Raja Melewar

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Raja Melewar was the first Yang di-Pertuan Besar or king of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He was a prince from the state of Minangkabau in Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Minangkabaus were the first migrant to the state of Negeri Sembilan in the 14th Century and they eventually populated the state and began to control local politics. The chieftains of the Minangkabaus in Negeri Sembilan sent an entourage asking from the King of Minangkabaus for a prince from Minangkabaus palace called Pagar Ruyung to be made leader of Negeri Sembilan. The request was granted and Raja Melewar was chosen as the new king. Raja Melewar arrived in Negeri Sembilan in 1773, installed as king and was proclaimed as Yang di-Pertuan Besar in Kampung Penajis in Rembau. He later moved to Seri Menanti which later become the royal town of Negeri Sembilan.

Before Raja Melewar left for the Malay Peninsula, a royalty named Raja Khatib was dispatched to Negeri Sembilan to foresee Raja Melewar's coronation preparation. Upon Raja Khatib arrival to Negeri Sembilan however, he lied to the local and claimed to be the prince that was sent from Pagar Ruyung. The locals believed him and Raja Khatib was installed as the new king.

As for Raja Melewar, he first sailed to Johor to ask for the Sultan of Johor's consent to rule over Negeri Sembilan. The sultan did not object and conferred Raja Melewar of authority to reign over Negeri Sembilan. Soon, Raja Melewar's expedition marched to Negeri Sembilan through Naning.

At Naning, Raja Melewar's forces met against Bugis warchieft Daeng Kemboja. War ensued but the Bugis forces were defeated. After the fight, Raja Melewar reached Rembau and was installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. Upon installation, he learned of Raja Khatib's scheme and declared war against the latter and became the undisputed ruler of the states.