Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c13.116

v2.c13.116

If the presumption be held a reasonable one, we may refer to Ptolemy’s account as an evidence that the Malays had spread to the Far East before his time. Ptolemy refers to mountain Malaia in Ceylon and cape Malcou Kolon in the Golden Khersonesus. Regarding the latter, M’c. Crindle remarks as follows : “Mr. Crawford has noticed the singular circumstance that this name is pure Javanese signifying “Western Malays.” Whether the name Malay can be so old is a question : but I observe that in Bastian’s Siamese extracts the foundation of Takkhala is ascribed to the Malays.” Thus indications are not wanting that various branches of the Malay tribe had settled in Malayasia before the second century A. D. There is a general tradition among the Malays of Minankabau that their parent stock came from India and settled in the western coast of Sumatra.¹