Tun Teja Ratna Benggala is one of the most celebrated and tragic figures in the history of the Malacca Sultanate. Her story, recorded in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) and the Hikayat Hang Tuah, is a blend of historical fact and romantic legend, symbolizing beauty, loyalty, and the turbulent end of an empire.
Identity and Origin
Tun Teja was the daughter of Bendahara Seri Amar Diraja, the Chief Minister of Pahang (then known as Inderapura).
- Renowned Beauty: She was famously described as the most beautiful woman in the Malay Peninsula, with a reputation that reached far across the Malacca Strait.
- Royal Engagement: Before her involvement with Malacca, she was already engaged to the Sultan of Pahang.
The Legend of Her "Abduction"
The most famous part of her history involves her journey from Pahang to Malacca. There are two primary versions of how she became the consort of Sultan Mahmud Shah:
- The Hikayat Hang Tuah Version: To regain the Sultan’s favor after being falsely accused of a crime, the legendary warrior Hang Tuah traveled to Pahang. He used a "love potion" (hikmat pengasih) to charm Tun Teja into following him. Once they reached Malacca, he gave her a "hate potion" (hikmat pembenci) to make her forget him and accept the Sultan's hand in marriage.
- The Sejarah Melayu Version: In this account, it was Hang Nadim who successfully wooed Tun Teja and brought her to Malacca. Regardless of the version, she eventually became the beloved consort of Sultan Mahmud Shah.
Role in the Fall of Malacca
Tun Teja was not just a symbol of beauty; she was a patriot during the Portuguese invasion of 1511.
- Resistance: Historical accounts suggest she remained loyal to the Sultan and helped boost the morale of the Malaccan forces during the siege by Afonso de Albuquerque.
- The Retreat: When Malacca fell, she accompanied the Sultan and the royal court as they retreated toward Muar and Johor to escape the Portuguese.
Death and Legacy
Tun Teja passed away in 1511 during the difficult retreat from the Portuguese.
- Cause of Death: It is believed she fell ill due to the hardships of the journey through the jungle.
- Makam Tun Teja: She was buried in Merlimau, Malacca. Her mausoleum (Makam Tun Teja) still stands today as a historical monument, located in a quiet area surrounded by paddy fields. It is a popular site for those looking to honor the memory of the "Jewel of Pahang."
Key Historical Facts at a Glance
Aspect Detail
Father Bendahara Seri Amar Diraja (Pahang)
Consort Sultan Mahmud Shah (8th Sultan of Malacca)
Title Tun Teja Ratna Benggala
Death Year 1511 (During the Portuguese invasion)
Burial Site Merlimau, Malacca
Tun Teja’s life reflects the themes of duty and sacrifice that defined the final days of the Malacca Sultanate. Would you like me to find more details about her tomb in Merlimau or perhaps more about her husband, Sultan Mahmud Shah?
MAKAM TUN TEJA
Located in a serene rural setting, the Makam Tun Teja is the final resting place of Tun Teja Ratna Benggala. It serves as a poignant reminder of the Malacca Sultanate's final days, marking the spot where she passed away during the royal family's retreat from the Portuguese in 1511.
Atmosphere and Location
The tomb is situated in Kampung Pengkalan Samak, Merlimau, roughly 24 kilometers from Malacca town. Visitors often describe the area as peaceful and evocative of traditional Malay village life.
- Surroundings: The mausoleum is set amidst scenic rice paddy fields, providing a quiet and reflective environment.
- Approach: Access to the site is through a formal archway followed by a long path lined with tall temple pillar trees (frangipani).
Historical and Architectural Features
While the current structure has been refurbished, it retains historical significance as a "heritage site" associated with the legendary accounts of the Sejarah Melayu.
- The Mausoleum: The tomb itself is a whitewashed structure housed within a covered pavilion to protect it from the elements.
- Information Boards: Several educational panels are erected near the tomb to detail Tun Teja's life, her journey from Pahang, and the events of the 1511 retreat.
- Nearby Landmarks: The site is close to other historical points of interest in Merlimau, such as the Portuguese Well and the Galeri Demang Abdul Ghani.
Visitor Information
The site is generally accessible to the public at any time, though it is most often visited during daylight hours to appreciate the surrounding views.
- Etiquette: As this is a burial site, visitors are expected to dress modestly and maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor.
- Admission: There is no entrance fee, and the gates are typically left unlocked for visitors.
- Facilities: The area is family-friendly and includes basic amenities for those stopping by as part of a historical tour of the Jasin district.
Google Gemini AI
18 January 2026: 10.58 p.m
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