Melaka, Johor and Aceh: A bird’s eye view over a Portuguese-Malay Triangular Balance (1575-1619) (original) (raw)

1996, Actas do Colóquio Nouvelles Orientations de la Recherche sur l’Histoire de l’Asie Portugaise

Abstract

sparkles

AI

The paper explores the complex geopolitical dynamics of Melaka during a critical period (1575-1619) marked by interactions with the rival Malay sultanates of Johor and Aceh. It highlights how Melaka navigated its limited resources and maintained its significance in the region through strategic diplomacy and adaptation to local power structures. The arrival of Northern European powers disrupted this delicate balance, ultimately leading to the decline of Melaka's influence in Southeast Asia.

Key takeaways

sparkles

AI

  1. Melaka's geopolitical history from 1575 to 1619 illustrates a delicate balance among Portuguese, Johor, and Aceh.
  2. Research emphasizes Melaka's diplomatic strategies for survival amid rival powers and scarce resources.
  3. The study reveals Portuguese historiography neglecting Melaka compared to more documented regions like Goa and Macao.
  4. Internal dynamics in Melaka shifted towards Portuguese dominance while adapting to local Malay societal structures.
  5. Dutch arrival in the early 17th century disrupted the regional balance, leading to Melaka's decline.

Figures (1)

Loading...

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

References (3)

  1. Regimento» (1595), P.P Pissurlencar (ed.), Regimentos das Fortalezas da índia, Bastorá-Goa, 1951, pp. 256-257. See L. F. Thomaz, «The Indian Merchant Communities in Malacca under Portuguese Rule», in Teotónio de Souza (dir.), lndo-Portuguese History, Old Issues, New Questions, New Delhi, 1985, p. 63, and also M. Lobato, op. cit., ch. 3.1.
  2. See Manuel Lobato, op. cit., p. 147, and Meilink-Roelofsz, op. cit., p. 158. 32. From the Malay selat, «strait», meaning therefore «people of the straits». About this, see Denys Lombard, Le Sultanat d'Atjéh au Temps d'Iskandar Muda, Paris, 1967, p. 92, and also A. B. Lapian, «Le Rôle des Orang Laut dans 1'Histoire de Riau», Archipel, n° 18. 33. See Leonard Andaya, ibid., p. 50, and «The Structure of Power in the 17th Century Johor», in A. Reid (dir.), Pre-Colonial State Systems in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, 1975, p. 7.
  3. Among others, we may quote António Bocarro, «Livro das Plantas de todas as Fortalezas...» in Arquivo Português Oriental (ed. by A. B. de Bragança Pereira), IV, ii, and Diogo do Couto, Da Ásia, Dec. VIII, ch. xxiv, p. 166. 35. Among the most important works on Acehnese history, we may detach the old work of William Marsden, The History o f Sumatra, London, reprinted 1986, the above mentioned thesis of Jorge dos Santos Alves, and Denys Lombard' s Le Sultanat d'Atjéh au Temps d'Iskandar Muda / 1607-1636, Paris, 1967.

FAQs

sparkles

AI

What explains the political dynamics between Melaka, Johor, and Aceh from 1575-1619?add

The analysis reveals a continuous power struggle where Melaka's authority diminished due to Johor and Aceh's attempts to reclaim dominance over the region.

How did Melaka adapt to local power structures and socio-political dynamics?add

The research illustrates that Melaka's diplomatic shifts enabled it to maintain economic viability despite limited resources, navigating complex local allegiances and rivalries.

When did Dutch influence begin to disrupt the Triangular balance of power?add

The study indicates that Dutch military presence significantly altered regional dynamics post-1603, undermining Melaka's commercial authority and leveraging alliances with Johor and Aceh.

What role did local merchant communities play in Melaka's socio-economic structure?add

Local merchant groups, particularly the Javanese and kelings, were crucial for Melaka's trade, often countering Portuguese administrative restrictions and sustaining economic activity.

How did religious policy influence social dynamics within Melaka?add

By shifting from low-duties for non-Christians to privileging converted individuals, the Portuguese exacerbated religious intolerance, transforming Melaka's socio-cultural fabric during this period.