Pahang Kingdom

Pahang Kingdom
كرجاءن ڤهڠ
Kerajaan Pahang
1770–1881
Flag of Pahang
StatusAutonomous kingdom within the Johor Empire (1770–1853)
CapitalPekan
Common languagesMalay, Pahang Malay
Religion
Sunni Islam
GovernmentMonarchy
Raja bendahara 
• 1770–1802
Tun Abdul Majid (first)
• 1863–1881
Tun Ahmad (last)
History 
• Self rule by Tun Abdul Majid
1770
• Independence
1853
• Civil war
1857–1863
• Klang War
1872–1873
• Proclamation of Modern Sultanate
8 September 1881
CurrencyTampang, native gold and silver coins
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Johor Empire
Pahang
Today part ofMalaysia

The Pahang Kingdom (Malay: Kerajaan Pahang, Jawi: كرجاءن ڤهڠ‎) was a Malay state that existed from 1770 to 1881, and is the immediate predecessor of the modern Malaysian state of Pahang. The kingdom came into existence with the consolidation of power by the Bendahara family in Pahang, following the gradual dismemberment of the Johor Empire. Self rule was established in Pahang in the late 18th century, with Tun Abdul Majid declared as the first raja bendahara.[1] The area around Pahang formed a part of the hereditary domains attached to this title and administered directly by the raja bendahara. The weakening of the Johor Sultanate and the disputed succession to the throne was coupled by the increasing independence of the Bendahara in Pahang, the Temenggong in Johor and Singapore, and the Yamtuan Muda in Riau.[2]

In 1853, the fourth raja bendahara Tun Ali, renounced his allegiance to the Sultan of Johor and became the independent ruler of Pahang.[3][4] He was able to maintain peace and stability during his reign, but his death in 1857 led to a succession dispute. The younger son Wan Ahmad challenged the succession of his half-brother Tun Mutahir, in a dispute that escalated into a civil war. Supported by the neighbouring Terengganu Sultanate and the Siamese, Wan Ahmad emerged victorious, establishing control over important towns and expelling his brother in 1863. He served as the last raja bendahara, and was proclaimed Sultan of Pahang by his chiefs in 1881.[5]