Page 19 - FINDING AIDS CCARE

THE ROYAL PALACES
Seri Menanti lies in a tranquil area admist green stretches of paddy fields and rows of hills as
its sentry. The breathtaking panorama of the area became a reason of its being made a place
to live and an administrative centre of the Kings of Negeri Sembilan of yesteryear.
Magnificient palaces with their intricate carvings were built here as the residence for the
Yang di-Pertuans.
One of the palaces which is still remains intact to this day is the Istana Seri Menanti. Being
lavishly unique and picturesque, the palace is also known as the icon of the Negeri Sembilan
royal family. The splendid palace stays rock-solid while witnessing the waves of development
and harbouring the secret past. Despite the rapid development which takes places, its
originality persist as a palaces which symbolises the Malay culture, magnificence and is
enthralling.
The name ‘Seri Menanti’ is said to have ben derived from the finding of three stalks of paddy
that grew in the area, known as Padi Menanti or semangat padi yang menanti (the spirit of
awaiting paddy). In the Javanese language, paddy means ‘Seri’, thus the name change to Seri
Menanti. It was said that Istana Seri Menanti was built on the site where the three stalks of
paddy were found.
The originally plan for this four-storey palace was designed by two Malay
craftsmen named Kahar and Taib. Kahar was conferred the title of Dato’
Panglima Sultan by Tuanku Muhammad for his services rendered. The re-
detailing of the plan was later undertaken by Mr Woodford, the Chief
Draghtsman from the Seremban Public Works Department, and was
approved in November 1902 by the State Engineer and the British Resident.
Istana Seri Menanti was built to replace Istana Putih, which had been burnt
to the grounds by British soldiers in their pursuit of Yamtuan Amtah during
war of Bukit Putus. The construction of the palace began in 1902 and was
completed in 1908. The cost for its construction was $45,000. The opening
ceremony of the palace was officiated by DYMM Yang di-Pertuan
Muhammad ibni Almarhum Yamtuan Antah.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar desired a palace that reflected its Minangkabau
roots, not only in terms of its architectural design but also with regards to the
symbols aspects of family, education, traditional arts, and others.
by wooden pegs called pasak.
16