The founder of old Singapore. SB 82: {127} S 1920. Reprinted
A short note by R. O. Winstedt examining the legendary founder of old Singapore, Sang Nila Utama, and the various traditions surrounding his identity and lineage (p. 42).
Summary
Winstedt contrasts the genealogies given in the Sējarah Mēlayu (where Sang Nila Utama is the son of Sang Sapurba and grandson of Raja Suran) with the Bustanu’s-Salatin, which makes Sang Sapurba, Sang Maniaka, and Sang Nila Utama three brothers, children of Raja Suran (p. 42). He endorses Blagden’s suggestion that Raja Suran represents a Chula king hostile to Palembang.
The note’s principal contribution is drawing attention to van der Tuuk’s identification of Sang Sapurba, Sang Maniaka, and Nila Utama with the apsaras Suprabta, Tillottama, and Menaka from the Kawi work Wiwaha, and van der Tuuk’s further claim that the Hikayat Nila Datia Kuacha was based on that text, with the daitya Nilakawacha as its hero (p. 42).