SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis examines the composition of the Bustan us-Salatin by Nuruddin ar-Raniri using internal evidence to establish the aims of the author and the nature of the work. This analysis shows that the Bustan us-Salatin displays far greater planning and organization of material than has hitherto been recognized. It is suggested that Chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Book II were not part of the work as envisaged by Nuruddin ar-Raniri. An edition of Book IV of the bustan us-Salatin and a translation of the text is presented. The edition is accompanied by textual notes and lists of proper names and unusual words. An examination of the Arabic sources of the stories of Book IV has been undertaken with special emphasis on the works of al-Ghazzali and the Rawd at-rayahin of al-Yati'i and shows the selectivity with which Nuruddin ar-Raniri used materials from such sources. Parallel themes in Malay Literature have been examined concentrating especially on those within the Malay Taj us-Salatin and Ilikayut Bakhtiar.