Merong Mahawangsa
Encyclopedia
Merong Mahawangsa is a legendary warrior and a ruler who is said to be the first king of Langkasuka
and later became the modern day, Kedah
. The tale of Merong Mahawangsa is mentioned in the Kedah Annals
. According to the annals, he was a hero and became the first king of Langkasuka
. Merong is said to have grown up in different parts of Kingdoms and comes from an Indian Lineage. He spends most of his life in Rome
. Some says that Merong was part of the Roman Empire was because it was said that Merong was a descendent to Alexander the great.
According to the Kedah Annals which is supposed to be a record of the history of Kedah, Merong was a fighter and was a hindu ruler of an unknown kingdom. He travelled around from kingdom to kingdom, but mostly stayed in Rome
as it is like his home. One day, Merong left Rome to do some trading in China
. Merong and his fleet sailed from the coast of Arabia to China
. But then, he was suddenly attacked by a legendary giant Phoenix
called Garuda. Merong and his fleet was mostly destroyed. They fled to the nearest land, which is Bujang Valley
. Merong settled there and created a state called Langkasuka
(later became the Kingdom of Langkasuka, under the rule of King Merong Mahapudisat).
Merong was the original ruler of Langkasuka before he made his son, Merong Mahapudisat the king. Merong then left to Rome, leaving his son the ruler of Langkasuka. The fate of Merong was unknown, some says that he died instead going back to Rome. Merong Mahapudisat was later preceded by his ancestor until Phra Ong Mahawangsa converted into Islam and changed the Kingdom of Langkasuka into the Sultanate of Kedah. He also changed his name into Sultan Mudzafar Shah
.
Later, the salutation for the king of Langkasuka changed into the Sultanate of Kedah. The name 'Langkasuka'can be divided into two parts: for which 'Langka' meant 'the land of glory' in Sanskrit, while 'suka' was from the name of the great Jainism
, Emperor Ashoka
, who later converted into Buddhism
.
Merong's tale is said to be a mythical legend and the Keddah Annals may not be a reliable source because this legend is not mentioned in the Malay Annals or other important annals.
The history of Merong Mahawangsa was not that famous or well known compared to the tale of Hang Tuah
. However, KRU Studios
has completed the production of its feature film entitled "Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa
". The movie is based on the great tale and the myth of Merong Mahawangsa. It is Malaysia's second expensive movie production in the country.
Langkasuka
Langkasuka was an ancient Hindu Malay kingdom located in the Malay Peninsula...
and later became the modern day, Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
. The tale of Merong Mahawangsa is mentioned in the Kedah Annals
Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa
Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa or The Kedah Annals is an ancient Malay literature that chronicles the bloodline of Merong Mahawangsa and the foundation of the Kedah, a state in Malaysia. Though there are historical accuracies, there are many incredible assertions...
. According to the annals, he was a hero and became the first king of Langkasuka
The Legend of Merong Mahawangsa
According to the lineage, Merong was a hindu ruler, and was somehow part of the Roman empireRoman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
. Merong is said to have grown up in different parts of Kingdoms and comes from an Indian Lineage. He spends most of his life in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. Some says that Merong was part of the Roman Empire was because it was said that Merong was a descendent to Alexander the great.
According to the Kedah Annals which is supposed to be a record of the history of Kedah, Merong was a fighter and was a hindu ruler of an unknown kingdom. He travelled around from kingdom to kingdom, but mostly stayed in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
as it is like his home. One day, Merong left Rome to do some trading in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. Merong and his fleet sailed from the coast of Arabia to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. But then, he was suddenly attacked by a legendary giant Phoenix
Phoenix (mythology)
The phoenix or phenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Arabian, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Indian and Phoenicians....
called Garuda. Merong and his fleet was mostly destroyed. They fled to the nearest land, which is Bujang Valley
Bujang Valley
The Bujang Valley or Lembah Bujang is a sprawling historical complex and has an area of approximately 224 square km. Situated near Merbok, Kedah, between Gunung Jerai in the north and Muda River in the south, it is the richest archaeological area in Malaysia.These archaeological remains show that...
. Merong settled there and created a state called Langkasuka
Langkasuka
Langkasuka was an ancient Hindu Malay kingdom located in the Malay Peninsula...
(later became the Kingdom of Langkasuka, under the rule of King Merong Mahapudisat).
Merong was the original ruler of Langkasuka before he made his son, Merong Mahapudisat the king. Merong then left to Rome, leaving his son the ruler of Langkasuka. The fate of Merong was unknown, some says that he died instead going back to Rome. Merong Mahapudisat was later preceded by his ancestor until Phra Ong Mahawangsa converted into Islam and changed the Kingdom of Langkasuka into the Sultanate of Kedah. He also changed his name into Sultan Mudzafar Shah
Sultan Mudzafar Shah I
Sultan Mudzafar Shah I,or Phra Ong Mahawangsa was the first Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1136-1179. He was the last King of Kedah. After his conversion to Islam, he later became the founder of the Kedah Sultanate, which still existed to this day....
.
Later, the salutation for the king of Langkasuka changed into the Sultanate of Kedah. The name 'Langkasuka'can be divided into two parts: for which 'Langka' meant 'the land of glory' in Sanskrit, while 'suka' was from the name of the great Jainism
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
, Emperor Ashoka
Ashoka
Ashok Maurya or Ashoka , popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from ca. 269 BC to 232 BC. One of India's greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests...
, who later converted into Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
.
Merong's tale is said to be a mythical legend and the Keddah Annals may not be a reliable source because this legend is not mentioned in the Malay Annals or other important annals.
The history of Merong Mahawangsa was not that famous or well known compared to the tale of Hang Tuah
Hikayat Hang Tuah
Hikayat Hang Tuah is a Malay work of literature that tells the tale of the legendary Malay Muslim warrior Hang Tuah and his four warrior friends - Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu - who lived during the height of the Sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century.The most memorable...
. However, KRU Studios
KRU Studios
KRU Studios is one of the media and entertainment companies in Malaysia. Founded in 1992, KRU has since diversified, and now provides a range of services related to the media and entertainment industry, specializing in both production and distribution capabilities.With offices and representatives...
has completed the production of its feature film entitled "Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa
The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines
The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines is a 2011 Malaysian epic action film loosely based on the 16th century document Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. Released in Malaysia under the Malaysian language title Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, the film is directed, co-written, and co-produced by Yusry Abdul Halim...
". The movie is based on the great tale and the myth of Merong Mahawangsa. It is Malaysia's second expensive movie production in the country.
Merong's Ancestors
Below is the list of the 8 ancestors of Merong Mahawangsa according to the Kedah Annals:- King Merong Mahawangsa, A ruler from Rome and later settled in Bujang ValleyBujang ValleyThe Bujang Valley or Lembah Bujang is a sprawling historical complex and has an area of approximately 224 square km. Situated near Merbok, Kedah, between Gunung Jerai in the north and Muda River in the south, it is the richest archaeological area in Malaysia.These archaeological remains show that...
and founded the Kingdom of LangkasukaLangkasukaLangkasuka was an ancient Hindu Malay kingdom located in the Malay Peninsula...
. He is said to be a descendent to Alexander the great. He was a ruler and he was a HinduHinduHindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
. Merong have 3 son, Merong Mahapudisat is the eldest, Ganjil Sarjuna is the second eldest and Seri Mahawangsa, the youngest in the family. Merong also had a daughter, Raja Puteri is the second youngest in the family. He was later succeeded by his eldest son, Merong Mahapudisat. Merong then left to Rome, leaving his son the ruler of Langkasuka - King Merong Mahapudisat, He became the king of Langkasuka after his father, Merong Mahawangsa went back to his original home, which is RomeRomeRome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. Merong Mahapudisat was the eldest son. He was also the first king of Siam. - King Ganjil Sarjuna, Ganjil Sarjuna was crowned king after his brother's death. He was the second eldest in the family. He founded and became the first king of the Gangga NegaraGangga NegaraGangga Negara is believed to be a lost semi-legendary Hindu kingdom mentioned in the Malay Annals that covered present day Beruas, Dinding and Manjung in the state of Perak, Malaysia with Raja Gangga Shah Johan as one of its kings...
kingdom. - Raja Puteri (in English, King Princess), She became the King of Langkasuka after his brother, Ganjil Sarjuna died. She is the youngest daughter in the family. She was also the first king of PattaniPattaniPattani may refer to* Pattani Province, in southern Thailand* Pattani , in southern Thailand* Pattani , which includes the above province** Pattani Kingdom, a former semi-independent kingdom...
. - King Seri Mahawangsa, He became the king of Langkasuka after his brother, Ganjil Sarjuna died.
- Seri Maha Inderawangsa, He is the son of Seri Mahawangsa. He was called King Bersiong because of his cannibal behaviour and described to have drink human blood. He was the original succeeder of Seri Mahawangsa, But because of his behaviour, Seri Mahawangsa had no choice but to imprison him. Seri Maha Inderawangsa fled to Mount JeraiMount JeraiMount Jerai or formerly Kedah Peak is the highest mountain in the Malaysian state of Kedah with the height of . Within Kedah itself, the mountain stands at the border of Kuala Muda and Yan districts. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography...
. He remained hidden for a long time and later had son, called Phra Ong Mahapudisat. Before the death of Seri Mahawangsa some years later after Phra Ong Maapudist was born, he asked his soldiers of Langkasuka to hunt Seri Maha Inderawangsa and kill him. He was later found and was ambushed by the soldiers of Langkasuka. He died but his son, Phra Ong Mahapudisat was spare because he was the only person that had royal blood. - King Phra Ong Mahapudisat, After Seri Mahawangsa's death, Langkasuka needed a succeder that had a royal blood. Phra Ong Mahapudist was crowned king after his fathers death.
- Phra Ong MahawangsaSultan Mudzafar Shah ISultan Mudzafar Shah I,or Phra Ong Mahawangsa was the first Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1136-1179. He was the last King of Kedah. After his conversion to Islam, he later became the founder of the Kedah Sultanate, which still existed to this day....
, He was the only son of Phra Ong Mahapudisat. He was originally Hindu, but when IslamIslamIslam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
first came to the Malay PeninsulaMalay PeninsulaThe Malay Peninsula or Thai-Malay Peninsula is a peninsula in Southeast Asia. The land mass runs approximately north-south and, at its terminus, is the southern-most point of the Asian mainland...
, he accepted Islam and later became a Muslim. He later changed his name into Sultan Mudzafar ShahSultan Mudzafar Shah ISultan Mudzafar Shah I,or Phra Ong Mahawangsa was the first Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1136-1179. He was the last King of Kedah. After his conversion to Islam, he later became the founder of the Kedah Sultanate, which still existed to this day....
and changed the kingdom of Lankasuka into the Kedah SultanateKedah SultanateThe Sultanate of Kedah was the earliest sultanate on the Malay Peninsula and one of the oldest Sultanates in the world, founded in year 1136.-Kedah Kingdom:...
.
Merong Mahawangsa in popular culture
- A film made by KRU StudiosKRU StudiosKRU Studios is one of the media and entertainment companies in Malaysia. Founded in 1992, KRU has since diversified, and now provides a range of services related to the media and entertainment industry, specializing in both production and distribution capabilities.With offices and representatives...
named The Malay Chronicles: BloodlinesThe Malay Chronicles: BloodlinesThe Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines is a 2011 Malaysian epic action film loosely based on the 16th century document Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. Released in Malaysia under the Malaysian language title Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, the film is directed, co-written, and co-produced by Yusry Abdul Halim...
tells the life and adventures of Merong Mahawangsa. - A Thai made film named Queens of LangkasukaQueens of LangkasukaQueens of Langkasuka is a 2008 Thai historical fantasy adventure film directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, and written by two-time S.E.A. Write Award winner Win Lyovarin.Known as "Pirates Of Langkasuka" in the UK.-Plot:...
mentioned the Kingdom of LangkasukaLangkasukaLangkasuka was an ancient Hindu Malay kingdom located in the Malay Peninsula...
being attacked by a rebellion allied with pirates - A Royal Malaysian NavyRoyal Malaysian NavyThe Royal Malaysian Navy is the naval arm of Malaysian Armed Forces. All commissioned ships of the RMN have the prefix KD , which means Royal Ship.-Straits Settlement Naval Volunteer Reserve:...
Vessel named KD MahawangsaKD MahawangsaKD Mahawangsa is a Royal Malaysian Navy's 4,300 ton multi-role support ship based at Lumut Naval Base in Perak, Malaysia. It was named in honor of Merong Mahawangsa, the founder of the Old Kedah...
is named after Merong Mahawangsa ancient monarch's honor.
See also
- Hikayat Merong MahawangsaHikayat Merong MahawangsaHikayat Merong Mahawangsa or The Kedah Annals is an ancient Malay literature that chronicles the bloodline of Merong Mahawangsa and the foundation of the Kedah, a state in Malaysia. Though there are historical accuracies, there are many incredible assertions...
- Hikayat Hang TuahHikayat Hang TuahHikayat Hang Tuah is a Malay work of literature that tells the tale of the legendary Malay Muslim warrior Hang Tuah and his four warrior friends - Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu - who lived during the height of the Sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century.The most memorable...
- Sejarah MelayuSejarah MelayuSejarah Melayu or Malay Annals is a Malay literary work which covers a period of over 600 years that chronicles the, then and now, Genealogies of Rulers in the Malay Archipelago...
- Sultanate of Kedah
External links
- Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa - A manuscript at Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaUniversiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaThe National University of Malaysia is a public university located in Bangi, Selangor which is about 35 km south of Kuala Lumpur...