Fall of Civilizations Malacca Sultanate (Revised Version)

Raffles Institution Year 1 HISTORY Fall of Civilizations: Malacca Sultanate Revised Version Internal Factors Reasons that led to the fall of the Malacca Sultanate Political 1. Weak ruling government (*Root (*Root cause to the decline decline of the Malacca Sultanate)

Economical 1. Decline in trading activities; 

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Overdependence on Tun Perak, who held the position of Bendahara for  almost 50 years. (no other successor capable of running Malacca after his death) List of successors/ subsequent leaders (who contributed to the eventual fall of Malacca): a) Tun Putih: Old, weak, barely able to carry out his duties duties b) Tun Mutahir:  More concerned with personal welfare than the welfare of the state.  Evoked anger of Sultan Mahmud Shah, when the former  married off his daughter, Tun Fatimah to Tun Ali instead of the Sultan; Was executed as a result of his betrayal. c) Sultan Mahmud Shah:  Paid no heed to administration of government  Allowed officers to act as they pleased; encouraged corruption and bribery. d) Sultan Mahmud:  Young and inexperienced; led to the further deterioration of  Malacca’s administration.

*With poor leaders, it will inevitably result in poor economic policies and discontent among the people, tearing the social fabric and causing political and economic instability. This makes a civilization susceptible to external threats ( which in the case of the Malacca Sultanate, would refer to the invasions by the Portuguese)

2. Military Weaknesses  

Malaccan army had not fought a major war for a long time (may not see the need for advancement in weaponary, loss of skills) Malccan army was made up of mercenaries (Javanese army hired by government of Malacca abandoned state during siege, since they were not 1

With political instability (internal conflicts) and poor economic policies (high taxes), merchants forced to shift to Acheh, the other trading centre in the region; withdrawl of foreign trade and investments. (Economic Loss and Social Discontentment)

Social 1. Hostility among races 

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Tun Mutahir, who was a TamilIslam, practiced favouritism and reserved important administration position for  relatives. Dissatisfaction among Malay Muslims and Tamil Muslims; racial tension (which had mellowed to some point only due to intervention of Tun Perak)

Raffles Institution Year 1 HISTORY Fall of Civilizations: Malacca Sultanate Revised Version

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willing to die for a country that was not theirs.) Colony states failed to back up Malacca; instead freed themselves from Malacca’s reign. Malacca lacked aid and military strength.

3. Overdependence on Foreigners (Disloyalty) Foreign merchants who came to Malacca did not believe loyalty to government of Malacca (political instability) and some even backed Portuguese during attack:  Chinese merchant provided on loan 5 huge barges to Portuguese Tamil merchant (a.k.a Ninchatu supplied information on  Malacca’s defence system)  Refer to 2 External Factors Political 1. Military might 

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Portuguese soldiers were better equipped than Malacca counterparts; possessed advanced weapons such as guns and cannons unlike the Malacca army which used medieval weapons such as k ris, swords, spears and lances. Portuguese army was more disciplined and experienced (led by capable and experienced leader Alfonso d’Albuquerque). They also had high morale (fighting for a worthy cause “gold, glory and gospel”) Portugal’s desire for the expansion of their kingdom

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Economical 1. *Discovery of Cape of Good Hope (new (new charted spice route)  

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Trade Rivalry, Military insecurity Portuguese were able to monopolize trading of spices; diversion of trade away from Muslims ∴ downfall of Malacca as its prosperity depended greatly on foreign trade. This also facilitated Portugal’s launching launching of their attack on Malacca since they were able to send their army via the sea route.

Social 1. Portugal’s attempt to spread Christian gospel and reduce influence of Islam in the East  Malacca was recognized as a centre where Islam thrived.  Thus, if the Portuguese did succeed in conquering Malacca, it would mean that the spread of Islam would be halted (through the preaching of the Gospel). This would inevitably tear apart the social fabric of Malacca as people no longer held on to their faiths; loss of support for the government

Raffles Institution Year 1 HISTORY Fall of Civilizations: Malacca Sultanate Revised Version

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