4f2 ACHEH. 



Trang, Tadu, Tripa, Simangan (which last eight named recognize 

 at present one chief ruler — the Baja KCjOeuan Chi, residing at 

 Analaboe), Kuala Batu, Pulau Kayii, Siisu, Labinan Haji, Miiki, 

 Telok Tampat Tuan, and Trumun. 



We now come to the smallest, yet most ancient and inter- 

 esting, division of Acheh — Acheh Besar, or Acheen Proper. It is so 

 called, because it forms the chief seat of Government, and 

 contains the capital of this once famous Sultanate or Empire. 



Though I have only given the boundaries of Acheh, as they 

 existed in 1873, its dominion at one time comprised the whole 

 of the East Coast, together will the kingdom of Siak, while, as 

 late as 1652, the whole of the West Coast, including Padang, was 

 subject to it. Later on, however, as its power lessened, and that 

 of the subordinate Chiefs increased, the tribute was often irregu- 

 larly paid in to the treasury, and the authority held over the 

 more remote States became merely nominal ; it is not, therefore, a 

 matter for wonder that these Eajas finally threw off the yoke, 

 allied themselves with their more powerful neighbours, and declared 

 for liberty. 



While at this time wars on a large scale were carried ou by 

 the Portuguese of Malacca in Kedah, Perak, Johor, and other 

 States in the Malayan Peninsula, the Sultan of Acheh was pos- 

 sessed of no means of chastising such turbulent petty rulers. 



Acheh saw the zenith of its glory and power under Sultan 

 Merhoum Dae£ Salam, otherwise known as Iskakdee M^da, who 

 ruled between 1606 and 1641. To follow its history minutely 

 prior and subsequent to that date, would be beyond the scope of 

 these notes ; I cau, therefore, only refer my readers to such 

 works as Valentyn, Ceawfued, Andeeso^, and Veth. 



Suffice it for us to know that there have been four dynasties — 

 a Hindu, a Malay from Menangkabau, an Acheh, and an Arabic 

 dynasty; the last named beginning with Sultan Mahmid Shah, 

 who ruled from 1760 to 1781. His descendants are traced out in 

 the' accompanying genealogical tree. 



