all the countries subordinate to them would have adopted the name of the tribe to which their King belonged. A system of emigration such as this may have been the basis from which the traditionary account was framed, yet that account, divested of the evident exaggerations common to Asiatic historians, is not improbable. The story simplified is that a Prince sailed from India with 20 ships to found a settlement, the fleet was wrecked, the prince or a prince and his two companions were saved on the Silebar coast, probably near the river Andalas, they crossed the hills, at that place close to the beach, perhaps finding the shore inhospitable, and, on descending on the Palembang side, came first to settlements of hill planters, whence, after refreshing themselves, they went on to the capital of the kingdom, here they were well received, their chief was married to the daughter of the reigning monarch, and by her he had 4 children; being ambitious, and not content with the kingdom of Palembang, our Prince determined to migrate from that place for the double purpose of settling his children and providing a better kingdom for himself. The fame of a prince of miraculous descent, according to the belief of the ignorant, having preceeded him, the prince was well received at Tanjongpura, Bintan, and Menangkabau. A Mallia himself, if he did not give his name at that early date to all the inhabitants of Palembang, most probably he did to those who chose to follow him in his emigration; and his son Sri Tribuana, who founded Singapore from Bentan, would also give the name in like manner, if not to all the Bentan people, at least to the followers who accompanied him to Singapore. Being evidently of a superior race all who had any connexion with his family wonld be proud to assume their name, so that in course of time this name, Malayu, would have extended to the countries when we find it pure at present, that is the southern states of Sumatra, and the states on the south of the Malayan Peninsula, which were enabled to preserve a distinct nationality against the Siamese encroachments. A further proof of this hypothesis will consist in an examination of the origin of the names of countries &c. given by the descendants of Bichitram Shah as compared with those found in countries with which they had no connexion. This comparison may be made previous to the appearance of the Arab missionaries as we must remember in any reasoning on this subject, a distinction will be drawn between facts before and after that era, as the Arab influence, of habits, laws and literature, affected all the inhabitants of the Archipelago in an equal manner; whereas the Hindu influence of this one family acted only on the places colonized by it. This theory will of course fail if the use of the term Malayu can be proved at a period prior to the arrival of Bichitram Shah; but as far as I am aware we first hear of the word in these seas after that date. It was a well known term on the west coast of India as far back as Arrian's time. Even earlier we hear of the Malayes or mountaineers supposed derivation from the Mount Malens of Pliny (probably the Mount Malayu of Hindu geography from which the Krisna and Godavery descend.) [In our Journal Sketch of Sumatra, Ante Vol. III. p. 365, we derived Malayu from the Malaya of Southern India -ED.

7. Sagantang Maha Miru. I am not aware whether the derivation of this word has been satisfactorily settled. The following is offered as a probable one from Hindu mythology. We are informed that the earth is circular and flat, 4,000,000,000 of miles in circumference, in the centre is Mount Meru 600,000 miles high &c. &c. this mount has three peaks, one of gold, one of silver, and one of iron, the seats respectively of Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu, &c. &c. The Himalaya mountains are called Maha Miru, but whether figuratively, as resembling the general description of that mount, or literally, I am not aware; nor does it appear

to be of much consequence at present. Bichitram Shah is described as descending to the Palembang plains from Mount Maha Miru, and we can suppose that, at the time these annals were written, that event had become traditionary, and would consequently be involved in mystery and fable. The Indian prince, of a superior race, and of a higher degree of civilization, would probably among the simple inland inhabitants of Palembang, be considered as a new Avatara, and the mountain from which he descended, would be holy as the heaven or Maha Meru of Vishnu. At the very place described, as that from which Bichitram Shah appeared, we have the sacred Gunong Dempo and a further similarity will be found in the fact that, in conjunction with Dempo, are two other peaks Lumut and Berapi, the latter as its name denotes being a volcanic mountain, which, among all uncivilized nations, is the object of veneration. These three would form a sufficient likeness, taken in conjunction with their great height, to the original Maha Meru. (The Semiru of the Brata Yudha, see Raffles Java, has most probably a similar origin.)

I cannot give any explanation of the term sakantang or sagantang-it would be no information to say that that word in Malay means a measure (about a gallon) also ginting a tile, gunting scissors and gantong (all in Malay spelled alike) to hang-this last might be applied as the hanging or overhanging mount. Probably however an origin may be found in the Hindu pantheon, the nearest 1 know of at present is Sakanda the commander of the celestial armies, brother of Ganesa son of a daughter of Himalaya; the term may have been an incorrect quotation of the annalist who be it observed is frequently guilty of gross errors in quoting or applying Hindu and Persian history.

8. This episode is purely Hindu but from the mention of Jins and Peris we may doubt its antiquity, it is probably an interpolation of the Arab era as the words Jin and Peri are respectively Arabic and Persian, and consequently not likely to have been used at the time referred to in the text.

9. Jins, Arabic, Demons.

10. Peris, Persian, Fairies.

11. Soleiman. Although not received by Mahomedans as one of their prophets Soleiman (Soliman) holds a high position in the minds of the Arabs as the greatest temporal prince who has ever reigned on earth. His history, particularly the maritime portion, including the friendship of Hiram king of Tyre, who assisted in collecting materials for building the temple, and the visit of the Queen of Sheba, are well known and commented on by the Arab writers of old.

12. Nila Palahwan, Nila the Champion, a Persian word.

13. Carna Pandita, Carna the Pundit, Sanscrit.

14. These afterwards formed part of the Menangkabow regalia. See Marsden's Sumatra.

15. Bat'h a kaid or learned man.

16. Sanscrit-this is a clear evidence, setting aside the Sanscrit names and style, of the region of the civilization introduced by the prince.

17. Sangsapurba Trimarti Tribuana, Sanscrit. The first appears to be a compound probably from Sang a stone, and Purb a flat diamond-the second is the Hindu trinity, Brahma, Sivu and Vishnu, and the third is the universe including heaven, earth and the infernal regions.

18. The sequiter is not very clear, the annalist neglecting to inform us why the children were called Awang and Dara—the fo riner means a cloud and the latter blood.

19. This agreement between Sangsapurba and his new subjects is a favourite allusion with Malayan writers, it is brought forward on all occasions to excuse any want of spirit in subjects not resisting the tyranny of their sovereigns, and from the tradition being so generally received it doubtless has had an effect on the conduct of kings and subjects towards each other. It is generally said that a Malay cannot rebel but to reconcile facts there is a saving clause added in the original agreement. Very well (said Demang Lebar Daun) if your descendants (the kings) break their agreement probably mine (the subjects) will do so also.

20. Mancabumi. Another, and apparently more ancient, title for Perdana mantri, or prime minister, derived from the Sanscrit Bumi, the earth and perhaps muni á sage or learned man with the possessive particle ka, mani ka bumi.

21. Putri Tanjong Bui-Princess Foam Bell of the Point (or bend in a river) Tanjong, in river geography is the projecting head and lubuk the opposite or hollow side.

22. Sri Devi, Sri, Hindu, auspicious, Devi fem. of Devu a God, one of the names

of Bhawani the goddess of fecundity.

23. Chandra Ďevi, chundru the moon.

China. The connexion between the Malays and Chinese appears to have been much closer in former years than at present; if we may credit these annals a daughter of the emperor of China was married to the king of Malacca at a subse. quent date. Doubtless the introduction of Mahomedanism did much to put a stop to the intercourse, as, the Arabs would have opposed a connexion so obnoxious to their interest. In addition to the Chinese prince who accompanied the embassy and remained at Palembang, there were 100 young men and 100 young women sent, who formed the nucleus of the future Chinese population of Palembang; in the same way as at Malacca. On the arrival of the embassy which brought Li Po the campong China was marked off for the Chinese who came with that princess and they increased and multiplied there according to the annalist. It is generally supposed that Malacca and other Malayan states paid tribute to China; and if they were married to Chinese princesses, they were daughters of the slaves of the palace, but the Malays strongly deny this, and in these annals a story to the following effect is to be found, which they produce with great exultation as a proof that the communication between the countries was carried on with the most perfect equality. When the ambassador who brought the princess Li Po to Malacca returned to China they carried with them a letter from the Malacca sovereign which highly gratified the Chinese king, but two days afterwards his Majesty was seized with an unmentionable complaint, which none of his physicians could cure; at last an aged Doctor presented himself, and told the king that his disease was sent as a visitation from God, on account of his receiving from the Rajah of Malacca a salutation as from an inferior; and that the only way to cure the disease would be by drinking the water which had washed the feet and face of the injured king-an embassy was sent to Malacca for such water, and on its arrival in China, by following the prescription, the king was cured. Any comment on this unsavoury story would be superfluous.

24. It does not appear clearly from which of the two princes here mentioned the kings of Palembang descend. On the departure of Demang Lebar Daun with Sangsapurba, the annalist says "the younger brother of Demang Lebar Daun was directed to remain in the government of Palembang, and the Chinese prince, according to some, was made Rajah of the upper country of Palembang and had the command of all the Chinese in Palembang, the present Rajahs of Palembang are all descended of this family." Of which family?

25. Tanjong Pura. From the southern course steered and the time allowed Tanjong Pura will probably be found to be in the Straits of Sunda, it appears to have been a government subordinate to Majapahit. It is singular that Banka is not mentioned in this voyage, they must have been two days in sight of it-could it at such a comparatively late date, have formed part of the island of Sumatra ?

26. Bitara is a singular title for a temporal prince, it appears to be the Avatara or incarnation of Vishnu, an account of which has already been given. A curious circumstance in connexion with this is that Sir T. S. Raffles seriously recommended Lord Minto Governor-General, to assume the title of Bitara which he told him was equivalent to Lord Protector in order to preserve a commanding influence with the Malayan states in the event of the Dutch receiving Java at the next peace. See Sir Stamford's famous political letter of the 10th June 1811.

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27. Majapahit, one of the capitals of the Hindu empire of Java, Sir S. Raffles visited the rivers in the district of Wirasaba and from his account it appears to have been the seat of a powerful empire. The remains are on a scale of grandeur and magnificence which might well excite surprise.

28. An examination of the Majapahit annals will prove or disprove this portion of the narrative which will be reverted to at a future period.

29. Discovery-Sangsapurba does not appear by any means to have emigrated from Palembang on account of overpopulation in that country; but rather, if we are to believe the annalist, depending on his exalted rank, he felt certain of being well received in whatever country he visited, and of being able to provide a kingdom for himself, and separate inheritances for his children.

30. Sambor. Probably the Straits of Saboyor to the south of Linga. Cuantan is the name of the Indraghiri at its source.

Bentan an island forming part of the south boundary of the Straits of Singapore. It has since been called Bintang (star) probably from a resemblance in sound to

that word.

31. Lingga or Lingen-an island on the Line, 104 E. Longitude, with a high

peak. It is situated about half way between Banca and Singapore.

Could he have

32. The annalist says the king of Bintan had been lost at Siam. been tributary at that early period? In subsequent annals we have frequent accounts of Siamese invasions but none of so early a date as this.

34. Ruco probably one of the Durian Islands.

35. The island opposite to Bentan has been supposed to be Balang but the Point Balang here is described as at the mouth of a great river, the Cuantan (Indragiri) so that it must be either the point Baru or Bassoh at the opposite sides of the mouth of the Indraghiri.

36. Cuantan. Ascending this river Sangsapurba arrived at Menangkabau-so that it is another name (and I believe now used higher up the river) for the Indraghiri.

37. This descent is of great use to the annalist; he has a set form by which it is introduced on many occasions, but as it is most probably a mere form of words, introduced at a later period, it would serve no good purpose to enter into an enquiry as to how the Menangkabau people heard of the Zulkarncini, before the arrival of Sangsapurba at Pagaroyang.

38. Sacktimuna, or Sacatimuna appears to be derived from the Hindu Sacti supernatural power and the Damunhe the name of a serpent having two mouths.

39. Sword Chora Samandang Rian-for an account of this sword and the other portions of the Menangkabow regalia, see Marsden's Sumatra.

40. Paguroyang the capital of Menangkabow is situated on the hills about 20 miles south of the equator within 40 miles of Priamun and 130 or 140 miles from the East Coast. The chain of hills runs down close to the West Coast 3-4ths of the width of the island to the eastward, a plain through which the Racan, Siak, Campar, Indraghiri and Jambi flow; all of them taking their rise in or near Menangkabow.

50. Sang Mutiaga probably from Sang-stone and muti a pearl.

51. Sang Nila Utama, perhaps Sang stone, Nila blue-and a compound of at and ama to signify progenitor.

52. This is of course an error as, since the time referred to, a new dynasty has been founded in China.

GENERAL REMARKS.

This annal bears all the appearance of being a genuine document. The style is sedate and business like and it is not disfigured with the improbable fictions which make up the first annal. The notices of the glittering paddy, Bath-the bull &c. are episodical and do not interfere with the general narrative of events. There is no supernatural agency in the chief facts of the annal, the shipwreck, the ascent of the hills and arrival at Palembang, are sober history whether true or not remain to be proved. It is evident however that the annal as it now stands has been written out from a book of an older date as many Persian and Arabic words are used which could not have been known at the time of recital-this quite agrees with the account of the annalist in his preface, that the Hikayet from whence these annals were written came from Goa A. D. 1611 or 12 and to him was entrusted the task of altering that Hikayet according to the institutions of the Malays. In another place a few remarks will be offered on this preface.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL GROUP OF CELEBES.*

CHAPTER 111.

THE very secondary interest which has hitherto been attached to the two other peninsulas of Celebes, coupled with the small number of details which we have been able to collect regarding the administration, the productions of the soil, as well as relative to the manners and customs of the inhabitants of the North-East peninsula, induce us to unite the details which have come to our knowledge in one chapter.

The peninsula, which extends in a North-East direction, is administratively divided into two unequal parts; the northern part, which is the least considerable, is a dependency of the residency of Menado, whilst the southern part, the most extensive of the two, as well as the whole of the South-East peninsula, are included under the jurisdiction of the resident of Ternate; at least such was the territorial division under the authority of the Company, although, following a more natural and better contrived disposition, it would have been desirable that they should have been administratively placed under the authority of the Governor of Makassar. When all the surface of this island shall have been explored, when all parts are known and it shall be possible to found there an administration similar to that established on Java, a Governor or Chief will doubtless be installed, under whose authority all the different parts of the island will be united; but it is probable that many years will elapse, before we can hope to see established on Celebes a system of cultures such as exists in Java, and before it will be possible to introduce the administrative organization in force in that island. However, it should never be lost sight of, that in the time of the Company, even at the period of its greatest splendour, above all when it strove to turn to the best account for its treasury, the extensive conquests acquired by its arms, the island of Java, at present so flourishing and so productive, did not offer in any of its aspects, in the incertitude of its future destiny, a more favorable or encouraging prospect, than what the island of Celebes now presents. The introduction of reforms into the social order of the Javanese, of institutions of public utility, as well as the promulgation of laws and ordinances in the civil administration and that of cultures, have powerfully contributed to advance the welfare and augment the prosperity of this capital of the Archipelago. The fundamental base on which the administrative edifice which some day will be established in the Island of Celebes will be erected, will probably be, with some modifications, similar to that on which the Javanese institutions are placed. If these should come to be adopted, there can

Translated from Temminck's Coup-d'œil vol. III. (Continued from p. 765 Vol. iv. of this Journal.)