How Malacca Got Its Name

Malacca is well known for its historical uniqueness. The history of Malacca began when Parameswara, a royal prince from Palembang was involved in the struggle for the throne of Majapahit goverment towards the end of tge 14th century.

Once he was defeated by Majapahit, he ran for protection to Temasek which was then dominated by the Siamese. After being evicted out of Temasek by the colonists from Sia, in 1396, he and his followers withdraw to Muar and later to Sungai Ujong before stopping at Bertam which is close to Malacca river mouth.

Upon arrivel in Bertam, he witnessed his haunting dog being kicked by a white mouse deer. He was so impressed with the bravery of the white mouse deer and decided to set up a state there. He asked about the name of the tree which he was leaning under and his followers had replied by stating that it was the Melaka tree. Therefore he decided to name his state after that tree.

Parameswara had made the right choice as Malacca is strategically located amid the Straits of Malacca banks which connect China to India and the East, making it really suitable venue as a trading center. The arrival of Arabic traders as well as treders from East and West had developed Malacca as a bustling entrepot with hundreds of ships stopping by every year.