Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex
Kompleks Sejarah Pengkalan Kempas | |
The complex in 2024 | |
| Alternative name | Keramat Sungai Udang |
|---|---|
| Location | Pengkalan Kempas, Port Dickson District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia |
| Region | Malay Peninsula |
| Coordinates | 2°27′1″N 102°0′54″E / 2.45028°N 102.01500°E |
| Type | Megaliths and tomb |
| History | |
| Material | Granite |
| Founded | c. 1467 and earlier |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1919 |
| Archaeologists | I. H. N. Evans C. Boden Kloss |
| Condition | Restored |
| Ownership | Public |
| Management | Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan |
| Public access | Yes |
The Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex Kompleks Sejarah Pengkalan Kempas, built on a location known as Keramat Sungai Udang (Prawn River Shrine), is an archeological site and museum located on the edge of the town of Pengkalan Kempas, within the Port Dickson District of Negeri Sembilan. The site lies near the Linggi River, not far from the western coast of Malaysia. Within the complex there are a number of megaliths of uncertain age, as well as an Islamic tomb from the 15th century.
The megaliths in Pengkalan Kempas are likely related to other megaliths in nearby areas of Peninsular Malaysia. The age of these megaliths is unknown, with some estimates being 1,000 years or older. One megalith in Pengkalan Kempas has an Islamic inscription, and is thus likely from the 15th century, but others at the site may be older. The three most remarked upon megaliths have been likened in shape respectively to a rudder, a spoon, and a sword, and are situated closely together in a row. The "rudder" and "sword" stones have carvings, while the "spoon" stone is undecorated. Other stones of various sizes are located in different parts of the site.
Near the group of three megaliths is a large tomb. Inscriptions on a nearby stone identify the occupant as Ahmad Majnun. There are two inscriptions in two scripts, which contain different messages. The Kawi inscription includes the date 1385 in the Shaka era calendar, approximately 1463. The Jawi inscription includes the date 872 in the Islamic calendar, approximately 1467, and also notes that this was during the rule of Mansur Shah. While the Jawi script is easily translated, the interpretation of the Kawi script has proved more difficult.
Keramat Sungai Udang held cultural significance for nearby communities, having been a location where oaths were sworn. Archeological work at the site began in 1919, when the site was restored by I. H. N. Evans. Today, it is a registered natural heritage site of Malaysia, and is operated as a megalithic museum, containing the original tomb and stones as well as others brought from elsewhere.