136 



An Essay on Early Relations 



[No. 37, 



The narrative then proceeds thus — 



* Palidutani succeeded to the Government of Amden Nagara, and 

 Niluman was appointed to the Government of Chandakani, but on 

 the eldest son Bichitram-shah, was only conferred a territory of 

 small extent, which so displeased the young prince, that he resolved 

 to abandon the country. He accordingly embarked with twenty 

 vessels, fitted out with all the appurtenances of war ; determined to 

 conquer all the maritime countries ; but his fleet was dispersed by a 

 storm, and part of them returned to their country. 



' Bichitram-shah is then represented as arriving in the country 

 now called Palambang, where Demang Lebar Dadu, great-grandson 

 of Raja Chulen was chief. Here marrying the daughter of the Ra- 

 ja, he assumed the Government under the title of Sang Sapurba Tri- 

 murti Tribuana,* and had by her four children ; two daughters nam- 

 ed Chandra Dewi, and Putra Sri Dewi, and two sons named Sang 

 Muliaga, and Sang Nila Utama.' 



After some other transactions which relate to visits made by Sang 

 Sapurba to Majapahit, and Bentan, the following is added : 



' Sang Sapurba then left Bentan, and having sailed for a day and 

 a night arrived at Ruko, whence he proceeded to the point of Ba- 

 lang, and ascended the river Buantan, where it was reported the 

 country was extremely populous. When he had ascended far up 

 the river he arrived at Menangkabau, all the Menangkabaus were 

 surprised at his appearance, and the splendour of his diadem, and 

 they all proceeded to inquire whence he came. As soon as they 

 heard of his adventures, and that he was a descendant of Sultan Se- 

 kander Zulkarneine, all the chief men of Menangkabau consulted 

 about appointing him Raja^ since they had none ; and after he had, 

 as a condition, succeeded in destroying an immense snake which did 

 much mischief in the country he was unanimously elected Raja, by 

 the people of Buantan, and from him are descended the Rajas of 

 Pagaruyang.' 



That the fabulous mingles in this account there can be no doubt ; 

 but the question is whether any real tradition is preserved ; if so, the 

 connexion of India with Java and Sumatra assumes a very definite 

 form. 



i * Tribhuvatw, a common title- 



