The History of Malaysia: From Prehistory to Federation Emergence | Paperback Book

This book provides an overview of Malaysia's history over 50,000 years, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. It covers cultural, political, and social developments in the region.

Key Topics Covered:

• Prehistoric Period: Early inhabitants and archaeological sites.
• Sultanate Era: Rulers like Sultan Mansur Shah and naval traditions in Malacca.
• Colonial Periods: Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, including events in Sarawak and tin mining.
• World War II: Japanese occupation and infrastructure projects like the Burma Railway.
• Independence and Post-Colonial Era: The Emergency period, communist insurgencies, and events like the 1969 riots.

Additional Historical Points:

• Trade and Warfare: Interactions with European powers and local resistance.
• Ethnic and Cultural Dynamics: Diverse groups and their roles.

Reader Feedback Example: "This book discusses occupation periods and historical events." — Amina T. (Verified Purchase)

Book Features:

• Comprehensive Timeline: Explores major eras and figures.
• Intended Audience: Suitable for those interested in Southeast Asian history.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: THE DAWN OF HUMAN PRESENCE IN THE MALAY PENINSULA

• Overview of prehistoric findings and the first inhabitants
• Geographical and climatic changes during the Ice Age
• Stone tools, cave art, and the hunter-gatherer way of life

CHAPTER 2: EARLY COMMUNITIES AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

• Shift from nomadic to settled villages
• Basic trade and bartering systems among local groups
• Animistic beliefs and early social organization

CHAPTER 3: INDIAN INFLUENCE AND EARLY KINGDOMS

• Arrival of Indian traders and religious practices
• Introduction of Hindu-Buddhist ideas
• Formation of small regional polities influenced by Indian culture

CHAPTER 4: GROWTH OF TRADE AND RISE OF CITY-STATES

• Expanding maritime networks and strategic ports
• Early city-states and their commercial relationships
• Impact of trade on local governance and society

CHAPTER 5: THE SULTANATE OF MALACCA: FOUNDATION AND EXPANSION

• Parameswara and the origins of Malacca
• Spread of Islam and cultural transformation
• Factors driving Malacca’s rise to regional power 

CHAPTER 6: THE SULTANATE OF MALACCA: ADMINISTRATION, CULTURE, AND LEGACY

• Administrative structures and diplomatic ties
• Flourishing local arts, architecture, and literature
• Long-term influence on the Malay world

CHAPTER 7: REGIONAL SULTANATES AND RIVALRIES IN THE MALAY WORLD

• Breakaway states and competing powers
• Strategic alliances and rivalries among sultanates
• Influence of trade routes on political dynamics

CHAPTER 8: THE ARRIVAL OF THE PORTUGUESE AND THE FALL OF MALACCA

• Motivations behind European exploration in Southeast Asia
• Portugal’s conquest of Malacca and local reactions
• Consequences of losing Malacca to European powers

CHAPTER 9: DUTCH INFLUENCE AND LOCAL POWER STRUGGLES

• Dutch entry into the Malay Archipelago
• Shifting alliances and regional conflicts
• Effects of Dutch policies on local economies and sultanates

CHAPTER 10: JOHOR SULTANATE AND ITS SHIFTING ALLIANCES

• Rise of Johor as a successor to Malacca’s legacy
• Diplomatic strategies to navigate foreign pressures
• Internal changes and the development of local governance 

CHAPTER 11: BRITISH ENTRY: PENANG, SINGAPORE, AND THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS

• Establishment of British footholds in the region
• Formation and significance of the Straits Settlements
• Impact of British administration on local societies

CHAPTER 12: THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES AND BRITISH ADMINISTRATION

• Consolidation of British power through treaties and agreements
• Emergence of centralized governance in Malay states
• Economic developments under British colonial policies

CHAPTER 13: SOCIO-CULTURAL CHANGES UNDER COLONIAL RULE

• Influence of Western education and missions
• Shifts in local customs, economy, and social structures
• Immigration of workers from China and India

CHAPTER 14: SABAH AND SARAWAK: HISTORY OF NORTHERN BORNEO

• Early indigenous groups and unique cultural practices
• Role of the British North Borneo Company and the Brooke Dynasty
• Colonial transformations and local responses

CHAPTER 15: RESISTANCE MOVEMENTS AND EARLY CALLS FOR INDEPENDENCE

• Formation of local resistance and intellectual movements
• Initial push against foreign administration
• Underground organizations and public demonstrations 

CHAPTER 16: THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION DURING WORLD WAR II

• Invasion, military rule, and life under occupation
• Resistance efforts and the impact on local communities
• Strategic significance of Malaya and Borneo during the war

CHAPTER 17: POST-WAR CHANGES AND THE ROAD TO AUTONOMY

• Aftermath of the Japanese retreat and British return
• Growing nationalist sentiments and local political awakening
• Efforts to rebuild infrastructure and governance

CHAPTER 18: INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENTS AND NEGOTIATIONS

• Political parties, alliances, and leaders calling for self-rule
• Role of negotiations with British authorities
• Social factors driving the push for independence

CHAPTER 19: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERATION OF MALAYA

• Formation of new political frameworks
• Challenges faced by the young federation
• Significance of uniting diverse ethnic groups under one system

CHAPTER 20: FOUNDATIONS LAID FOR MODERN MALAYSIA

• Transition from federation to the path of nationhood
• Institutional structures and policies shaping the future
• The historical journey that set the stage for present-day Malaysia

Product Details

Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback