Royal Malay Edicts from Kedah: A Diplomatic Study of Istimi

Abstract: From at least the 17th century through to the early 20th century, the term istimi was used in Kedah to refer to royal edicts or letters of appointment. This study of Kedah istimi is presented through the lens of diplomatics, by analysing the formal structure and formulaic components of this genre of Malay court documents, and draws on both original manuscript royal edicts and copies of istimi contained in secondary sources. Two original istimi are presented, one of which is probably the oldest known Malay document from Kedah, a royal edict issued by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Syah appointing Raja Mangku Putera as governor of Kota Kuala (the fort at Kuala Kedah) in 1757. These original istimi are then compared with copies of istimi reproduced in Malay manuscript compilations of Kedah laws ( Undang-undang Kedah ). This study reveals the unique structure of document headings ( kepala surat ) on istimi in Kedah, and suggests that legal texts were probably used as source books for the composition of new istimi . It also highlights the significance of istimi as primary sources for the study of the traditional governance of Kedah.