Assembling Fragments of Modernity in End-of-the-Century Malay World
2023–2025
FNT10
In the late 19th century, the Malay world saw the emergence of a robust urban culture alongside a flourishing lithographic printing industry. It laid the foundation for the evolving relationship between tradition and modernity. The Strait Settlements, particularly Singapore, became significant centers for printing and entertainment. The influence of print culture extended to neighboring islands, including the Riau Archipelago, known for its political and literary activity. However, the rise of printing did not immediately cancel out the Malay manuscript tradition; instead, it reinvigorated that tradition, as printed works somewhat relied on manuscripts. Against this context, this research seeks to investigate the Malay Manuscript tradition, its survival, and eventual collapse in the face of modernity, notably with the introduction of printing. Through these efforts, the project hopes to provide a thorough knowledge of the changing cultural milieu and the intricate interplay between manuscript and print traditions during this pivotal moment in Malay history.
People
Project lead: Tiara Ulfah