Where did the early Malay kingdoms grow?
Long ago, before Melaka, many early Malay kingdoms grew across the Malay Archipelago (Kepulauan Melayu). People built these kingdoms in places that were good for living and trading.
Most kingdoms were found near rivers, coasts and the Straits of Melaka. Rivers gave fresh water and an easy road for boats. Coasts and straits let traders sail in with goods from far away.
Some famous early kingdoms
- Kedah Tua — around the Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang) in Kedah, a rich trading area.
- Gangga Negara — in today's Perak.
- Langkasuka — in the north, near Kedah.
- Chih Tu (Red Earth Land) — believed to be near Kelantan.
- Srivijaya — centred at Palembang in Sumatra.
Key idea
Early Malay kingdoms grew near rivers, coasts and the Straits of Melaka because these places were perfect for trade and travel by boat.