The Sui Shu (Book of Sui) and the Tongdian (Comprehensive Institutions) are invaluable windows into Southeast Asian history, specifically regarding the kingdom of Chitu (赤土, meaning "Red Earth").
Chi Tu (also spelled Chihtu or Sanskrit : Raktamaritika or Raktamrittika, Malay : Tanah Merah).
The Inscribed Buddhagupta Stone found in Kedah mentioned a Raktamrittika, meaning "Red Earth Land".
While the texts don't use the modern term "Austronesian," your assessment aligns with the consensus of modern historians and linguists. Based on the descriptions provided by the Sui envoys, Chitu was a highly organized, Indianized polity likely located in the Malay Peninsula (specifically near the Kelantan river basin).
Evidence from the Sui Shu & Tongdian
The historical records provide several clues that point to Chitu being an Austronesian/Malay-related civilization:
- Geographic Location: The Sui Shu describes Chitu as being south of Linyi (Champa) and reachable by sea. Its "Red Earth" description matches the laterite soil common in the Kelantan region of Malaysia (Tanah Merah).
- Cultural Practices: The texts mention specific customs, such as:
- Piercing ears and wearing floral patterns.
- The use of rose-colored cloth (man)—a likely precursor to the sarong.
- A sophisticated court hierarchy that resembles other early Malay-Austronesian kingdoms like Langkasuka.
- Political Structure: The King of Chitu, surnamed Li-fo-duo-se, sent his son to the Sui court in 607 CE. This level of maritime diplomacy was a hallmark of early Malay states managing trade routes through the South China Sea.
Comparison of the Sources
Connecting to the Austronesian Group
The Chitu people were part of the broader Austronesian expansion. By the time the Sui envoys arrived, these people had already:
- Developed advanced maritime technology (outrigger canoes and sailing ships).
- Established "Mandala" political systems, where power radiated from a center rather than having fixed borders.
- Synthesized local Austronesian traditions with Hindu-Buddhist influences from India (as noted in the Sui Shu mentioning many Brahmans in the Chitu court).
Note: The Sui Shu specifically mentions that the Chitu people were "of the same race as the people of Funan," which suggests a shared cultural and ethnic substrate across the Gulf of Thailand during that era.
CHITU KING'S PALACE
According to the Sui Shu (Book of Sui), specifically the records of the envoy Chang Chun who visited in 607 CE, the palace of the Chitu (Red Earth) King was a testament to the "Indianized" grandeur of early Malay/Austronesian polities.
The descriptions in both the Sui Shu and the Tongdian highlight a blend of maritime wealth and deep religious devotion.
The Capital and the Palace Gates
The capital city was known as Seng-chih (likely a transliteration of the Sanskrit Singha or "Lion City").
- The Gates: The city was accessed through three successive gates spaced about a hundred paces apart.
- Decoration: These gates were painted with vibrant, "shining" colors and adorned with carved spirits and golden flower ornaments.
- The Sound of Chitu: Small golden bells hung from the gates, which chimed in the wind—a common feature in early Southeast Asian royal architecture intended to ward off evil and announce the king's prestige.
The Royal Court and Audience Hall
The King's palace was built with a distinctive orientation and architectural style:
- Orientation: Unlike Chinese palaces that typically face south, all buildings in the Chitu palace faced north. The King sat on a multi-tiered throne, also facing north.
- Structure: The palace was supported by numerous large wooden pillars. The interior was lavishly decorated with rose-colored cloth and intricate hangings.
- The Throne Room: On either side of the King’s throne were two large metal mirrors and golden vessels filled with perfumes. Behind him, hundreds of soldiers stood guard, while the floor in front was often occupied by hundreds of Brahmans (priests) seated in rows.
The King’s Appearance
The texts describe the King (named Li-fo-duo-se) in a way that emphasizes his wealth and the region's resources:
- Attire: He wore a rose-colored robe and a high golden crown shaped like a lotus flower.
- Jewelry: He was heavily adorned with jewelry, specifically precious stones and pearls, and wore multiple gold rings and bracelets.
- Bodyguards: He was flanked by four female attendants and a personal guard of over a hundred men, some of whom were described as wearing "white clothing" and carrying baskets of flowers to strew along his path.
Cultural Significance
These descriptions are vital because they prove that by the early 7th century, the Austronesian people in the Malay Peninsula had:
- High-level Metallurgical Skills: Evidenced by the golden crowns, bells, and metal mirrors.
- Sophisticated Textiles: The frequent mention of "rose-colored" cloth suggests a developed dyeing and weaving industry.
- Religious Synthesis: The presence of Brahmans and Buddhist imagery (Sui Shu mentions the King's father abdicated to spread Buddhism) shows a "Mandala" state where Indian religions were integrated into local governance.
Fun Fact: When the Sui envoys arrived, their ship was towed into the harbor by thirty small boats and pulled by a massive gold-plated chain, a gesture of extreme hospitality and a display of the kingdom's immense wealth.
Further readings:
- Sejarah Kelantan: The Red-Earth Land (Tanah Merah).
- Wikipedia: Chi Tu
Google Gemini AI
11/2/2026: 1.30 p.m
