The Kedah Royal Family is among the oldest continuous monarchies in the world, with a lineage that traces back over a millennium. The dynasty's origins are chronicled in traditional Malay texts, notably the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa and the Al-Tarikh Salasilah Kedah. These sources, while differing in some details, both acknowledge the establishment of the Islamic sultanate under Sultan Muzaffar Shah I in 1136.
🏛️ Early Origins
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Merong Mahawangsa: According to the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, he was a legendary ruler from Rome who founded the ancient kingdom of Langkasuka, considered a precursor to Kedah.
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Derbar Raja I: The Salasilah records Derbar Raja I, a prince from Persia, as the first ruler of Kedah.
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Sultan Muzaffar Shah I: Recognized as the first Sultan of Kedah, he converted to Islam and established the sultanate in 1136.
👑 Notable Sultans
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Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II (r. 1710–1778): He is credited with founding Alor Setar, the current capital of Kedah, and implementing significant administrative reforms.
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Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (r. 1958–2017): He made history by serving twice as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia, from 1970–1975 and 2011–2016.
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Sultan Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah (r. 2017–present): The current 29th Sultan of Kedah, he ascended the throne following the passing of his half-brother, Sultan Abdul Halim.
👨👩👦 Current Royal Family
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Sultan Sallehuddin: Born on April 30, 1942, he is the reigning Sultan of Kedah.
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Sultanah Maliha: Born on April 13, 1949, she is the consort of Sultan Sallehuddin and was proclaimed Sultanah of Kedah in 2018.
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Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah: Born on March 2, 1967, he is the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Kedah.
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Tunku Shazuddin Ariff: Born on April 27, 1970, he is the Tunku Mahkota (Deputy Crown Prince) of Kedah.
The dynasty is descended from ancient rulers chronicled in the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, with ties to legendary and foreign origins. Over the centuries, the royal family has played a central role in the political, religious, and cultural development of northern Malaysia. One of the most notable figures in modern times was Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, who uniquely served twice as Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King). The current ruler is Sultan Sallehuddin, who ascended the throne in 2017. The Kedah Royal Family is respected for its deep historical roots, Islamic traditions, and continued role in upholding Malay royal heritage.
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