A prince in search of a home
The Melaka Sultanate was founded around 1400 by Parameswara, a prince from Palembang whose royal line was linked to the great kingdom of Srivijaya. After trouble in his homeland, Parameswara fled to Temasek (present-day Singapura). Forced to move again, he travelled along the coast until he reached a small fishing village by a river mouth.
The legend of the mousedeer
Tradition tells that while resting under a tree, Parameswara watched a tiny mousedeer (pelanduk) bravely kick his hunting dog into the water. He took this as a good omen for a strong new settlement. He named the place Melaka after the tree under which he sat. Whether legend or fact, the story shows why the site was chosen with hope.
Why the site was perfect
Melaka lay beside the busy Strait of Melaka, a key sea route between East and West. Its sheltered harbour and the seasonal monsoon winds allowed traders' ships to call safely. From a small village, Melaka grew quickly into a busy international trading port.
Key idea
Parameswara founded Melaka around 1400 at a spot chosen for its safe harbour and its position on the Strait of Melaka — the seeds of a great trading kingdom.
Remember
- Founder: Parameswara, a prince of Palembang (Srivijaya line).
- Founded around 1400; named after the melaka tree.
- Its site on the Strait of Melaka made it a great port.