The tumultuous history of Malaysia finds its roots in the country’s geographical position. Located almost in between two Asian giants India and China, Malaysia has always been regarded as a major zone for sea trade.
A skull dating 35000 BC, found in the Niah Caves in Sarawak, is the oldest known evidence of human habitation in Malaysia. The history of Malaysia has generated immense curiosity amongst historians, researchers and even archaeologists.
According to Malaysian history, the oldest inhabitants of this island were the Negrito Aborigines. In about 2500 BC, Chinese immigrants called Proto-Malays came to Malaysia. Eventually, Indians, Siamese and Arabs also settled down on the coasts of Malaysia for trading purposes.
Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced to the Malayans by Indians, who came here around 100 BC. Similarly, the Arabs brought in Islam to Malaysia.
In the 15th century, Malacca, the initial name of Malaysia, became the busiest port in the whole of southeast Asia. With the arrival of the Portuguese in 1511, the history of Malaysia started being rewritten. In due course, the alluring trade ports of Malaysia drew British and Dutch rulers as well. Malaysian history faced its most torturous chapter when these superpowers fought for the island nation’s territories.
After a long period of struggle, Penang, Malacca and Singapore subsequently became colonies of Britain and came to be known as the Straits Settlements. Then, in 1896, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Pahang formed the Federated Malay States with a British Resident each.
During the Second World War, all of Malaysia’s ports and resources were used by the British. Malaysian history witnessed all sorts of atrocities during this period. Malaysia finally gained independence from British rule in the year 1957.
Malaysia got its name in the year 1963 after the fusion of Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah into a federal union. After the end of colonial rule, the history of Malaysia was deformed by its civil wars and racial tensions. The importance given to Malayan communities was severely opposed by certain other sections, especially the Chinese. This led to a situation of emergency and subsequent riots.
However, despite all the torments and devastations, Malaysia has risen from its Ashes to develop into one of the most progressive countries of the world, which is home to people from various ethnic communities, and still thrives in peace and harmony.
Asiarooms offer online information about Malaysia travel. For more information, you can explore relevant links on Asiarooms.
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