A History of Sarawak under Its Two White Rajahs 1839-1908Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)
History
A History of Sarawak under Its Two White Rajahs 1839-1908
Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)
Charles, Rajah of Sarawak, 1829-1917; James, Rajah of Sarawak, 1803-1868; Sarawak (Malaysia) -- History
RAJAH (fem. Rani, or Ranee).—The old title of the Bruni sovereigns.
It is a Sanskrit word, and means king. But in Bruni it was
improperly assumed by those (male and female) of royal descent.
This has fallen into disuse, that is, none of them now bears such
a title, but in referring to the princes of Bruni generally the
term Rajah Rajah[2] would be used. Rulers of districts were never
entitled to the title _ex officio_. Such rulers are feudal chiefs
with the title of Pangiran, and their chieftainship is generally
hereditary.
RAJAH MUDA, heir apparent. Lit. young Rajah.
PANGIRAN is the highest Bruni title. Pangiran Muda—sometimes
Pangiran Muda Besar—is another title of the heir-apparent to the
Sultanate. (Rajah Muda is only used in Sarawak.) It is a Javanese
title and means prince. It is not, however, now confined only to
persons of royal descent as formerly, and the title has become
very common, especially as illegitimate as well as legitimate
children of all pangirans assume it.
DATU.—Lit. great-grandfather (by extension—ancestor). This is a high
title in the Malay Peninsula, and the highest in Sarawak, but not
in Bruni, though it is in Sulu. It can be conferred by the Ruler
alone, and is an official title and not hereditary. It is only
granted to Malays.[3]
BANDAR (Persian).—The meaning of this word is a port. Datu Bandar,
one of the highest titles in Sarawak, would mean the chief of the
port or town.
SHAH BANDAR means the Controller of the Customs.
BANDAHARA (Sanskrit.).—A treasurer. The Pangiran Bandahara is the
chief of the four Wazirs of Bruni. The present Bandahara is Regent
of Bruni.
TEMANGGONG.—Another high official title, meaning Commander-in-Chief.
The Pangiran Temanggong is one of the Bruni Wazirs.
DI GADONG AND PEMANCHA.—Also high official titles, the meanings of
which are uncertain. The Pangiran di Gadong and the Pangiran
Pemancha are the titles of the other two Bruni Wazirs.[4]
PATINGGI (from Tinggi—elevated, exalted; hence Maha-tinggi, the most
high). The Datu Patinggi was the highest or premier chief in
Sarawak.
PENGLIMA.—A Malay title, also sometimes formerly given to Dayaks;
means a Commander.
ORANG KAYA.—Lit. rich man. A title generally given to Malay chiefs
of inferior rank and to the Dayak chiefs.
SHERIF.[5]—An Arab title meaning noble. A title assumed by half-bred
Arabs claiming descent from Muhammad. These men also take the
exalted Malay title of Tunku or Tungku[6] by which princes of the
royal blood are alone addressed, but more especially the Sultan.
HAJI.—One who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca.
TUAN.—Master, Sir, Lord, Mistress, Lady. Tuan Besar—High Lord. Tuan
Muda—Young Lord.
NAKODA.—Shipmaster, merchant.
PENGULU.—Headman. A title given to Dayak district chiefs.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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