Mohd Noor Merican, Ahmad Murad and Mohamed Amin, Abd Ur-Rahman (2021) The 1786 acquisition of Pulau Pinang: unveiling the Light Letters, revisiting legal history case materials and R. Bonney’s Kedah 1771–1821. Kemanusiaan : The Asian Journal of Humanities, 28 (2). pp. 189-212. ISSN 1394-9330 E-ISSN 2180-4257
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Abstract
This article reviews the “acquisition” of Pulau Pinang by Francis Light and the East India Company (EIC) in the year 1786. The discussion centres on the contested history of Pulau Pinang and the collective memory of the Malays. It reveals discussions between Francis Light and the sultans of Kedah on the supposed “acquisition” and sometime leasing of the island to the EIC. It is based on doubts casted by R. Bonney in his 1971 book Kedah 1771–1821: The Search for Security and Independence. This is supported by legal history and the exchanges in the Light Letters between Light and two Kedah rulers. The letters are kept at the Archives of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. This article reveals that there is no agreement of 1786. However the landing of Light at Tanjong Penaga in 1786 has been legitimised in the historiography prompt and proper. Seen from the absence of any treaty, the “acquisition” of Pulau Pinang by the EIC in that year is treated as “illegal”.
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Pulau Pinang, East India Company, Francis Light, Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah, acquisition |
| Subjects: | D History General and Old World > D History (General) J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia K Law > KPG Malaysia |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) |
| Depositing User: | PROF. DR. AHMAD MURAD MOHD NOOR MERICAN |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Mar 2024 08:44 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2024 10:59 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/111443 |
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