A History of Negeri Sembilan :)

THIS IS DARUL KHUSUS :)

Negeri Sembilan simply means 'Land of Nine States'. The name is so-called because it once comprised nine separate districts, each ruled by a Malay Chieftain. Seremban, its capital is easily accesible by road and rail to Kuala Lumpur, about 50 kilometres away. Among the main attractions of the town are the Cultural 

Handicraft complex, the State Museum, the State Mosque and the Lake Gardens.

The state is often associated with the influence of Minangkabau migrants from Sumatra who came during the settlement era into Malaya long ago. The settlement then led to its strong unique and distinctive characteristic, best seen in the architecture and styles reflected in the construction of buildings as well as homes. One unique feature is the horn-shaped roof. The Minangkabaus also brought with them their 'adat' or traditions, in particular the matrilineal kinship system. This system is evident until today especially in the marriage customs, ownership of property and dance forms.

The Minangkabau People of Sumatra came to settle in Negeri Sembilan in the 15th century. In its early history, Negeri Sembilan as a unified State did not exist. It was rather a loose confederation of nine fiefdoms which developed in the secluded valley of the region. They were under the protection of the Melaka Sultanate until its collapse in 1511 when the Portuguese arrived.

Thereafter they became the vassal of the Johor Sultanate until the 18th century when it had become weak. Attacks by the Bugis forced the Minangkabaus to seek protection from a prince from their homeland. Raja Melewar of Pagar Ruyong. This resulted in the proclamation of Raja Melewar as the first Yam Tuan or the 'Yang Dipertuan Besar' (meaning 'He who is Greatest') of Negeri Sembilan in 1773.

The fiefdoms of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai and Kelang were brought together under his rule. Subsequent civil wars among the nine Malay chieftains resulted in the intervention of the British and in appointing a British Resident in 1895. Today Negeri Sembilan is still not ruled by a sultan but by the Yang Di pertuan Besar.