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in some trifling details from the other deeds which the chiefs on this side of the "linie" or Dutch pale[1] have succeeded in obtaining by pilgrimages to Keumala.
At the top of such sarakatas in the middle of the sheet, we find the chab sikureuëng or "ninefold seal"[2] whence the documents derive their common name. This contains the name of the reigning sultan in the central space, and in eight circular spaces surrounding it the names of eight celebrated sultans who preceded him, and whose blessing is thus invoked on the deed. The choice of these eight names rests with the reigning sultan; those of Eseukanda Muda (Meukuta Alam), par excellence the prince of old Acheh, and of the immediate predecessors of the reigning king are never omitted, but great freedom of choice is shown as regards the rest.
On some of these documents there stands at the side of this seal the small rectangular private seal of the reigning prince.
PRIVATE SEAL OF THE PRESENT PRETENDER-SULTAN.
In the preamble, which is somewhat magniloquent and besprinkled with Arabic words and phrases, the blessing of Allah, of the Prophet, the saints (of whom Abdul-Qādir Jilānī is specially named as the prince of mystics) and the deceased kings of blessed memory is invoked upon the sultan's decree. Of his predecessors, sometimes the whole eight who appear in the seal, sometimes only two or three are invoked by name. The sultan then reminds the ulèëbalang, whom he recognizes as the successor in office of his forefathers, of the obligations which he lays upon him. The enumeration of the duties, however, teaches us nothing in regard to the nature of
- ↑ The "linie" was a line of fortresses thrown up by the Dutch in Acheh during the period of their policy of "concentration" (1884–96). This policy, which has now been abandoned, is in itself enough to account for the slow advance of the Dutch in their conquest of Acheh, Within the "linie" was the seat of government and so much of the country as had been absolutely reduced to submission. Outside were those openly hostile or of doubtful fidelity, interspersed here and there with a few who were loyal to the Government. We are reminded of the "pale" in Ireland in the 16th century (Translator).
- ↑ See the plate on p. 129.
