Houses, Palaces and Forts
The architecture (seni bina) of the Malay World was shaped by the climate, local materials and religion. The traditional Malay house was built on stilts (rumah panggung). Raising the house kept it safe from floods and wild animals and let cool air flow underneath. Houses were made mostly of wood, fitted together with wooden joints (tanggam) using few or no nails, and decorated with fine carvings (ukiran).
The ruler lived in a grand istana (palace), which was larger and more richly carved than an ordinary house and served as the centre of government. To guard the kingdom, forts (kota) with thick walls were built at river mouths and important towns for defence against enemies and pirates.
Temples and Mosques
Religion left a strong mark on buildings. During the Hindu-Buddhist age, stone candi (temples) were built, and many remains survive in the Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang) in Kedah, one of the oldest sites in the country. After Islam arrived, mosques (masjid) became important places for prayer and learning. Early Malay mosques often had a tiered (layered) roof instead of a dome, as seen in old mosques such as Masjid Kampung Laut, and their design shows how local styles blended with new religious needs.
Key idea
Malay architecture suited the tropical climate — wooden stilt houses — while candi and mosques show the influence of Hindu-Buddhism and Islam.
Remember
- The Malay house stands on stilts.
- Candi in the Bujang Valley are Hindu-Buddhist.
- Early mosques had tiered roofs.