Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan

M, #10838, b. circa 1670, d. 1719

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Last Edited02/01/2014
Birth*Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan was born circa 1670 in Tambora.1
 
Marriage*He married Sitina Sara Marouff, daughter of Muhammad Yusuf al-Maqassari, circa 1698.1
 
Death*He died in 1719 de Caep de Goede Hoop.2
 

Family

Sitina Sara Marouff b. c 1679
Children
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708 On 9 October 1697 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708 From Batavia.. Radja Tambora
The reasons which induced us to hold the Radja of Tambora captive here some time, and as such send him to you with "'s Lands Welvaren," you will find in our Resolution of 13th August last. (See below, No. 20.)

No. 20, p. 437.
Extract from the general Resolutions of the Castle, Batavia, dated Tuesday, 13th August, 1697.
"Radja of Tambora. The Governor-General produced the report of Major Adolf Winckler, the chief merchant M. Sohenkenberg, and the captain of the Malays, Wan Abdul Bagus, on their further examination of the prisoner, the Radja of Tambora, regarding his attack on the Company's “paggen” in Bima, and his insolent refusal to receive our letters. He further wished to know what was to be done under the circumstances. After consideration, it was decided to send the Radja to the Cape by the first opportunity, in order to serve as a convict in chains there at the public works, exactly like the other convicts. It was considered that he had deserved death, not only in consequence of his rebellion against the Company, which he had accepted as his protector, but also in consequence of his vile and evil conduct, by which he had the Queen of Dompo murdered. This conspiracy, he says, he had formed against the king, but that his orders had been wrongly carried out. Also in consequence of the shedding of the blood of so many people who have perished in the war so cruelly and unjustly commenced by him, which caused the ruin and destruction not only of his own, but also of the kingdoms of Dompo and Bima; and further, of the many injustices and disasters which befel the late Radja of Bima, who died here, and had in consequence of that murder, been unjustly banished from his kingdom, and suffered innocently. The above sentence, however, shows him still some mercy."
Signed (as a correct copy) by C. v. SWOLL, &o.3 
(PoliticalPrisoner) ShipVoyage On 30 November 1697 the Lands Welvaren departed Batavia enroute to de Caep de Goede Hoop where it docked on 17 February 1698. Among those on board were ten impotenten or political prisoners, the most notable of whom was the Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan.4 
(Witness) LtrsDesp1695_1708 On 30 April 1698 in Letters Despatched 1696-1708 To Batavia. The ex Radja of Tambora sent hither in the “Lands Welvaren,” we shall, until further orders, treat in accordance with the instructions received at the same time.5 
(Witness) ShipVoyage On 25 November 1699 the Voorschoten departed Batavia enroute to de Caep de Goede Hoop where it docked on 28 January 1700. Among those on board were seven impotenten or political prisoners, the most notable of whom was Ronso van Tambora, a political associate of Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan.6 
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708 On 28 January 1701 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708: From Batavia. The request of the Radja of Tambora we have not yet been able to allow, likewise that of the 11 other exiles."7 
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708 On 4 May 1702 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708: From Batavia: We have refused the petition of the widow of the late Macassar priest, Sheik Joseph, named Carra Conte, to be allowed to return to Batavia with her family, minor children, and further relations, both men and women, and for the reasons adduced; also that of the Sultan Nissa Nudum Abdul Rassa Cara Conte van Macassar formerly King of Tambora, who had also begged that he and his servant Binchou might be allowed to return. Carra Conte herself though, or some of her family, if she or they wish to return under the conditions mentioned in our despatch of 23rd November, 1699, and do not go beyond them, may come over, subject to what we wrote on the 28th January, 1701.8 
(Witness) LtrsDesp1695_1708 On 18 May 1703 in Letters Despatched 1696-1708: To Batavia: "From your despatch of 30th November, 1702, it further appears that you have declined the request of the Sultan Nissa Nudum Abdul Rassa Cara Conte van Macassar ex-king of Tambora, to be allowed to return to Batavia; and likewise that of Caro Conte, widow of the late Macassarian Priest Sheik Joseph, provided that we might allow the latter to go, should she change her mind, and she or any of her sex desire to leave on the conditions contained in your despatch of 23rd November, 1699. But as she has since not addressed us again, or communicated her intentions, we are opinion that, according to her original intention, she will prefer to remain in this colony among her relatives."9 
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708On 1 December 1703 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708: From Batavia: We adhere to our Resolution regarding the petition of the Radja of Tambora Cara Conte van Macassar and the widow of Sheik Joseph, as embodied in our despatch of 20th November, 1699. It is convenient that the said widow did not again trouble you since our last letter, and here the matter must rest.10
 
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708 On 22 October 1707 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708: From Maccassar [via Batavia]: Extract from the letter from Macassar about the Radja of Tambora. “The Governor could not decide to send the letters to the chiefs of Tambora, and the Council on the 15th January decided to have them opened and translated. The first letter contained the request of the exile to us, that we might intercede for him with the Batavia Government, that he may be set at liberty, and sent back to his country. In that to his friends, he complains bitterly of the injustice done to him, and that the present King of Tambora Daiu Manangon, whom he looks upon merely as a “Bound Soro,” or beach governor, a position with which he ought to have been satisfied, had been unjustly placed in his stead. Many more expressions of the like were in the letter, not one of the best odour, and which would not be very edifying to the kings and other chiefs of “Cumbawa.” We therefore, on the 25th February, decided not to forward the last mentioned letter, but to file it among our secret papers, and send the translation to you (Batavia Council). You will gather from it that the Radja enjoys rather too much freedom at the Cape, and is able to have free access to all the ships. In our opinion this ought to be quite different, as we do not believe that you will ever resolve to let this rebel and murderous prince ever return to his own country."11 
(Witness) LtrsRecd1695_1708On 30 November 1707 in Letters and Documents Received at the Cape 1695-1708: From Batavia: Enclosed you will find an Extract from a letter of the Governor and Council at Macassar of the 22nd October last, to this Government, from which you will gather that in two ways there fell into their hands two distinct Malay letters written by the Radja of Tambora exiled at the Cape; the one to his Honour, and the other to certain influential people of the territory, from which can be gathered the dissatisfied mind of that exile, whom you have allowed too much liberty of communication with those of the passing vessels; and as with those of Macassar we have good reasons to judge that these things should not be allowed, you are herewith ordered to confine the liberty of that individual, and to take care that all communication is cut off between him and the passing ships, especially those on board foreign ships....12
 
(Witness) LtrsDesp1695_1708 On 10 March 1708 in Letters Despatched 1696-1708: To Batavia: We will take good care of the exiled Radja of Tambora that he has no communication with the passing ships, especially foreign ones, in order so to cut off all communication between him and his countrymen. He seldom has a chance, however, as he lives permanently at the Company's garden, “Rustenburg,” or at the stables, where the Macassarian exiles of courtly rank are located. Should he, however, wish to write, it will be difficult to prevent him, unless he is closely confined and watched.13 
Requesten* In 1720 Sitina Sara Marouff, following the death in 1719 of her husband Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan, requested to return to Batavia with her children Ibraim Adehan, Maria Dorothea Sultania, David Sultania, Isaak Sultania and Mochamat Asim because the family was exceedingly poor. However the family remained at the Cape, so it seems her request was denied.14 
Names in the record, in publications, etc.9 October 1697, the name of Albubasi was written in the record as Radja Tambora.15
30 April 1698, the name of Albubasi was written in the record as Radja of Tambora.16
4 May 1702, the name of Albubasi was written in the record as Sultan Nissa Nudum Abdul Rassa.8
Crime and relatedAfter 13 August 1697 Rajah of Tambora Albubasi Sultan was banished from the Sultinate of Bima, Sambuwa Island, to the Cape for rebelling against the VOC, initiating a conspiracy agains the King of Dompo, and having the Queen of Dompo murdered. Although sentenced to doing public works in chains, the Cape rulers allowed him to live at the Company garden, Rustenburg, or with nobel Macassarian exiles.17,18

Citations

  1. [S379] Delia Robertson, translator, Cape Melting Pot - the role and status of the mixed population at the Cape, 1652-1795 (Johannesburg, South Africa: Delia Robertson, 2005) Translated from Groep Sonder Grense, Die Rol en Status van die Gemengde Bevolking aan die Kaap 1652-1795, by H.F. Heese, M.A., PH.D , p. 62. Hereinafter cited as Cape Melting Pot.
  2. [S727] Dr. J. Hoge 'The family of the Rajah of Tambora at the Cape', Africana Notes and News, Vol IX, No 1, December 1951, 27-29 "He died at the Cape in 1719."
  3. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received 1695-1708, H.C.V. Leibrandt; CD-ROM (Cape Town, South Africa: W.A. Richards & Sons, Government Printers, 1896), Letters Received Page 130
    No. 15, p. 413; No. 20, p. 437. Hereinafter cited as Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope.
  4. [S795] Website The Dutch East India Company's shipping between the Netherlands and Asia 1595-1795 (http://resources.huygens.knaw.nl/das/search) "Details of voyage 5988.4 from Batavia to Texel
    Number      5988.4
    Name of ship      LANDS WELVAREN
    Master      Speelman, Jan
    Tonnage      1145
    Type of ship      pinas
    Built      1685
    Yard      Amsterdam
    Chamber      Amsterdam
    Date of departure      30-11-1697
    Place of departure      Batavia
    Arrival at Cape      17-02-1698
    Departure from Cape      13-03-1698
    Date of arrival at destination      26-06-1698
    Place of arrival      Texel
    Chamber for which cargo is destined      Amsterdam (541,235)
    Particulars      Aboard the LANDS WELVAREN was Klaas Bichon, commandeur of the return fleet; at the Cape he embarked on the ISSELT (5989).
    Previous outward voyage      1752.4
    On Board      I      II      III
    Seafarers      112      3      7                
    Soldiers      38                          
    Impotenten      10                          
    Craftsmen      9.                "
  5. [S576] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Despatched 1696-1708, H.C.V. Leibrandt; CD-ROM (Cape Town, South Africa: W.A. Richards & Sons, Government Printers, 1896), Letters Despatched: Page 77, Vol I
    No. 123, p. 1087. Hereinafter cited as Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope.
  6. [S795] Website The Dutch East India Company's shipping between the Netherlands and Asia 1595-1795 (http://resources.huygens.knaw.nl/das/search) "Details of voyage 6023.4 from Batavia to Veere
    Number      6023.4
    Name of ship      VOORSCHOTEN
    Master      Subbing, Jan
    Tonnage      558
    Type of ship      fluit
    Built      1684
    Yard      Delft
    Chamber      Delft
    Date of departure      25-11-1699
    Place of departure      Batavia
    Arrival at Cape      28-01-1700
    Departure from Cape      03-03-1700
    Date of arrival at destination      25-06-1700
    Place of arrival      Veere
    Chamber for which cargo is destined      Delft (177,499)
    Amsterdam (14,688)
    Particulars      
    Previous outward voyage      1698.4
    On Board      I      II      III
    Seafarers      70      1      12                
    Soldiers      31                          
    Impotenten      7                          
    Craftsmen      2                          
    Passengers      5.      "
  7. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received, Page 268, 269
    No. 1, p. 1, From Batavia. 28th January 1701.
  8. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received: Page 961
    Number 191, page 1047.
  9. [S576] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Despatched: Page 225
    No. 89, p. 960.
  10. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received Page 323
    Number 249, page 231.
  11. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received: Page 460
    From Maccassar No 41 p. 907.
  12. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Received:Page 458
    Number 34, page 857.
  13. [S576] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Letters Despatched. p.343
    Long Letter no number.
  14. [S727] Dr. J. Hoge 'The family of the Rajah of Tambora at the Cape' "A year after her huband's death, his widow requested the Cape government to send her and her five children back to Batavia, declaring that she was 41 years old and so poor that she was scarcely able to support her children. In her request she calls herself Care Sals; her children were Ibraim Adahan (aged 21), Mochamat Aserk (aged 9), Mochamat Dayan (aged 7), Mochamat Asim (aged 4) and a daughter, Sitina Asia (aged 17). It appears that her request was not granted, for she was still living at the Cape in 1740."
  15. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Radja Tambora.
  16. [S576] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, Radja of Tambora.
  17. [S721] Precis of the archives of the Cape of Good Hope, No. 20, p. 437.]
    Extract from the general Resolutions of the Castle, Batavia, dated Tuesday, 13th August, 1697.
    "Radja of Tambora. The Governor-General produced the report of Major Adolf Winckler, the chief merchant M. Sohenkenberg, and the captain of the Malays, Wan Abdul Bagus, on their further examination of the prisoner, the Radja of Tambora, regarding his attack on the Company's "paggen" in Bima, and his insolent refusal to receive our letters. He further wished to know what was to be done under the circumstances. After consideration, it was decided to send the Radja to the Cape by the first opportunity, in order to serve as a convict in chains there at the public works, exactly like the other convicts. It was considered that he had deserved death, not only in consequence of his rebellion against the Company, which he had accepted as his protector, but also in consequence of his vile and evil conduct, by which he had the Queen of Dompo murdered. This conspiracy, he says, he had formed against the king, but that his orders had been wrongly carried out. Also in consequence of the shedding of the blood of so many people who have perished in the war so cruelly and unjustly commenced by him, which caused the ruin and destruction not only of his own, but also of the kingdoms of Dompo and Bima; and further, of the many injustices and disasters which befel the late Radja of Bima, who died here, and had in consequence of that murder, been unjustly banished from his kingdom, and suffered innocently. The above sentence, however, shows him still some mercy."
    Signed (as a correct copy) by C. v. SWOLL, &o.
  18. [S727] Dr. J. Hoge 'The family of the Rajah of Tambora at the Cape' "The Rajah of Tambora was exiled to the Cape by resolution of the Batavian government of 13/8 / 1697 for rebelling against the Dutch East India Company, starting a conspiracy against the King of Dompo and having the queen murdered. He was sentenced to serve as a convict in chains at the public works, but the Cape government allowed him to live at the Company's garden "Rustenburg" or at the stables where the Macassarian exiles of courtly rank were located. His attempts to be sent back to his native land and restored to his throne through the intercession of the governor and council of Macassar in his favour with the Batavian government failed. He died at the Cape in 1719."
  19. [S727] Dr. J. Hoge 'The family of the Rajah of Tambora at the Cape' "A year after her husband's death, his widow requested the Cape Government to send her and her five children back to Batavia, declaring that she was 41 years old and so poor that she was scarcely able to support her children. [Her declaration would have been in 1720, indicating a birth year of 1679] ...and a daughter, Sitina Asia (aged 17)."
  20. [S727] Dr. J. Hoge 'The family of the Rajah of Tambora at the Cape' "In her request she calls herself Care Sals; her children were Ibraim Adahan (aged 21), Mochamat Aserk (aged 9), Mochamat Dayan (aged 7), Mochamat Asim (aged 4) and a daughter, Sitina Asia (aged 17)."
 

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