Muhammad Kanzul Alam
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Muhammad Kanzul Alam ibni Omar Ali Saifuddin I (died 1826) was the
sultan of Brunei The Sultan of Brunei is the monarchical head of state of Brunei and head of government in his capacity as prime minister of Brunei. Since independence from the British in 1984, only one sultan has reigned, though the royal institution dates bac ...
from 1807 until his death in 1826. Kanzul Alam succeeded Muhammad Tajuddin as sultan of Brunei in 1807, but since he had broken a contract with his predecessor, his rule was marked by internal conflict. Even though
Omar Ali Saifuddin II Omar Ali Saifuddin II (died 18 November 1852) was the 23rd Sultan of Brunei from 1828 until his death in 1852. During his reign, Western powers such as the United Kingdom and the United States visited the country. His reign saw the British ad ...
still possessed the royal regalia, his son Muhammad Alam felt entitled to the throne as he rose to prominence during his own rule. Perhaps as a result of Muhammad Alam's severe and autocratic actions, a civil war broke out between him and his followers after Kanzul Alam's death in 1826.


Early career

Pengiran Muda Muhammad Kanzul Alam was the son of Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddin I Omar Ali Saifuddin I ibni Muhammad Alauddin (died 10 July 1795), also known as Al-Marhum Makam Besar, was the 18th Sultan of Brunei and the second son of Sultan Muhammad Alauddin. He was regarded as one of the longest-serving sultans and was r ...
and Raja Puteri. Before his ascension to the throne, he held the title of ''Pengiran Digadong'' or ''Pengiran Digadong Ayah'', serving as the second-highest ranking wazir (
vizier A vizier (; ; ) is a high-ranking political advisor or Minister (government), minister in the Near East. The Abbasids, Abbasid caliphs gave the title ''wazir'' to a minister formerly called ''katib'' (secretary), who was at first merely a help ...
) in Brunei's 19th century government during the reign of his elder half-brother, Muhammad Tajuddin. In 1795, Muhammad Tajuddin started Brunei's commerce with
Portuguese Macau Macau was under Portuguese Empire, Portuguese rule from the establishment of the first official Portuguese settlement in 1557 until its Handover of Macau, handover to China in 1999. It comprised the Municipality of Macau and the Municipality of ...
, which Kanzul Alam continued, with Portuguese records showing that between 1794 and 1810, around 23 ships traded textiles, ceramics, currency, and metal goods for Brunei's exports of bird's nests, trepang, wax, black pepper,
rattan Rattan, also spelled ratan (from Malay language, Malay: ''rotan''), is the name for roughly 600 species of Old World climbing palms belonging to subfamily Calamoideae. The greatest diversity of rattan palm species and genera are in the clos ...
, and
camphor Camphor () is a waxy, colorless solid with a strong aroma. It is classified as a terpenoid and a cyclic ketone. It is found in the wood of the camphor laurel (''Cinnamomum camphora''), a large evergreen tree found in East Asia; and in the kapu ...
.


Reign


Succession and power struggles

Brunei's royal succession customs prioritise the eldest son of a deceased sultan or, if no son exists, other male heirs within the family. Occasionally, a male sibling or even a son-in-law may succeed, though only with widespread public support and royal family consensus. This tradition influenced Kanzul Alam's claim to the throne in 1807. Initially, in 1804, Muhammad Tajuddin
abdicated Abdication is the act of formally relinquishing monarchical authority. Abdications have played various roles in the succession procedures of monarchies. While some cultures have viewed abdication as an extreme abandonment of duty, in other soci ...
in favour of his son, Pengiran Muda Tengah Muhammad Jamalul Alam, who ruled briefly before his untimely death. With an infant
heir Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Offi ...
now designated, Muhammad Tajuddin reclaimed the throne until his grandson reached maturity. Kanzul Alam willingly accepted the role of
regent In a monarchy, a regent () is a person appointed to govern a state because the actual monarch is a minor, absent, incapacitated or unable to discharge their powers and duties, or the throne is vacant and a new monarch has not yet been dete ...
. Yet, mindful of Kanzul Alam's ambitions to advance his own lineage, Muhammad Tajuddin appointed ''Pehin Jawatan Dalam'' Awang Munap and the heir's mother, Raja Isteri Noor Alam, as additional advisors to the young Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddin II. This move aimed to preserve the royal lineage and stability within Brunei's political traditions, ensuring that Omar Ali would eventually ascend to the throne. Muhammad Tajuddin, cautious about Kanzul Alam's commitment to their 1806 agreement, hoped these measures would prevent a potential power struggle. Upon becoming regent to Omar Ali, Kanzul Alam seemed to embrace his newfound authority. Following Muhammad Tajuddin's passing, he assumed the title of sultan and declared his residence a palace. The line of succession appeared secure, especially given that his daughter, Raja Isteri Noralam, was the infant heir's mother, likely garnering public support. However, Kanzul Alam's multiple marriages and efforts to produce male heirs suggest his intent to establish his own dynasty. This ambition resurfaced over two generations, as other family members—most notably Pengiran Muda Muhammad Alam and later Pengiran Muda Hashim—attempted to consolidate power within their lineage. As noted by Yura Halim in 2009, Muhammad Tajuddin initially offered the regency to another son, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yusof, who declined due to the role's extensive responsibilities. With Muhammad Yusof's refusal, Kanzul Alam became the next choice and eventually took the throne, with Muhammad Tajuddin reluctantly abdicating in 1807, allowing Kanzul Alam to serve as regent.


Resistance to European influence

Also under his rule, local chiefs remained watchful and skeptical of foreign envoys as Brunei grew more and more concerned about European intrusion. This prudence was required, according to
Jamil Al-Sufri Mohammad Jamil Al-Sufri bin Umar (10 December 1921 – 4 March 2021), pen name Wijaya, was a Bruneian aristocrat, historian and teacher who served as a member of the Royal Council, member of the Royal Succession Council, member of the Islamic Re ...
's book titled, ''Survival of Brunei'' in 2009, since European powers' attempts to exert influence throughout Southeast Asia were frequently thwarted by courageous Bruneian leaders like Muhammad Alam. Even the
sultan of Sulu The Sultanate of Sulu (; ; ) is a Sunni Muslim subnational monarchy in the Republic of the Philippines that includes the Sulu Archipelago, coastal areas of Zamboanga City and certain portions of Palawan in today's Philippines. Historically ...
sent yearly tribute offerings to placate him because of his fearsome reputation. In a similar vein, the
Bugis The Bugis people, also known as Buginese, are an Austronesian ethnic groupthe most numerous of the three major linguistic and ethnic groups of South Sulawesi (the others being Makassarese and Torajan), in the south-western province of Sula ...
community maintained goodwill and paid homage to the royal family when traveling through Brunei's waterways. In 1809, a British ship led by Lieutenant Si Merah arrived in Brunei, challenging the strength of the Bruneians with a tiger and demanding that Brunei cede land if the tiger could not be defeated. The bet was taken up by ''Pengiran Pemancha'' Muhammad Daud, who demonstrated extraordinary bravery by overpowering the tiger, earning him the nickname ''Pengiran Pemancha Rimau''. Meanwhile, Si Merah, in front of Kanzul Alam, rudely asked for Muhammad Alam and upon being shown the prince, gave a sarcastic salute. In response, Muhammad Alam reacted forcefully, grabbing Si Merah and throwing him across the hall. Kanzul Alam intervened to prevent further violence, allowing Si Merah to escape back to his ship and depart Brunei. Pengiran Muda's actions were seen as a defence of Brunei's sovereignty and his father's authority, asserting the strength and pride of the Bruneian royal family. Due to the threat posed by pirate activity along the coast of
Borneo Borneo () is the List of islands by area, third-largest island in the world, with an area of , and population of 23,053,723 (2020 national censuses). Situated at the geographic centre of Maritime Southeast Asia, it is one of the Greater Sunda ...
in the 19th century, the sultan of Banjarmasin sought British aid, which in turn caught the government in
British Bengal The Bengal Presidency, officially the Presidency of Fort William in Bengal until 1937, later the Bengal Province, was the largest of all three presidencies of British India during Company rule in India, Company rule and later a Provinces o ...
's attention. To prevent piracy and safeguard British commerce, the British dispatched Captain Robert C. Garnham to blockade Bornean ports, with the exception of
Pontianak Pontianak, also known as Khuntien in Teochew and Hakka, is the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan, founded first as a trading port on the island of Borneo, occupying an area of 118.21 km2 in the delta of the Kapuas R ...
, Banjarmasin, and Brunei, by taking advantage of a
power vacuum In political science and political history, the term power vacuum, also known as a power void, is an analogy between a physical vacuum to the political condition "when someone in a place of power, has lost control of something and no one has replac ...
in
West Borneo West Kalimantan () is a Provinces of Indonesia, province of Indonesia. It is one of five Indonesian provinces comprising Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. Its capital and largest city is Pontianak, Indonesia, Pontianak. It ...
caused by the
Dutch Dutch or Nederlands commonly refers to: * Something of, from, or related to the Netherlands ** Dutch people as an ethnic group () ** Dutch nationality law, history and regulations of Dutch citizenship () ** Dutch language () * In specific terms, i ...
's emphasis on Europe. Kanzul Alam was forewarned by Garnham to obey or risk British action. Although local sources indicate that the sultan's court approved the arrangement, Garnham swiftly wrapped up his business and departed Brunei because he was uncomfortable with Muhammad Alam's severe and irritable manner during the audience.


Muhammad Alam's ascension and death

During his own rule, Kanzul Alam pursued an isolationist foreign policy, minimising contact with European powers while maintaining cordial relations with them. In 1820, he conferred the title of ''Pengiran Indera Mahkota'' on Pengiran Mohammad Salleh and expressed Brunei's willingness to assist Captain
William Farquhar Major-General William Farquhar (26 February 1774 – 11 May 1839) was a Madras Army officer and colonial administrator who served as the resident of Malacca from 1803 to 1818 and the resident of Singapore from 1819 to 1823. Early life Far ...
, who had written to inform the sultan about the new British settlement in
Singapore Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
. During this time, Muhammad Alam continued to exert significant influence, particularly in the realm of economic affairs. Letters from Farquhar in July 1820 and June 1821 illustrate Muhammad Alam's central role in trade, although he remained deferential to his father's authority by ensuring Kanzul Alam replied to Farquhar's correspondence. Kanzul Alam's response to Lieutenant Spiers' abrupt departure, which expressed Muhammad Alam's regret and aimed to prevent future issues, further highlighted the cooperative relationship between father and son. Meanwhile, during his father's reign, Muhammad Alam undoubtedly held significant authority and influence, with some evidence suggesting he may have even served as the "deputy sultan" before Kanzul Alam's passing. As the sultan became less involved in state affairs, Muhammad Alam assumed a more prominent role. In 1823, a Dutch diplomat sent a message for the sultan, but it was Muhammad Alam who received and responded to it. Furthermore, when Kanzul Alam fell ill in 1826, Muhammad Alam formally requested the throne, a request his father granted, though certain regalia were reserved for Omar Ali in accordance with a prior arrangement. These incidents point to Muhammad Alam already exercising full control over Brunei's affairs between 1823 and 1826, reinforcing claims that he effectively governed during his father's later years. A significant shift in Brunei's economic strategy occurred in 1824 when the sultan sent 119 ''prahus'' to Singapore, loaded with valuable goods such as antimony and black pepper. The appointment of ''Pengiran Indera Mahkota'' as governor in 1827 demonstrated Kanzul Alam's intent to assert Brunei's authority in
Sarawak Sarawak ( , ) is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia. It is the largest among the 13 states, with an area almost equal to that of Peninsular Malaysia. Sarawak is located in East Malaysia in northwest Borneo, and is ...
, aiming to control its resources, particularly antimony and gold. However, this move antagonized the local
Sarawak Malay Sarawak Malay ( Standard Malay: ''Bahasa Melayu Sarawak'' or ''Bahasa Sarawak'', Jawi: , Sarawak Malay: ''Kelakar Sarawak'') is a Malayic language native to the State of Sarawak. It is a common language used by natives of Sarawak and also as ...
elite, who grew increasingly hostile to Brunei's interference and Mahkota's exploitation of the region.After receiving his father's approval to ascend the throne, Muhammad Alam felt confident in his claim to leadership, despite lacking the crown and the state ''Keris Si Naga'', symbols of absolute power. His attempt to usurp the throne, however, was met with opposition, as it violated the pact between Muhammad Tajuddin and Kanzul Alam and breached Brunei's established succession laws. Muhammad Alam's claim in 1826 was further complicated by the rise of Omar Ali, who had matured into a capable young man and was seen as the legitimate monarch. While Muhammad Alam's strong leadership and authoritarian nature earned him admiration, especially from foreign envoys, it also alienated the local populace, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and resistance. His reign, marked by power struggles and divisions, left a legacy of turmoil within Brunei. Following Kanzul Alam's death, Muhammad Alam declared himself sultan, sparking Brunei's civil war. Historians remain divided on the exact year of Kanzul Alam's passing, with
Hugh Low Sir Hugh Low, (10 May 182418 April 1905) was a British colonial administrator and naturalist. After a long residence in various colonial roles in Labuan, he was appointed as British administrator in the Malay Peninsula where he made the first t ...
(1880) suggesting 1822,
Brown Brown is a color. It can be considered a composite color, but it is mainly a darker shade of orange. In the CMYK color model used in printing and painting, brown is usually made by combining the colors Orange (colour), orange and black. In the ...
(1970) and Moor (year unknown) proposing 1824, and Hughes Hallett claiming the civil war and Muhammad Alam's death occurred before 1828.


Personal life

Kanzul Alam married his first wife, Pengiran Anak Saleha @ Sa Lia, and they had a daughter, Raja Nur Alam, who later became the wife of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam I. He then married his second wife, Pengiran Anak Salamah ibnu Pengiran Seri Rama, and they had Sultan Muhammad Alam, Pengiran Muda Hashim, and Pengian Badaruddin. Lastly, he married his third wife, Pengiran Anak Norsalam ibnu Pengiran Seri Rama, a sibling of Pengiran Anak Salamah. His daughter, Raja Nur Alam, would go on to become the ''Raja Isteri'' to Muhammad Jamalul Alam I, and from this marriage came Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II. Among his other children were Pengiran Muda Hassan, Pengiran Muda Mohamed, and Pengiran Sri Banun were among his children. Kanzul Alam's lineage would later connect to Sultan
Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin (1824 – 10 May 1906) was the 25th Sultan of Brunei from 1885 until his death in 1906. Pengiran Anak Hashim or Hashim Jalilul was a prominent and controversial figure in Bruneian history. Many Western visitors' ...
, whose descendants continued to play significant roles in Brunei's royal line and governance.


Notes


References

Citations Bibliography * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Muhammad Kanzul Alam 19th-century sultans of Brunei 1826 deaths