Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s5.t2: § 3. The Malayan Literature
Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champā; Vol. II: Suvarṇadvīpa) v2.c20.s5.t2
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§ 3. The Malayan Literature
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No trace now remains of the pre-Muhammadan Malay literature. But that such a literature existed and originally grew up under the influence of Indian or Indo-Javanese culture there can be hardly any doubt. The best evidence thereof is furnished by the clear traces of such influence in the Malay literature that has developed since the Muhammadan conquest.
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The Malayan texts which show this influence at its best are those based on Indian epics. The story of the Rāmāyaṇa forms the basis of Hikayat Seri Rāma¹. While giving the essential part of the story, viz., the abduction of Sītā by Rāvaṇa, the death of the latter with his family in the hands of Rāma, and the part played by Hanumān, the present text differs widely on some vital points. For example, Kaikeyī is made a sister of Rāma and married to Bibhīṣaṇa. Rāma was jealous to find in possession of Sītā a portrait of Rāvaṇa (which she had really made for Kaikeyī) and sent her to her father Maharṣi Kāla, etc. etc.
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¹ Cat. III, pp. 40 ff. An analysis of this work, and comparison with Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇa is given in J. Str. Br. R. A. S., Nos. 70-71.
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On the other hand it contains even details like the twin sons of Sītā, purification of the latter by fire, the death of Indrajit and Kumbhakarṇa, the episode of Jaṭāyu¹ *etc.* There are indications that the Malayan version was based on the Tamil recension of the Rāmāyaṇa.
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¹ For the discussion of the different forms of the Rāma-saga cf. p. 65, fn. 2.
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The Mahābhārata formed the basis of several versions of Hikayat Pāṇḍava, such as Pāṇḍava Lima, Pāṇḍava Jaya, Angkavijaya, *etc.* There are, besides, many Wajang stories derived from Javanese Bhārata-yuddha and many others in which Arjuna appears as the hero².
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² Cf. Encycl. Ned. Ind., s. v. Litteratur (Maleisch); Cat. III, pp. 50 ff.
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The Indian influence is equally clear in the numerous stories and fables with which Malayan literature abounds. Even the heroes and heroines of Malay romances bear Indian names. It may also be added that the Malay language abounds in Sanskrit words³.
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³ Cf. J. Str. Br. R. A. S., Nos. 57 (p. 183), 76, 85 (p. 41).
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The Indo-Javanese influence is clearly proved by the Malayan versions of Bhomakāvya, Hikayat Maharaja Boma, and Bhīmasvarga, and also the numerous Pañji-texts, such as Hikayat Chekel Waneng Pati, Hikayat Pañji Kuda Sumirang, Hikayat Jaran Kinauti Asmarandana, Hikayat Pañji Susupan Mesa Kelana, and Hikayat Naya Kusuma⁴.
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⁴ Encycl. Ned. Ind., op. cit.
Cites (2)
- Mahābhārata — Vyāsa, Sanskrit
- Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa — Vālmīki, Sanskrit