Negeri Sembilan: History and Adat Perpatih
Negeri Sembilan – Minangkabau people of West Sumatra who migrated Malay Sultanate in Malacca. Read here for more information. Explore Malaysia today!
Official Information
History
Negeri Sembilan History was settled between the 15th and the 16th century by the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra who migrated to the region during the height of the Malay Sultanate in Malacca. The Minangkabau brought along with them a rich cultural heritage which is still preserved and practiced today as the fascinating Adat Pepatih, a matrilineal system of inheritance and administration that is unique to the State.
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. It was only in 1773 when Raja Melewar became the Yam Tuan that the freedoms of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai and Kelang were brought together under his rule.
Modern Negeri Sembilan History and British Intervention
The history of modern Negeri Sembilan began with British intervention in the districts of Sungai Ujong, Rembau and Jelebu. In Sungai Ujong, the British intervened to stop the conflict between Dato Kelana and Dato Bandar which was affecting the tin trade along Sungai Linggi (Linggi River). The British supported Dato Kelana and appointed W.A. Pickering as the British resident in 1874.
By 1889, a treaty was made between the Yam Tuan Seri Menanti and the four Datuk Undang where in the Yam Tuan was installed as the ruler of the state of Negeri Sembilan. The same year saw the appointment of the first British Resident of Negeri Sembilan, Martin Lister.
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Economy
Negeri Sembilan is mainly an agricultural state. However, the establishment of several industrial estates enhanced the manufacturing sector as a major contributor towards the state economy. Agricultural activity includes rubber and oil palm plantations, livestock, fruit orchards and vegetable farming. About 309,850 hectares are used for rubber and oil palm plantations.
Manufacturing activity includes electrical and electronics, textiles, furniture, chemicals, machinery, metalworks and rubber products. The main industrial areas are Senawang, Sungai Gadut, Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Park, Nilai and Tanah Merah in Port Dickson. Total area under the industrial sector is 2,015 hectares.
Geography
Negeri Sembilan, located in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia, is bordered in the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang and in the south by Melaka and Johor. Covering a total area of 6,645 sq km, the land comprises of picturesque valleys and plains amidst undulating hills and mountains.
As the Titiwangsa mountain range of the Peninsula tapers down towards the interiors of Johor, the mountainous and forested terrain of the eastern part of the Negeri Sembilan gradually give way to the gentler, undulating rubber and oil palm plantations of the west region.
Climate
Warm, sunny days and cool nights all year round with occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity usually exceeds 82.3%. Annual rainfall is 2,670 mm. Although rain falls throughout the year, September to November is said to be the wettest months.
The Architecture
Kuala Pilah, Rembau and Linggi have played significant roles in the history of early Negeri Sembilan. Today, in these ditricts you will find many remains of their bygone days and feel the existence and influence of the “masyarakat adat” that was, once upon a time, the driving force of the society. This is apparent in the architecture of their traditional houses in the kampungs. The concept of these beautiful structures is based on the Gadang House, or the rumah adapt Minangkabau.
The Royal Institution
“Tanah Kerjaan di Penajis, Tanah Mengandung di Seri Menanti”. This customary proverb refers to the early Negeri Sembilan royal institution inaugurated by Raja Melewar, a Pagar Ruyung prince installed as the first Negeri Sembilan ruler at Seri Menanti in 1773. Before the installation, Negeri Sembilan was made up of ‘autonomous states’ led by Dato’ Undang (Penghulu) assisted by Lembaga and Buapak. At that time, all of the ‘small states’ were under Johor protection.
With the weakening of Johor Kingdom and ever since facing continuous threats from Bugis, Portuguese and Acheh, leaders of all the luak seeked assistance from Pagar Ruyung. Subsequently, Raja Melewar was installed as the first ruler of Negeri Sembilan bearing the title Yamtuan. After his demise in 1795, the next two rulers, Raja Hitam (1795 -1808) and Raja Lenggang (1808 – 1824), were also invited from Pagar Ruyung.
The first Negeri Sembilan born ruler installed was Raja Radin (1824 – 1861). The throne however became a trophy fought over between Tengku Ahmad Tunggal and Yamtuan Antah after the death of Yamtuan Imam. Tengku Ahmad Tunggal claimed the throne as he was the son of the deceased King, but the Chieftains who were in favor of Yamtuan Antah did not agree this. During this period of conflict, Tuanku Ampuan Intan, the widow of Raja Radin was made acting Yamtuan Besar (1869-1872).
The land of ancient traditions
Negeri Sembilan is situated in the west of Peninsular Malaysia. It is about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur and spreads over an area of 6.645 sq km. It’s name literally means nine states as the state once consisted of nine districts.
The state is knows for its Minangkabau culture and Adat Perpatih, an age-old matrillineal social system. Negeri Sembilan is also synonymous with the unique upswept roof designs, a typical feature of Minangkabau architecture. This state has several historical and cultural landmarks that are easily accessible from it capital, Seremban.
Discover the beauty of Negeri Sembilan, the home of ancient traditions!
The state has wide assemblage of culinary delights. The deshes are characteristically hot and spicy, often enhanced by the small but potent ‘cilipadi’ (extra hot chilli). The most popular method of cooking is ‘masak lemak cili api’ where the conciments are simmered in coconut milk for a mouth-watering aroma. There are also a variety of delicious Chinese , Malay and Indian cuisine for everyone. So travellers, get ready to explore Negeri Sembilan and enjoy a gastronomic adventure like no other!
*Source: tourismnegerisembilan.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where the name Negeri Sembilan derived from?
Negeri Sembilan was settled between the 15th and the 16th century by the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra who migrated to the region during the height of the Malay Sultanate in Malacca. The name ‘Adat Perpatih’ is derived from Datuk Parapatieh Nan Sebatang, a nick name used by Sutan Balun. Adat Perpatih was introduced in Negeri Sembilan subsequent to the migration of the Minangkabau in the 14th century.
What is Negeri Sembilan at a glance?
Location: Negeri Sembilan is a state in Malaysia located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by the states of Melaka to the south, Pahang to the east, and Selangor to the north.
Capital: Seremban is the state capital and a central hub for administration and commerce.
Culture: Negeri Sembilan is renowned for its unique Minangkabau culture, which is characterized by its matrilineal society, where heritage and property are passed down through the female line. The traditional Minangkabau architecture, with its distinctive curved rooflines, is a notable feature of the state.
Language: Malay is the official language, and English is also widely understood.
Tourist Attractions:
- Port Dickson: A popular coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and resorts.
- Seremban: The state capital offers attractions such as the Seremban Lake Garden and the Negeri Sembilan State Museum.
- Jempol: Famous for its agricultural areas, including palm oil plantations and rubber estates.
- Taman Negara Endau-Rompin: A rainforest park with rich biodiversity and opportunities for eco-tourism.
Cuisine: Negeri Sembilan is known for its distinctive cuisine, including dishes like Masak Lemak Cili Padi (spicy coconut milk curry), Rendang, and Dendeng (dried, spiced meat).
Festivals: The state celebrates various festivals, including the annual Harith Iskander Festival and traditional Malay festivities such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.
Economy: The economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Key products include palm oil, rubber, and processed foods.
Climate: Negeri Sembilan has a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent rainfall throughout the year, making it ideal for year-round visits.
Negeri Sembilan Overview: Key Facts and Figures
- State: Negeri Sembilan
- Capital: Seremban
- Population: Approximately 823,400
- Average Temperature: 26 – 27°C
- Humidity: 82 – 86%
- Total Area: 664,591 hectares
- State Emblem: The emblem features yellow, representing the royal color of the Rulers; red, symbolizing the people; and black, representing Dato’ Undang.
- Current Monarch: Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman
What is the legendary and evergreen Negeri Sembilan songs?
The evergreen Apo Nak Dikato, sang in the local Negeri Sembilan dialect captured the top spot as the most popular hit in the early eighties with its catchy contemporary blues rhythm. While the song managed to gain popularity with the unique sounds of the local dialect, Negeri Sembilan also boasts of traditional music like the Caklempong, Dikir Rebana, Tumbuk Kalang, and Bongai.
What is the traditional Negeri Sembilan costumes?
The baju melayu cekak musang, sampin and tengkolok give the aura of the “masculiniy of a Malay warrior” to the man while the baju kurung teratai worn with the tudung dwi rebung, a headgear which has slightly upturned ends, reflects the identity of a Negeri Sembilan lady. This beautiful attire is usually the choice of married couples for the bersanding (sitting on a dias at the wedding reception) ceremony and is also displayed in full color during traditional shows and performances.
The baju melayu cekak musang, sampin and tengkolok give the aura of the “masculinity of a Malay warrior” to the man while the baju kurung teratai worn with the tudung dwi rebung, a headgear which has slightly upturned ends, reflects the identity of a Negeri Sembilan lady.
Where did the name Adat Perpatih derived from?
The name ‘Adat Perpatih’ is derived from Datuk Parapatieh Nan Sebatang, a nick name used by Sutan Balun. Adat Perpatih was introduced in Negeri Sembilan subsequent to the migration of the Minangkabau in the 14th century. It is the local variation of the motherlands. The custom is practiced by twelve clans (The biggest family unit) which are Biduanda, Batu Hampar, Paya Kumboh, Mungkal, Tiga Nenek, Sri Melenggang, Sri Lemak, Batu belah, Tanah Datar, Anak Melaka, Anak Acheh and Tiga Batu.
