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Munshi Abdullah Abdul Kadir
(1796–1854)
Hikayat Abdullah  1849
Courtesy of the National Library Board of Singapore

 

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National Library Board of Singapore
Singapore

Hikayat Abdullah
1849

This autobiography of Munshi Abdullah Abdul Kadir was written in the Jawi language between 1840 and 1843, and published in 1849. The author was the interpreter and scribe to Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles. Therefore this text serves as an important record of Singapore's early history and the most accurate account of Raffles' arrival.

Abdullah was also the first Malay writer to depart from traditional Malay literary style, by writing in colloquial language. Unlike courtly writing, his style was realistic and lively, incorporating many Malay idioms and proverbs. His knowledge of languages and reputation as a teacher earned him the nickname 'Munshi', meaning 'tutor'.

Abdullah wrote about the events of his life as they related to the activities in Singapore, which was slowly changing under British rule from a sleepy fishing village into a major centre of world trade. He describes this transformation and the prominent British personalities of the time, offering observations on political and cultural events. Abdullah remarks on Raffles' study of the history, customs and language of the people he came into contact with, and his efforts to treat all those he met with due respect and proper courtesies. He also described Raffles' arrangements for collecting, preserving and recording books and natural history specimens.

From both the literary and historical perspectives, the Hikayat Abdullah is a milestone in modern Malay literature. This is a first edition, and is very rare. It was produced by the printing technique of lithography, which was widely used by artists in the nineteenth century and is still in use today.