Page 9 - FINDING AIDS CCARE

ORIGINS OF THE NEGERI SEMBILAN

ROYAL HOUSE

After the first attempt of the unification, the Minangkabau chiefs made another

attempt at forming confederacy where it compromises nine, it was known as
The Minangkabau from central Sumatra began settling in the Malay Peninsula in
Negeri Sembilan, or ‘Nine States’.
the 15 century. The main rantau areas were the luak (districts) of Naning, Sungei
th
Ujong and Rembau. The areas in which these emigrants settled were already In 1773, Raja Melewar was installed in Penajis, Rembau as the confederacy’s first
paramount ruler, or Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Yamtuan). After his death, Raja Radin
populated by indigenous groups, particularly Jakun Orang Asli, with whom the
a local, been selected as Yamtuan of Negeri Sembilan.
newcomers cohabited peaceably.

Before 1773, each district was ruled by an independent chief, or penghulu. By the
By the 17 century, the Minangkabau population had grown sizably. The
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time the first confederacy was formed, the penghulu of four districts were elevated
Minangkabau’s distinct culture, dialect, social organization and in particular their above other penghulu by virtue of among other things, the relative size, population

matrilineal custom, known as adat perpatih were bound together as a common and wealth of their districts. It was known as the Undang, they were the highest

identity and maintained strong ties with their native land in Sumatra. council in the confederacy, one on which the power to elect the Yang di-Pertuan
Besar was vested.

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