Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by multinational traditions, originating from China, India, the Middle East, Europe, and the entire Malay Archipelago. Early Malay empires absorbed Indian influences, such as Hindu epics and the Sanskrit language. The kingdom of Malacca developed as an Islamic state, or sultanate, from the 15th century onwards. New cultural influences from Europe and China mixed with Hindu and Islamic traditions later in history. A collective but distinctively Malay cultural pattern has emerged from this blend. It is reflected in literature, music, dance, and art forms.
Hindu, Islamic and Indonesian forms influenced music in Malaysia. For example, wayang kulit (shadow-puppet theater), was introduced from Java in the 13th century, and today is most commonly found in the state of Kelantan. Malaysian musical instruments include distinctive drums (gendang); gongs and other percussion instruments made from native materials such as bamboo (kertuk and pertuang) and coconut shells (raurau); and a variety of wind instruments, including flutes. Music bands (nobat) and orchestras (gamelan) play these instruments at special occasions. Chinese musical forms, including Chinese opera, were more recently introduced into Malaysia.
Malaysian decorative art forms include colorful batik cloth, silverware, pewter items, and woodcarvings. Like other elements of Malaysian culture, its architecture reflects influences from India, China, and Islam. These influences are most evident in mosques, Hindu temples and other religious structures. The British introduced colonial architecture dominated at the time by the Moorish style. This latter style originates in the medieval architecture of Arabic East and Spain: buildings are noted for complex interiors consisting of a multitude of low, rounded arches usually made of alternating black and white stones. Buildings as the Royal Selangor Club, the Old Post Office and the Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur all represent the Moorish style.
Malaysia's most important literary work is the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals). Written in the 1500s, this work presents a somewhat romanticized account of the Malacca sultanate. European colonizers on Peninsular Malaysia (the Portuguese in 1511, the Dutch in 1641, and finally the British in the 18th century) greatly affected the local literary style. |
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Name: Malaysia |
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Area: 330.000 sq. km. |
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Capital City: Kuala Lumpur |
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Population: 19.7 million |
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Language: Bhasa, English, Chienese |
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Currency: Malaysian Ringitt |
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Time Zone: GMT +8 hrs |
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Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Tao |
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