Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/267

 The real power in these States is vested with the Pĕnghûlu, that of the suzerain being nominal only. , from whose writings I have taken much of the account here given, states that, on the elevation of Râja Mĕlâwar to the office of Yang-di-pĕrtûan, the following arrangement was agreed to between him and the Pĕnghûlus: that he should assemble them on affairs of State and subunit to a majority; that his maintenance be furnished equally by the inhabi- tants of the four States, each house contributing annually a gan- tang of padi, two cocoa-nuts and one suku (i.e., $13 1⁄2$ cts.).

On the occasion of a death, marriage, or circumcision in the Royal Family, each Pĕnghûlu was to send three buffaloes and to furnish a certain sum for distribution (probably for the benefit of the various officers who took part in the ceremonies).

In the case of a war also, the Pĕnghûlu was expected to come forward with a certain contribution of men, arms, ammunition, and provisions.

The Pĕnghûlu derived his revenue from his power of inflicting fines, and from contributions in kind made by the peoplo of his State; he was said, too, to have the power, in other Malay countries reserved to the sovereign, of enforcing gratuitous labour, but I doubt if the power has been exercised, except to a very limited extent. The respective positions of Yang-di-pĕrtûan and Pĕnghûlu are also defined by the following verbal Mĕnangkâbau traditions:—

Alam nen běrâju, lûhak nen berpĕnghûlu, sûku bĕrtûha, anak bûah berîbu bâpa.

The kingdom is under the Râja, the district under the Pĕnghûlu, the suku under the elder, and the members of the sûku