We often wonder what secrets or stories lies behind old buildings. Especially old palaces that seems enchanting.One such palace is Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar.
I remember visiting my late grandmother who resided there.That was when I was a teenager so let me take you on a journey back in time
Initially it was called Istana Lembah because it stands beautifully on a valley in Bukit Chandan. It was meant to be a temporary home for my grandparent Sultan Iskandar Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris 1 and Raja Perempuan Kelsom.They stayed there from 1931 to 1934.Istana Iskandariah was still 'work in progress ' at that time.
It was Tunku Abdul Rahman who changed the name of Istana Lembah to Istana Kenangan during the 60s.Somehow the name deem fit for the family of Sultan Iskandar For it holds memories to be remembered and cherished by the existing members of the family.
To know more about Istana Kenangan besides what you get from Wikipedia we must first get to know Raja Perempuan Kelsom also. When Sultan Iskandar passed away in 1934,Raja Kelsom moved to her own home which was fondly called Istana Ladang.During those days the abode of prominent royalties are called Istana by the village folks regardless of the size and architecture.They tend to put royalties on a pedestal.
Many may not know of her except for the fact that the secondary school in Kuala Kangsar was named after her.
Bah (grandma)was an avid gardener and she even tried her hands in planting padi besides growing flowers.She grew the padi at the plot of land near her house hence the name 'Istana Ladang' by the villagers and the Bukit Chandan folks.
Raja Perempuan Kelsom was a versatile lady.She rides horses with the 'orang puteh' and she can blend in with women from the village.An artistic lady, she was a champion in cooking and sewing as well as drawing.She even did the 'tekad' which was uncommon at that time.
As for Istana Kenangan which belongs to the State, it was home for students during the war in 1941.It was given a facelift by Tunku Abdul Rahman in the 60s who then changed the name.
When Raja Idris became the Sultan of Perak, my grandmother Raja Kelsom moved to Istana Kenangan while a cozy bungalow was being built at the spot where Istana Ladang was.Raja Kelsom lived in Istana Kenangan with her big family till her last breath.
The architecture of istana kenangan is unique. It is shaped like a 'keris' if seen from the top. Made of wood and tepas ,it does not have nails.The person that built it was a man from Bukit Mertajam called Suffian.There is a small Balai Rong Seri as you go up the stairs. Behind is where the family had their meals and relaxation.There are three huge bedrooms with a picturesque view through the windows.
Bah (grandma) is full of empathy and sympathy towards the village folks of Kampung Changkat. Everyday she prepared meals for the less fortunate and they would flock to the palace.
The palace was lively and sometime they would have movies under the stars for the villagers. It was a treat for the villagers to be able to watch movies in the palace ground.
Raja Kelsom loved people and they love her too.She passed away in 1972 at Istana Kenangan and her daughter Raja Intan Soraya then stayed there for a while.
Siblings of Raja Intan including my mother died young and that was where their bodies were taken for people to pay their last respect.Istana Kenangan had witnessed many episodes of happiness and sadness as well as grieving families.
All good things must come to an end so they said. Istana Kenangan shared the same fate.Raja Intan later moved to the new house at the spot where Istana Ladang was and Istana Kenangan was abandoned when Sultan Idris passed away
Fast forward to the 80s, Istana Kenangan which belongs to the government was turned into a museum.Unfortunately the so called museum is not ready for public viewing.Many visitors are frustrated especially history buff.Now all that remains are memories.
Ends
2 comments:
Brought back memories as my great grandma lived just behind the palace. She was serving the royalties when she was younger. My late grandma Puteh was the one breastfeeding the late Sultan Idris. So my father, uncles and aunts were seibu susu. Raja Kobat told me my late great grandma and grand mother were also royalties. However they married the locals and lost their titles. My grandma and Raja Kelsom were cousins. I usually visit this palace on Sultan Idris's birthday annually when I was younger.
Interesting Zurina.Not many knows about the royal families and that particular palace.I hope the gomen will do give it a facelift n open to public.
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