History of Sarawak

The history of Sarawak traces the region from early communities and Bruneian rule through the Brooke dynasty and British colonial administration to its incorporation into Malaysia in 1963.

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Bruneian Empire: A Southeast Asian sultanate whose influence once extended across Borneo and surrounding islands. Brunei’s authority over Sarawak preceded the rise of the Brooke dynasty.
Austronesian peoples: A broad family of peoples connected by languages spread across the Pacific and parts of Southeast Asia. Austronesian-speaking communities formed much of Sarawak’s early population.
Charles Brooke: Sarawak’s second White Rajah, who ruled from 1868 to 1917. His long reign extended Brooke control and consolidated the state’s administration.
Anti-cession movement in Sarawak: A postwar political movement opposing Sarawak’s transfer from Brooke rule to direct British colonial administration. Its campaigns challenged the 1946 cession and exposed divisions over Sarawak’s future.
Sarawak Constitution: The legal framework defining the government and powers of the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Its provisions reflect the state’s negotiated position within Malaysia.
James Brooke: An English adventurer who became Sarawak’s first White Rajah in 1841. His appointment began the Brooke dynasty’s rule over Sarawak.
Iban people: An Indigenous people of Borneo, traditionally known for longhouse communities and farming. Iban communities shaped Sarawak’s settlement, politics, and resistance to outside rule.
Charles Vyner Brooke: Sarawak’s third and last White Rajah, who ruled from 1917 to 1946. His decision to cede Sarawak to Britain ended the Brooke dynasty.
Sarawak People's United Front: A left-wing political organization active in Sarawak during the late colonial period. Its opposition to Malaysia reflected alternative visions of Sarawak’s political future.
Malaysia Agreement 1963: The agreement establishing the terms for the formation of Malaysia in 1963. It set out safeguards and arrangements connected to Sarawak’s entry into the federation.