KINGDOM OF GRAHI : ADRUJA WIJAYAMALA SINGHA

Based on the historical and legendary records available, Adruja Wijayamala Singha (also spelled Vijamala) was a Malay princess and legendary warrior (srikandi) from the Kingdom of Grahi, an ancient state located in the northern Malay Peninsula (modern-day Southern Thailand/Northern Malaysia).

She is frequently identified in Kelantanese history and folklore as Che Siti Wan Kembang I.

Historical Context and Background

• Lineage: She was the daughter of Raja Sang Tawal (also known as Sultan Muhammad), the third Maharaja of Grahi. Her lineage is traced back to the Sriwijaya-Dharmasraya royalty.
• The "Dewi Perang" (War Goddess): Adruja is celebrated as a "warrior princess" who was skilled in horse riding, archery, and the use of the kelewang (a traditional sword).
• The Seri Wijayamala: To counter the threat of the Sukhothai Kingdom, she formed an elite military unit consisting of 41 women, many of whom were widows of fallen soldiers. This unit was known as the Seri Wijayamala.

Key Historical Legend

The most famous account involving Adruja is her role in the conflict against the Siam Sukhothai forces led by Raja Rama Khamhaeng. According to these records:

• During a fierce battle (estimated around 1317), she personally confronted the Sukhothai King.
• She is credited with knocking the King off his war elephant and ultimately beheading him, which led to the retreat of the Siamese forces.

Evolution of Her Role

Following the eventual decline of Grahi under Siamese pressure, her father, Raja Sang Tawal, moved the kingdom south and founded Kota Mahligai (Langkasuka). Adruja is said to have later ruled the Sultanate of Kisaran Payung for ten years before her passing.

Meaning of Her Name

The name is derived from Sanskrit:

• Adruja: Likely a variation of Adhi Raja, meaning "Great Ruler" or "Leader of the Army."
• Wijayamala: Refers to a "Victorious Garland" or a mythical flower capable of restoring life.
• Singha: Meaning "Lion," symbolizing her bravery.

KINGDOM OF GRAHI

The Kingdom of Grahi (also known as Kerajaan Grahi or Kia-lo-hi in Chinese records) was an ancient and strategically significant Malay polity located on the Isthmus of Kra in the northern Malay Peninsula.

In modern geography, it is primarily associated with the Chaiya district in the Surat Thani Province of Southern Thailand.

1. Historical Context and Location

• Time Period: Grahi flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries. It emerged as a regional power as the influence of the Srivijaya Empire began to wane.
• Geography: It sat at the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula, making it a vital "land bridge" for trade between the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea).
• Political Status: Historically, it was part of the Tambralinga kingdom or a border polity between the Khmer Empire and the Srivijayan sphere.

2. The Grahi Inscription (1183 CE)

The most significant archaeological evidence for the kingdom is the Grahi Inscription, found at the base of a bronze Buddha statue in Wat Hua Wiang, Chaiya.

• Significance: The inscription is written in Old Khmer using an Old Sumatran script.
• Governance: It mentions a ruler named Maharaja Srimat Trailokyaraja Maulibhusanavarmadeva and a governor of Grahi named Mahasenapati Galanai. This suggests Grahi was a sophisticated administrative center with ties to the Mauli Dynasty of Dharmasraya (Sumatra).

3. Grahi in Malay Legend (Jawaka/Malayur)

In Malay historiography and local Kelantanese folklore, Grahi is often linked to the Empire of Jawaka or Malayur.

• Raja Sang Tawal: He is recorded as a major King of Grahi (or a related northern Malay state) during the late 13th century.
• Conflict with Sukhothai: Grahi was on the front lines of the southward expansion of the Sukhothai Kingdom (led by King Ram Khamhaeng). This era is where the story of Adruja Vijamala Singha originates—as a warrior defending Grahi/Langkasuka from Siamese forces.
• The Move South: Under military pressure from the north, the leadership of Grahi is said to have retreated southwards, eventually contributing to the foundations of Patani and the early Kelantanese royalty.

4. Cultural and Religious Identity

Grahi was a melting pot of Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism, heavily influenced by both Indian and Khmer cultures. The "Grahi Buddha" (the statue associated with the inscription) is famous for its unique style, which blends Srivijayan aesthetics with local peninsular artistry.

Summary Table: Grahi at a Glance

Feature	Description
Modern Location	Chaiya, Surat Thani (Southern Thailand)
Primary Language	Old Khmer / Old Malay
Dominant Religion	Mahayana Buddhism
Famous Ruler	Raja Sang Tawal (Legendary)
Key Artifact	The Grahi Inscription (1183 CE)

Does she really existed?

The consensus among historians is that she is a semi-legendary figure. 

1. Evidence in Traditional Records

In the context of Malay and Kelantanese historiography, she is treated as a historical figure.

• Genealogical Records: She appears in the Salasilah Raja-Raja Kelantan (Genealogy of Kelantan Kings) as the daughter of Raja Sang Tawal (reigned approx. 1267–1339).
• The "Che Siti Wan Kembang" Identity: Local records often identify her as Che Siti Wan Kembang I. In this tradition, she is not just a myth but a specific ancestor of the Kelantanese royalty who ruled the region of Kisaran Payung and Gunung Chintawangsa.
• The Srikandi Tradition: She is remembered for creating the Seri Wijayamala, an elite female warrior unit, and is credited with defeating the Sukhothai King, Rama Khamhaeng.

3. The Academic View

From a strict archaeological or "objective" history standpoint, Adruja is considered legendary for several reasons:

• Lack of Contemporary Inscriptions: Unlike her father or the Kingdom of Grahi itself (which is proven by the Grahi Inscription of 1183), there are no 14th-century stone inscriptions or contemporary documents that mention Adruja by name.
• Oral Tradition vs. Fact: Much of her story was preserved through oral tradition and later manuscripts (like the Hikayat Seri Kelantan), which often blend historical facts with heroic folklore.

Summary

• Did she exist? It is highly probable that she is based on a real historical princess from the Grahi/Langkasuka royalty who played a role in the wars against the North.
• Are the stories true? The specific details—such as her personally beheading a King or leading an army of widows—likely contain elements of legendary embellishment designed to symbolize Malay resistance and female empowerment in Kelantanese culture.

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14 January 2026: 7.59 a.m