The mairi- 
age by force 
(merumaht). 
Includes sa- 
bine marriage 
and elope- 
ment : 
And nar‘i- 
age won by 
endurance. 
84 REMBAU HISTORY, ETC. 
methods open to him, no man will seek marriage in this way 
without counting the cost; hence, although the ordinary 
marriage fee only is exacted, a surrender marriage is theoreti- 
cally the most costly form for the male; and corresponds 
roughly to the method known in other parts of the Peninsula 
as the © rich man’s capture” (tangkap kata). The fine (bunga 
pinang) is divided between the Elder and the tribal officers, 
who share again with the male relations of the woman. The 
exact cost of a surrender marriage has varied from time to 
time in Rembau. In early days the bunga pinang amounted 
only to 6 rupia, ($2.88), and 9 rupia covered the two special 
fees, which were paid to the family of the woman. The fine 
was subsequently raised to $6.00, and the special fees to a 
minimum of $12.00, though the bride’s family might demand 
any reasonable sum. But with the recent substitution of the 
dollar for the rupia in the marriage fee, the total expense of 
a surrender marriage, was fixed at $26.00, and the special 
fees for garments and wrapping of the ring abolished, as 
customary debts. 
(III). The marriage by storm. (Mérwmahz).* The exis- 
tence of this form, the essential feature of which is the 
violence used to obtain the bride, guarantees marriage to a 
plucky man, despite his lack of property or physical attractions. 
The man forces his way into the woman’s chamber, and lays 
hands on her. If he succeeds in earrying her off, either 
against her will or with her consent, he must leave the state. 
The woman in that event obtains no marriage fee, for none is 
paid on her seizure, and if her parents invite the couple to 
return, they forfeit all claim to the fee. 
As an alternative to flight, the man may refuse to release 
the woman, and submit to whatever bodily castigation her 
relations inflict. If they fail to induce him to retire, he has 
won the right to marry. No action for criminal trespass will 
lie against the suitor, as this method of obtaining a wife is 
legitimized by custom. 
(1) lit : the house taking. 
Jour. Straits Branch 
