The History of Sumatra: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, Customs, and Manners of the Native Inhabitants

by William Marsden

William Marsden (1754–1836) spent his youth working for the East India Company in Sumatra, arriving at sixteen and returning to seek new opportunities in England at twenty-five. Through his acquaintance with Sir Joseph Banks, and his interest in oriental studies, which later led to his admittance to the Royal Society, Marsden was inspired to write an account of the island. His history was first published in 1783. Throughout his subsequent life he combined research and writing, especially on oriental languages and numismatics, and he was also First Secretary to the Admiralty at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar. Displaying a profound understanding of the local flora, fauna, history and people, Marsden provides an important account of a little-known part of Indonesia. Illustrated with botanical drawings, maps and local scenes, the third edition of 1811 is reissued here.

Genres: History, Indonesian Literature

542 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1811

About the author

At sixteen, William Percival Marsden followed his brother's example and obtained a civil service appointment with the East India Company in Sumatra. He was promoted to the position of Principal Secretary to the Government, and acquired a knowledge of the Malay language and country. On returning to England, Marsden wrote his History of Sumatra (1783). He served as Second, then First Secretary to the Admiralty and continued the private study of oriental languages, publishing Grammar and Dictionary of the Malay Language in 1812 and a translation of the Travels of Marco Polo in 1818. Marsden was a member of many learned societies, and was Treasurer and Vice-President of the Royal Society.

This William Marsden is different than William Edward Marsden, W.E. Marsden, and Bill Marsden.

Reviews

[Sarah Thesa]

good :)

[astin soekanto]

buku yang lezat sekali

[Hasta Fu · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The History of Sumatra: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, Customs, and Manners of the Native Inhabitants" is a significant historical document that provides insights into the lives of the people of Sumatra.

Around the year 1500 on the east coast of Sumatra, there were several kingdoms, namely the Nagur, Aru, Panai, and Batangiou kingdoms. In the hinterland of Tapanuli the growth of the kingdom came from each of the pushers. Each bus was a small kingdom consisting of a single farm-owning family. In the area around the sixteenth century a kingdom began to emerge which was founded by the Descendants of Sisingamangaraja. This kingdom gradually expanded its influenced throughout Tapanuli to Angkola, Mandailing, to Dairi. Thus in the 16th century in North Sumatra there were three largest kingdom, namely Nagur, the Batak kingdom under the rule of King Sisingamangaraja, and Aru. The wars between the three kingdoms made it easy for outside influences to enter.

Written by William Marsden, the book offers an account of the leadership, laws, traditions, and manners of the native inhabitants of Sumatra. There was a time if someone break a law, but there was no safe place to detain someone after wrongdoing, so he/she was penalized to pay a certain amount of money which was meant as a material compensation to the victim, called "Bangun". I believe the concept of "Criminal Law" and "Civil Law" was not very clear back then.

In the 21st century when I read this book, I personally think that people in Sumatra have adapted to a new set of rules under the Republic of Indonesia, but back then when the Raja and Sultan ruled small parts of the island, the law was very different.

As the trading companies from Europe used to bring along scientist with their expedition, the author had acquired a knowledge of the Malay language and country during his time with the East India Company in Sumatra, which adds to the credibility of the information presented in the book. It is indeed a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Sumatra and Southeast Asia during the colonial period.

[Ardianto Tjin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku sejarah Sumatera merupakan buku yang mengulas berbagai keadaan alam dan perilaku manusia yang berada di Sumatera saat zaman kolonial Inggris, bahasa yang digunakan termasuk mudah untuk dipahami oleh pembaca pemula Indonesia

[AzHarry Yono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[Joklapri Siregar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku tentang perilaku masyarakat Sumatra di abad 18 dari sudut pandang pegawai EIC..jadi bisa memahami karakter masyarakat