Seri Menanti Royal Museum

Seri Menanti Old Palace (Malay:Istana Lama Seri Menanti) is one of the famous landmarks in Negeri Sembilan. It is a timber palace constructed between 1902 to 1908. Today, the palace has been turned into a royal museum. This four-storey building is special because it was constructed without using any nails.Hardwood rods were instead used to piece the timber together. The roof of this palace represents a buffalo's horns. The buffalo horns are widely regarded as the protective symbol of the palace

History

The Minangkabaus were moved to the state of Negeri Sembilan in the 14th century and began to control local politics. Around the 15th century the people of Minangkabau from Rembau explored the current Seri Menanti area. Among them was Datuk Puteh of Pagar Ruyung. According to local literature, the explorers found three stalks of fresh green paddyand thus Datuk Puteh christened the area Padi Menanti (literally awaiting paddy). Over time the name changed to Seri Menanti It is believed that the word "seri" means paddy in ancient Javanese language.

Raja Melewar arrived in Negeri Sembilan in 1773, installed as king and was proclaimed as the first Yamtuan Besar in Kampung Penajis inRembau. He later moved his palace to Seri Menanti which remains the royal town of Negeri Sembilan till today.:0

The Istana Lama Sri Menanti, is the masterpiece of Minangkabau architecture. It is located in Seri Menanti, the royal capital of Negri Sembilan, about 30km from the administrative capital, Seremban. This is the seat of the Minangkabau rulers, who migrated to Negri Sembilan during the early years of the Sultanate of Malacca. The original palace was destroyed in a rail during theSungai Ujong tin wars. The present structure dates to 1902 by two Malay master craftsmen, and was built without the use of nails.

Sri Menanti Palace was used as the royal residence until 1932. The central tower which was used as a treasury and royal archives, can only be reached by latter from the Sultan's private rooms, and is not open to the public. At the apex of the structure is a projection type known as "open scissors" -- this design style is now rarely seen in Malaysia, and one of the few rare examples is the Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. 


The Sri Menanti Palace is raised 2 meters off the ground, standing on 99 pillars. 26 of these pillars are carved with bas-relief of foliated designs. Above the front porch is the carving of a pair of mystical creature with lions' heads, horses' legs and long feathery tails - the style suggests that they could have been carved by Chinese craftsmen.




Sri Menanti Palace today houses the Muzium Di Raja, the royal museum, a sadly lacklustre showcase of local royal paraphernalia. Among these are the usual old costumes, medals, keris, golfing memorabilia and photos of the past Negri rulers and British administrators. 

How to go to Sri Menanti Palace

From Seremban, you can take a United bus to Kuala Pilah. The journey takes 45 minutes. From there, you take a taxi to Sri Menanti. The Istana Lama is a short distance from the Istana Besar, the current residence of the Negri Sembilan ruler.

reference:

http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/sri_menanti_palace.htm