The state which today called “Kelantan” was formerly known with various name. The history is very old. It older than west coast Malay states like Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca, in fact it could be older than Kedah and Patani.

In thousand years ago, Kelantan state is said to be called “Medang Kamulan”. Then shortly before the first century it is called “Medang Gana”, and this name is used until the fifth century before it is changed to “Kalatana” or “Tanah Kala”. Chinese recording says this name as “Ho-la-tan” or “Ko’ulo-tan”. This name is used until the second half of the sixth century.

In the end of the 6^th century, the name of Kelantan state is changed to “Raktamrittika” which means Negeri Tanah Merah (State of Red Land). This name given by The King of  Kelantan name Gautama after he launched a rebellion on Fu-nan (Cambodia), and setting up the capital in a strategic rural district in Kelantan which is rich with gold.

Historians think that this Raktamrittika is equal to “Chi’ih-tu” that cited by Wei Cheng (581-643) in Shi-Shu. It is stated in this Chinese record this that Chi’h-tu is located in southern of Langkasuka (approximately Patani now). It is also described in record the distance between Chi’h-tu and Champa is as far as ten days of walking. Without doubt this described location is the Kelantan state nowadays.

In 7^th century a new name, “Sri Wijaya Mala” emerge to replace Raktamrittika. In the year 677, the emperor, Sri Jayanaga, successfully conquer all the Malay Peninsular and then declare the name “Sri Wijaya” for the country that is developed by him. This country then spread out the Malay Peninsula to the Malay in Sumatra at about the 7^th century.

Here the king developed a new capital around Palembang now. Kelantan state (Sri Wijaya) is handed to his prince, Sri Maharaja Dripantara, while Palembang (Sri Wijaya II) is given to his prince, Sri Maharaja DiRaja. Both of these governments then united by Sanjana, his grandchild in an empire that cited by a Chinese, San-Fo-Tse (Tanah Seri Indah Sekebun Bunga). This event occurred in the 8^th century.

- cited from original text “Ikhtisar Sejarah Kelantan” by Abdul Razak Mahmud (Ustaz Mat), Chapter 2, page 7 & 8, First Printing, Mac 2002, printed and are published by Pustaka Aman Press, Kota Bharu Kelantan.

This post is tagged century, Kelantan, langkasuka, malay peninsula, malay states, Medang, Patani, shi shu, state