A golden age
In the fifteenth century the Melaka Sultanate reached its height of power and wealth. A wise system of government, fair laws, busy trade and friendly foreign ties all worked together to bring this golden age.
A well-organised government
Below the sultan stood four great offices. The bendahara was the chief minister, like a prime minister; the penghulu bendahari managed the treasury and royal finances; the temenggung kept security, law and order; and the laksamana commanded the navy. A capable bendahara, Tun Perak, did much to strengthen and expand Melaka. Two codes of law — the Hukum Kanun Melaka and the Undang-Undang Laut Melaka — guided life on land and sea.
Trade, diplomacy and Islam
Melaka's greatest strength was its trade. Sitting on the busy Strait of Melaka, it worked as an entrepot, collecting goods from many lands and re-selling them. Friendly ties with Ming China protected its ships, while Melaka also became a leading centre for the spread of Islam across the region. To make trade fair and easy, Melaka even issued its own tin coins and set standard weights and measures, so merchants from every land could deal with confidence.
Key idea
Melaka's golden age grew from four things working together: a strong government, fair laws, thriving entrepot trade and wise diplomacy — all built on its strategic location.
Remember
- Four offices: bendahara, penghulu bendahari, temenggung, laksamana.
- Laws: Hukum Kanun Melaka and Undang-Undang Laut Melaka.
- Tun Perak strengthened Melaka; ties with Ming China protected trade.