Sovereign Women in a Muslim Kingdom: The Sultanahs of Aceh, 1641–1699, by Sher Banu A.L. Khan (original) (raw)

Abstract

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This book explores the significant yet often overlooked role of female rulers, the sultanahs, in the Aceh Sultanate during the 17th century. The author, Sher Banu A.L. Khan, argues that these queens not only navigated the complexities of leadership in a predominantly patriarchal society but also redefined the concept of queenship by emphasizing cooperation with nobles and engaging in moral governance through religious piety. Highlighting the historical context of their reigns and the eventual decline of female rule amid shifting power dynamics and religious orthodoxy, the work calls for a deeper understanding of gendered leadership in pre-colonial Southeast Asia.

Key takeaways

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1. Sultanah Safiatuddin Syah ruled Aceh for 34 years, challenging traditional views of female monarchy.
2. The book utilizes previously unused Dutch archival materials to analyze the queens' governance strategies.
3. Sultanah Kamalat Zainatuddin Syah's abdication in 1699 marked the end of female rule in Aceh.
4. Queens' leadership styles differed significantly from their male predecessors, emphasizing cooperation over intimidation.
5. The text critiques the bias surrounding the narrative of Aceh's decline under female rulers.

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References (1)

1. Reid, Anthony (1988). 'Female Roles in Pre-Colonial Southeast Asia' , Modern Asian Studies, 22:3, 629-645.

FAQs

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What strategies did Sultanah Safiatuddin Syah use to consolidate her power?add

The book reveals that Sultanah Safiatuddin Syah utilized diplomatic relations, particularly with vassals, to strengthen her rule during crises, notably against the VOC blockade of Perak.

How did colonial perceptions of Aceh's queens influence historical narratives?add

Sher Banu highlights that earlier scholars perceived these queens as mere figures of ceremonial importance, skewing interpretations of their political agency and contributions to governance.

What role did Islamic law play in female rule in Aceh?add

The narrative indicates that Islamic law provided both the framework for legitimizing female accession initially, but later was employed to question and dismantle female rule by males.

How did queenship differ from kingship in the context of Aceh?add

Sher Banu argues queenship involved collaboration with nobles and European powers, contrasting the intimidation tactics of male predecessors, thereby forming a distinct leadership model.

What evidence supports the assertion that Aceh was resilient under female rulers?add

The book presents reports from the late seventeenth century indicating political independence and economic stability in Aceh, countering claims of decline attributed to female leadership.