|
The island
of Sumatra was made up of a number of sultanates,
some of which were more powerful than others at
different times. In the late 1500s the sultanate
of Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra, grew to
become the most powerful Islamic kingdom in Southeast
Asia. However this state was not to last. After
the reign of Sultan Iskandar
Muda the rulers of Aceh were weak and its influence
in the area declined, allowing the Dutch and English
to take advantage and establish trading settlements.
Sultan
Alauddin Riayat Shah (1588-1604) is described
as a wise ruler interested in the prosperity of
the country. He successfully curbed the disorders
prevailing at that time. He encouraged trade by
inviting foreign merchants to come and trade in
Aceh. However, Portuguese accounts also describe
his reign as cruel and harsh.
When
the first voyage of the East India Company visited
Aceh, Sultan Alauddin entertained Captain James
Lancaster and his crew, plying them with such
strong drink that the Captain begged to be allowed
to dilute it with water.
That
first voyage brought with it a letter for the
Sultan from Elizabeth
I. The Sultan replied, but by the time his
letter reached London, Elizabeth had died. The
reply was read by her successor, James
I and VI.
|
