Education and Writing Culture in the Sultanate of Riau-Lingga during the Early Nineteenth Century

Hafiz Zakariya,Wiwin Oktasari

doi:10.47405/mjssh.v5i10.515

Abstract

Historically, the Riau-Lingga Sultanate (1824-1911), is renowned for its significant economic, political, and cultural contributions to the Malay world. It is home to prominent thinkers and writers such as Raja Ali Haji and the members of the Rushdiah club. The continuing cultural dynamism of the Sultanate of Riau-Lingga is an amazing story as it continued to grow despite the collapse of its political power and consequently the imposition of the Dutch control in the area. This study examines the growth and development of education, library and writing culture during the early nineteenth century. It employs the methods of historical research and textual analysis by examining the growth of these institutions within the historical contexts of the early nineteenth century.

Highlights

IntroductionThe eventual political decline of this kingdom started when it launched a failed attack on Dutch-controlled Malacca in 1784
Riau in the eighteenth century was the major entrepot on the sea route from India to China
Riau was a convenient stopover for religious scholars and pilgrims traveling from the Middle East to the Malay world as the royal family had been renowned for its patronage of religious scholars and Islamic activities

Summary

Introduction

The eventual political decline of this kingdom started when it launched a failed attack on Dutch-controlled Malacca in 1784. It served as a prominent literary, cultural, and religious center in the Malay world. During the second half of the nineteenth century, it produced prominent thinkers and writers such as Raja Ali Haji Riau was a convenient stopover for religious scholars and pilgrims traveling from the Middle East to the Malay world as the royal family had been renowned for its patronage of religious scholars and Islamic activities. This article discusses the development of education, library and writing culture in Riau during the early nineteenth century

Problem Statement and Methodology

Writing Culture

Conclusion