Mandailing Culture (2)

MANDAILING CULTURE: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

By Edi Nasution

ORIGIN 'NAME' OF THE ‘MANDAILING’

A number of legends that contain elements relating to the history and origins of 'marga' (clan) of the Mandailing people, are still living in the community Mandailing, as legend Namora Pande Bosi and Si Baroar that written by WillemIskander - century 18. But such a legend does not provide information regarding the history of significant Mandailing. In some historical records such as the ‘Porang Paderi’ (Padri War) history compiled by M. Radjab (1964), there is mention of the Mandailing Mandailing and involvement in the ‘Porang Paderi’. The historical record is simply related to the Mandailing community in the 18^th century and the beginning of the entry of the Dutch into Mandailing. But what about the history or circumstances Mandailing community in previous centuries there is no record of writing.

Based on existing records, the following briefly outlines the origins of the 'name' and 'existence' Mandailing people, as follows:

1. The Legend of 'Mandala Holing'

According to one oral stories (folklore) are still alive in the midst of society Mandailing until now, the 'Mandailing' word is derived from the 'Mandala Holing' word, is a kingdom which is estimated to have existed since the 12th century. Coverage Mandala Holing empire stretching from Portibi estimated in Padang Lawas up to 'Pidoli' in Panyabungan (Mandailing Godang).

In this connection, in Simangambat (not far from Siabu), there are the ruins of the temple of Shiva (Hindu), which is estimated to have existed since the 18^th century. The temple (called 'cai') is much older than the temples in Portibi (Padang Lawas), but according to estimates by experts built in the 11^th century. With the existence of this temple can raise the question of why and when the Ummah Hindu (hereinafter referred to as 'Hindus') of India came into Mandailing located in Sumatra, which they named Swarna Dwipa (Golden Island)?

It is probable that the Hindus came to Mandailing located in Swarna Dwipa is to look for gold. In the history of India, there is a statement that says that around the first century AD, gold supplies are imported into India from Central Asia stalled, as in Central Asia occurred various wars. Therefore, the kingdoms in India are trying to get gold from other places, from Sumatra (Swarna Dwipa). In this connection, we understand that in the region Mandailing which in the past to the present in it including Pasaman region there are a lot of gold. The evidence on this matter an awful lot. So huge possibility that the destination by the Hindus of India to look for gold in Swarna Dwipa is Mandailing area. At that time this area has not been named 'Mandailing'. But whatever its name when it was not known until now.

Hindus who came to the area Mandailing is derived from the country or the kingdom of Kalingga in India. Hence they are called 'alak holing' or 'alak koling. There is a possibility of them entering the area Singkuang. Because that is where Singkuang boils down to Batang Gadis ('Bayang Gadis' word means 'to trade places') river quite well known as a port. That is why the place is called 'Singkuan' by Chinese traders which means 'new hope'. Because through this port they used to obtain various merchandise (commodity) important that originated from Sumatra such as resin, camphor, elephant ivory, and so on.

According to the allegations that after the 'alak k(h)oling' arrives in Singkuang, then they follow the river upstream towards Batang Gadis river. Thus, they end up in a low-lying fertile region which is now Mandailing Godang. Since prehistoric times in the region and elsewhere in Mandailing natives already there. This is evidenced by the presence of relics from prehistoric times in the form of 'a large stone mortar-mortar' in the woods around Runding across the Batang Gadis river and other evidence at various places. And one fish that is quite famous in 'Batang Gadis' named 'mera'.

When 'alak k(h)oling' up in the Mandailing Godang (then also we do not know the name of the region), they met with the local indigenous population. Naming 'alak k(h)oling' used to refer to the Hindus who came from ‘Kalingga Affairs’ was created by the indigenous population . Upon arrival in the area Mandailing, the ‘k(h)oling’ such find what they are looking for, namely gold. We know from history that the gold was recorded as one of the main capital in the establishment of large kingdoms and gold are also a source of prosperity. After Hindus find a lot of gold in the current Mandailing, they then settled in the region. Because the ‘k(h)oling’ settled in the area, then called Mandala Holing/Koling. Mandala means neighborhood or region. So, Mandala Holing/Koling means neighborhood or residential area the k(h)oling. Until now we still often hear mention of the existence of 'Banua Holing/Koling'. But people do not know where the place is called 'Banua Holing/Koling' it.

Based on the above hypothesis, we can say that the so-called 'Banua Holing/Koling' it is Mandailing area formerly occupied by the ‘k(h)oling’. In other words, 'Banua Holing/Koling' is 'Mandala Holing/Koling'. Centuries later 'Mandala Holing/Koling' known as the 'Kingdom of Holing'. In this connection, Slamet Mulyana (1979) argues that trade and diplomatic relations between China and Java take place starting from the establishment of 'Kingdom of Holing' at the beginning of the 7^th century until the collapse of the Majapahit Empire in the early 16^th century. In line with this statement Slamet Mulyana (1979) we can see the relationship between the 'Kingdom of Holing' with the Shiva temple in Simangambat were awakened in the 8th century. And also it can be argued that from the historical records mention the existence of the ‘Kingdom of Kalingga' and 'Kingdom of Holing'. But until now historians have not determined the exact location where definitive. There are historians who suspect that the 'Kingdom of Kalingga' is located in East Java, but the 'Kingdom of Holing' that was mentioned in the Chinese records the exact location is unknown. Because it can be questioned whether the 'Kingdom of Kalingga' is also called 'Kingdom of Holing'. With arguments that have proposed above, we propose the alleged (hypothesis) that the so-called 'Kingdom of Holing' was formerly located in Mandailing which is also referred to as the 'Kingdom of Mandala Holing/Koling'. It would be reasonable to suspect that the name 'Mandahiling' (Mandailing) as mentioned by Mpu Prapanca in the Negarakertagama book the 14^th century derived from the name 'Mandalaholing' which later changed into a mention of 'Mandahiling' and finally now a 'Mandailing'. To prove the truth of this conjecture or hypothesis would still need to do research. And this is a challenge for  Mandailing people.

Anticipated Hindus settled in 'Kingdom of Mandala Holing' ('Kingdom of Holing'/'Banua Holing') is rich with gold for centuries, ie since they first came in the first centuries AD. Until the 13th century the Hindus still exist who settled in Mandailing present. This is evidenced by the discovery of quite a lot of relics of Hindu/Buddhist in Mandailing region. One of them is the 'rock pile' in Sorik Merapi mountain in 13^th century, and in the Mandailing Godang (Pidoli) there is a rice field location called 'Saba Biara'. As for the so-called 'convent’ or 'monastery' is where the first Hindu - Buddhist religious activities.

Supposedly 'Kingdom of Mandala Holing' which had once contained in Mandailing which now extends to Pasaman region (which formerly was part of the Mandailing). According to information obtained in Pasaman ever, the boundary between regions Mandailing and Minangkabau region located in ‘Si Pisang’ through ‘Palupuh’, but now the boundary between Pasaman and ‘Lima Puluh Koto’ district. Pasaman region, ie at a place called ‘Tanjung Medan’ near Rao are also similar circumstances temple to temple in Portibi. And we know that in the region there are also gold Pasaman required by Hindus. If no one in the area named Manggani. And in that region there is also a gold mine in the Dutch colonial period.

2. 'Tonggo-Tonggo Si Boru Deak Parujar'

In addition to the Kakawin Negarakertagama, the name 'Mandailing' has also been mentioned in the 'Tonggo-Tonggo Si BoruDeak Parujar', namely Toba-old literary classic. 'Tonggo-tonggo' (classical literature) consists of 10 (ten) Article Toba society as a philosophy of culture, and it is quite dense (see: Batara Sangti simanjuntak: 1977) as follows:

"Baen ma gondang ni Ompunta, Tuan Humara-Hiri, Si Humara Naboru, par-aji tamba-tua, par-aji pulung-pulungan; sinonduk ni Ompunta Sibaso Nabolon, na marsigantung ditali siubar, na meat di mombang boru".

"Sian tano hondur, tano malambut, tano hulambu jati, sian tano padang bakkil bandailing, tano siogung-ogung; parsirangan ni tano, pardomuan ni aek; Sian i ma dalan laho tu ginjang, partiatan ni Ompunta: Debata Natolu Suhu, Naopat Harajaon tu banua tonga on".

Disi ma parangin-anginan ni Ompunta 'Siboru Deakparujar', sideak uti-utian, sigodang ujar-ujaran:

1.    Na manjadihon       :  ’Gana na so boi tolonan, bulan naso boi oseon’

2.     Sian i ma mula ni      :    ’Dung-dang’

3.     Mula ni                      :    ’Sahala’

4.     Mula ni                      :    ’Harajaon’

5.     Mula ni                      :    ’Gantang tarajuan, Hatian pamonari’

6.     Mula ni                      :    ’Pungga si sada ihot’

7.     Mula ni                     :    ’Ninggala sibola tali’

8.     Sian i ma mula ni      :    ’Boli ni boru muli dohot si namot ni anak

9.     Mula ni                      :    ’Goar ni bao na so boi dohonan’

10. Nunga disihataon i :    ’Di ninggor ni ruma, dipagohan di pinggol ni Debata’

We don’t know when 'Tonggo-tonggo Siboru Deakparujar' is created or invented. We only know of the mythology of the Toba people, that 'Siboru Deak Parujar' is an important figure because 'Siboru Deak Parujar' is the daughter of 'Debata Mulajadi Nabolon’, which decreed him down from 'banua ginjang' (continent above) to 'banua tonga' (continental middle) with a fistful of earth ground to forge over the ocean. In his efforts to forge the earth, 'Siboru Deak Parujar' disrupted 'Si Raja Padoha' ('King Padoha), but finally he managed to complete the task was. Then 'Debata Mulajadi Nabolon' fattest 'Si Raja Odap-odap' down again to earth to be husband 'Si Boru Deak Parujar'. Of marriage 'Si Boru Deak Parujar' with 'Si Raja Odap-odap', was born a son named 'Si Raja Ihat Manusia', and a daughter named 'Si Boru Ihat Manusia'. Both brothers are married and then got three sons. Each 'Si Raja Miok- miok' , 'Patundal Nabegu' and 'Si Raja Lapas-lapas'. Of descent 'Si Raja Miok-miok' later born 'Si Raja Batak', which is seen as the ancestor of the Toba tribe (community).

In 'Tonggo-tonggo Si Boru Deak Parujar' clearly stated that "land is land bakil Mandailing famous, like the sound of melodious 'gong' (gong sound melodious usually attract attention and can be heard up to distant sites). From there (from the ground Mandailing) way to the top (‘sky’), where we fell from the professor: 'Debata Nan Tiga', 'Nan Tiga Segi', 'Nan Empa Kerajaan', to the middle of the continent (to earth) this".

3. 'Mundailing' and 'Mandalay'

Although the name 'Mandailing' already referred to in the Negarakertagama book around the mid 14^th century, but until now have not obtained any certainty about the 'origin of the name Mandailing' is. In addition Dada Meuraxa (1973) states that there are suspect Mandailing name derived from the word 'Mande Hilang' (Minangkabau language: 'missing mom'), others thought the name 'Mandailing' is derived from the words 'Mundailing', which means 'Munda displaced'. Mentioned that the Munda ‘nation’ in India ago because they did evacuation pressured by the Aryans. In terms of the Munda nation's late decision by the Aryans, Slametmulyana (1979) says, that "before the arrival of the Aryans, Munda peoples occupying northern India. Due to the insistence of the Aryans, the Munda‘nation’ retreated to the south. The occupation of the Aryans took place around the year 1500 BC. Munda ‘nations’ moved out of the area towards Assam India and Southeast Asia, following the occupation of the valley of the Gangga river by the Aryans in its entirety".

In a Munda ‘nation’ displacement of North India to South East Asia as driven by the Aryans, the possibility that there are friends one to Sumatra. And through the port of Barus - on the west coast of Sumatra - they continue his journey up into an area that was later called as 'Mandailing', which is derived from the words 'Mundailing' which means 'Munda displaced' (leaving the country of origin), as proposed Dada Meuraxa (1973) mentioned above.

Regarding the way in the Munda peoples of the west coast of Sumatra, which is the port of Barus, be remembered that the place several centuries before the solar year is already much visited by various nations, and became very famous for its harbor as producer commodity ‘kapur barus’ (camphor). And in Barus in the past there were never colonies Tamils ​​also came from India.

Dada Meuraxa (1973) also states that there is a mention is the origin of the Mandailing name  (words) 'Mandalay’, which is the name of the capital city in Burma. In this connection we can see the opinion of T.E. Tarigan and Emilkam Tambunan (1974) which states that "In Northern Burma there is a center of civilization and city government called Mandalay is almost the same as in Mandailing - South Tapanuli".

From the other side would think that saying the name 'Mandailing' is derived from the words 'Mundailing' (Munda displaced) can be connected also with the idea that ‘Mandailing’ name comes from the word 'Mandalay'. Perhaps the people who urged Munda of their country in India are not directly move to Sumatra. But for the first period of their life in the Burma or 'Mandalay'. Later on they moved new from Mandalay to the Sumatra, and enter areas through road Mandailing as noted above.

Munda process of moving people from Mandalay to Sumatra (Mandailing) can also be connected with the transfer of the nations of South Asia (India Rear) into Indonesia in the past more than 1000 years before Christ. According Mangaradja Onggang Parlindungan in his book is highly controversial it (Tuanku Rao, 1964), that the transfer was due to the insistence of the Mongols from the north. He said also that there are those who sailed from South Burma to Indonesia and partially arrived in Sumatra.

The possibility of such a transfer process, Munda peoples of India who had originally lived in Mandalay (North Burma) as driven by the Mongols and then moved to South Burma, and because they also pressed continuously then sailed to the Indonesian and some arrived in Sumatra and occupies an area that became known as the 'Mandailing'.

4 . 'Mandala' and 'iling'

According to Basyral Hamidy Harahap (2013), Mandailing name comes from two words, namely 'mandala' and 'iling'. Mandala in Sanskrit means the district, regional, and war arena. While the words ‘iling’ contained in the vocabulary Mandailing, Angkola, Karo, Simelungun, and Toba which means 'oblique' when associated with the contour of the land in the form of a gently sloping hill (called 'dolok'), slopes and plains of the valley flowed a river. Warneck (1977) mentions that the word 'iling' means 'zurseite geneight' means 'ramp'. A village in Raya district, Simelungun, named ‘Huta iling’ that coordinate 2^o56'0 " North Latitude and 98^o53'0 " east longitude , about 21 kilometers west Siantar between Panai and Raya. Ecology ‘Huta iling’ was the same as Mandailing. But to known that, in Mandailing language, the word 'ling' means 'high-pitched sound’, something like the sound of birds ‘serindit’ the male sex.

5 . ‘Mandala Hilang’

MangarajaLelo Lubis (1986), one of the traditional leaders and community leaders Mandailing, in the book ‘Sopo Godang dan Silipi Mandailing’, also wrote about the origin of the name 'Mandailing'. In the book raised by Mangaraja Lelo Lubis that according to the old story, the name 'Mandailing' is derived from the word 'Mandala Holing'. In the past 'Mandala Holing' is a kingdom covering areas ranging from Portibi in Padang Lawas up to Pidoli in Mandailing (near Panyabungan). At first, located in the center of the kingdom Portibi, where the discovery of ancient temples. Due to the insistence of Majapahit, then later fled to Pidoli. Once upon a time in Pidoli there are also temples. Among other remnants located in a place called 'Saba Biara' around Pidoli. In this connection it may be remembered that in Portibi temples, also called the 'candi biara' or 'biaro'. The words 'biara' is presumably derived from the 'temple' meaning a place of worship for Buddhism.

The possibility of a kingdom called 'Mandala Holing' of yore in South Tapanuli, as proposed by Mangaraja Lelo Lubis, can be attributed to the expansion of Majapahit for control of the area or the possibility kingdom mentioned in the book of Negarakertagama as 'Mandahiling' (Mandala Holing). If royal 'Mandala Holing' is connected with the temples in Portibi, it is necessary to bear in mind that there are researchers who said that the temples were built since the 10^th century. And there is also a call to the 11^th century. In fact, there is a mention of the construction of temples started century 5. Until now there has been no certainty about the future development of the temples in the Portibi. If royal 'Mandala Holing' is synonymous with the area or 'Kingdom of Mandahiling' mentioned in the Negarakertagama book, it can be noted that the expansion of the kingdom of Majapahit ('Mandailing') that occurred around the mid 14th century.

There are still other information expressed by Mangaraja Lelo Lubis about the origin of the name Mandailing, namely that the name 'Mandailing' is derived from the word 'Mandala Hilang'. In this case, explained that at one time people Mandala, ie persons 'Koling' ('Keling') Mandailing inhabit. At the time of the Malays to enter the area, the people Mandala (Koling = Keling ) go elsewhere. Therefore, the Malay saying 'Mandala Hilang', and over time 'as' was turned into 'Mandailing'. With the opinion thus, we are compelled to think, is it not possible that what is meant by the ‘Mandala' ('Holing') it is the people who in ancient times came from Mandalay (Burma) to ‘Mandailing’ region. And the people who came from Mandalay was none other than those who originally fled Munda from India to Burma as urged by the Aryans as noted earlier. In this connection, the name 'Mandala' right adjacent to the name of 'Mandalay'.

Previously been proposed about the existence of a number of ancient relics in several places in Mandailing. These ancient relics are authentic evidence, that there men who inhabited the region at that time Mandailing, as indigenous Mandailing, where they continue to grow until then Hindus came and settled in Mandailing.

It is probable that among the natives and immigrants (Keling, the Hindus), where they coexist peacefully and then build the kingdom in Mandailing. This conjecture is based on the fact that although many found relics of the Hindu era in Mandailing region, but also found indigenous cultural heritage Mandailing which develops itself without dominated by Hindu influence. For example, 'statues' as found on page Bagas Godang in Panyabungan Tonga-Tonga and 'wooden sculptures' contained in Huta Godang (Ulu Pungkut - Mandailing Julu). Likewise, traditional ornaments (called 'bolang') contained in Bagase Godang and Sopo Godang are very few shows Hindu influence, namely the triangle -shaped ornament called 'bindu' ('pusuk robung') which is a symbol of the social system ie Dalian Na Tolu. In Hindu culture, 'bindu' (triangle shape) is a symbol of the mystical relationship between man and god Trimurti. Other parts of the traditional ornaments do not show the influence of Hinduism. From the shape, the ornaments that existed until now only use geometric lines (straight lines), except ornaments of natural objects, man-made and animals such as the sun, moon, stars, swords, snakes, and others. Shape ornaments using only geometric lines proves the ornaments are from the era was so long ago (primitive). In addition, there are also Hindu influence on Mandailing traditional culture, such as the naming of the ‘desa na ualu’ (‘cardinal directions’) and the knighthood as Raja (Mangaraja), Soripada, Guru, and the name of the mountain like Dolok Malea, and use ‘traditional shampoo’ (called 'pangir' ) well as baths in Batang Gadis river.

Diversity Mandailing language consisting of hata Somal, hata sibaso, hata parkapur, hata teas dohot jampolak and grandmother that each vocabulary showed divergent Mandailing indigenous culture has long been developing. This of course resulted from an already high civilization which is not much influenced by Hindu culture. So it can be concluded that although the Hindus for a long time to settle and develop indigenous Mandailing culture but not dominated by Hindus and freely develop its own culture.

Likewise, all of the above thoughts are still hypothetical and therefore still requires more extensive research and in-depth. It is a challenge for the sons Mandailing to perform further research. Hopefully none of them were interested to examine it, so the origin of the name and existence of this Mandailing people do not live to be 'puzzle' for ever. [EN]

Ancestors of Mandailing people

"ANCESTORS OF MANDAILING PEOPLE

NOT FALL FROM THE SKY ?

By Edi Nasution

Lately, history Mandailing debate among many ranging. Mandailing questionable provenance, whether he is a clump with the Batak people, or people Mandailing derived from Coastal Pelayu nation, or further away from it, namely 'India Belakang' ('Rear India' or South East Asia). Mandailing past were not found in the text (notes) history, but after the Dutch came to Mandailing during the 'Padri War'.  

The origins of the Mandailing not from Samosir Island in Toba. This fact is based on the geographical location of the region Mandailing (called Tano Rura or Tano Sere), and the pattern of distribution of the population at the beginning of the infiltration of the Malay community in the megalithic period.

People do not like the Batak (Toba) in general that has the pedigree (called Tarombo) are clear, then the genealogy of the Mandailing should be somewhat blurred. This explains why the 'oldest clan' of 'original clan' comes from where. For example, no one knows for sure the origin of the clan Pulungan (in HutaBargot-Mandailing) where the groves of the pedigree of the Batak (Toba).

The origins of the Mandailing instead of 'land Toba' or 'Bataklanden' (called Tao Toba) is a different perspective, and the most sensible healthy. In comparison, for example, when Poland became independent from the Soviet Union, Poland made ​​national history to be taught in public schools. The goal for the Polish citizens love their own people. However, when history is rewritten with a new perspective, the historical record has changed. Of course, it makes the Russians to protest and also accused the Polish resistance deny the historical fact of the Soviet Union against Nazi Hitler (Germany).

The view that the origin of the Mandailing not from Toba land, not a historical fact deflection, as did Poland to the Soviet Union. The origins of the Mandailing people not from the land Toba have a scientific explanation is attractive for development. Why say interesting because lately many anomalies can be concluded that the origin of the plateau Mandailing instead of (ground) of Toba.

And most do not make sense to say that the origin of the Mandailing of Ompu Mulajadi  Nabolon so  coming down from the mountain top. The origins of the Mandailing definitely not like a fairy tale the Toba (Batak) as Si Boru Deak Parujar, Si Raja odap odap and other tales that make no sense. The origins of the Mandailing in history is the fact that makes sense and can no longer be deceived by the story that intentionally recorded by the Dutch colonial and missionary terms with politics and worldview of Orientalism in the first period.

Mandailing as an ethnic group (nation, before the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia),'ve got a very old civilization. The proof can be seen from the old graves in Mandailing, which is spread not far from the both Batang Gadis and Angkola rivers. Mandailing early graves are animists or dynamism before the advent of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are included in the next Mandailing chronology.

Mandailing very first person (the ancestors) has long grave, and not infrequently a Mandailing has two graves, one for himself and the other is a treasure that is buried beside the grave. Mandailing people  pad originally had a pattern of burial (cemetery) different with burial in the Toba area. There, most people died not buried, but in semayamkan in a closed room. And it is still valid until now.

On the other hand, Tano Rura Mandailing had better soil fertility compared with Tao Toba in general, although it is not necessary to explain that the origin of the Mandailing not come from Toba. Mandailing got calls itself long before the Dutch came to Tano Rura or (Mandailing). When it is, Mandailing called Mandheiling, Mandala Holing or Mandahiling, it occurs in the Majapahit era. But is not that high culture and civilization emerged in the lowlands near rivers such as the Egyptian civilization in near sungai river, and Hindustan civilization in the Indus river.

Of course, customs or culture of the Mandailing have many differences with the Toba (Batak), which continues mengaami change (and also development) after the arrival of other nations (such as India Keling, Arabic, Chinese, and so on).

In terms of the spread of the human, the Mandailing not the same as the Toba (Batak), which at one time was not needed because of the spread of a point of land is so vast and the population is very small. Spreading clan of inland Toba occur in the next period. That is the explanation why many clans of people who have no connection with the clan in Toba, such as Siregar clan, is a clan "newcomer" in Tano Rura - Mandailing. Mandailing the geographical position of the region is fertile enough, it will not go far apart in the region steppa at Batang Gadis  and Angkola, except after the area has been explored by all the population. So, Mandailing ancestors did not come from the Tao Toba, on the contrary the Toba (Batak) derived from Tano Sere (Mandailing) is a logical conclusion. [EN]

Ancestral Cultural Heritage

Reviving the Culture Ancestor
of the Mandailing People

By Edi Nasution

The reality of a 'nation-state' which shows the condition of cultural and ethnic diversity, the government tends to take a policy to adopt the principle of 'multi-culturalism'. In the principle of 'multi-culturalism' no awareness that the 'nation-state' is not singular , but rather consists of many components that different.¹

In this world, Indonesia is one of the 'multi-cultural nation' largest. Various plurality in Indonesia consists of a diversity of social class, ethnicity. race, gender, and so on. This can be supported by the following data : (a) is a country that has a ± 13,000 islands; (b) the population of over 200 million;  (c) have a ± 656 ethnic groups; (d) has more than 360 local dialects; (e) diverse religion or belief in God Almighty (Soebadio, H., 1983; Yaqin, AM, 2005), and (f) Indonesia consists of 34 provinces. The living conditions of the multicultural society in the macro can be a motivating factor or otherwise as inhibiting the process of  'national development' in various fields (See Koentjaraningrat, 1982; Ihromi, TO, 1984).²

As an ethnic entity in Indonesia, People Mandailing quite widely known in the tribal diversity in the archipelago, particularly in North Sumatra as the place of origin and development of the tribal. In some parts of the Malay Peninsula, also known as nomads Mandailing. Mandailing many settled in the country since the 19th century. However, the introduction of a wide audience of people usually only limited Mandailing ethnic group, often confused as a sub-ethnic Batak. Differences of opinion on the question whether the Batak Mandailing or not is up to now still 'warm' in academic circles, the author of culture and also in the community, even among young people who argue quite exciting in the cyberspace.³

One of the main reasons that make people almost always defined Mandailing people as Batak is the fact that the publication of the Mandailing people and their culture is very little. The foreign writers since colonial times highlights the Toba Batak culture, and the authors generally have pre-assumptions and ideas that have been previously 'conceptualized' (preconceived ideas) about the distribution of the Batak tribe of six sub-tribes, including the one Mandailing. Subsequent writers, both foreign and indigenous, such classifications tend agrees without critically examines scientific reasons or arguments regarding this categorization. While the writings of Mandailing written by people in the past Mandailing generally in the form of romance, novels or short stories in the language ('Hata') Mandailing. They are the generation that most writers are directly or indirectly pupil of Willem Iskander (1862-1874), and education reformers thought Mandailing origin in the 19th century. In addition, there are also writings about the story of the origin of the clan, folklore ('turi- turian') and a description of Mandailing customs, most of which are still written in Mandailing.⁴

Accordingly, it is time for people to rebuild Mandailing, Mandailing understanding of the entity itself. Create understanding can be started from build 'awareness'  about the identity of Mandailing, namely Mandailing as a 'nation' with all the attributes of all its Mandailing. Awareness about the need inflamed Mandailing identity beforehand, so everyone expected back Mandailing have pride and courage to say anywhere and anytime: 'Mandailing people' . Instead of 'X Mandailing' or 'Mandailing Y' or any other designation. Because based on observations in recent decades, the case of pride and courage to declare the identity (all mandailing 's) has been eroded so much, so it needs to be confirmed back.⁵

To bring our memory back, far-away days before Mangaradja Ihoetan tale book "Riwajat Tanah Wakaf Bangsa Mandailing di Soengai Mati Medan" (1928: 4 ), has warned that: ⁶

“… toeroenan-toeroenan bangsa Mandailing... tahoe bagaimana djerih pajah bapa-bapa serta nenek mojangnja mempertahankan atas berdirinja kebangsaan Mandailing itoe. Dengan djalan begitoe diharap tiadalah kiranja mereka itoe akan sia-siakan lagi kebangsaannja dengan moedah maoe menghapoeskannja dengan djalan memasoekkan diri pada bangsa lain jang tidak melebihkan martabatnja”.

To reawaken 'Mandailing awareness of identity' of course we must understand that Mandailing is an entity  'nationality' that already exist in a very long historical span. Mandailing name has been mentioned at least since the 14th century in the book Negarakertagama. Each of us who has historical knowledge Mandailing should willing to share knowledge in order to track the history of Mandailing increasingly bright for the younger generations Mandailing on especially.⁷

Many versions of history and legend that we may know, that may not be in sync with each other. But most important for us in addressing the historical information that is putting an objective attitude and trying to find the facts anyway. For example, is the fact that the Mpu Prapanca has named Mandailing the 14th century associated with the Majapahit kingdom; was the fact that Mandailing geographically adjacent/ neighboring other names are also called Mpu Prapanca in his book; was the fact that there is no place in the region named Mandailing in 'Pusuk Buhit' (Toba), so that the associative relationship Mandailing with the legend of Toba questionable historical validity; was the fact that Mandailing is a geographical region that exists in the map of the earth and never inhabited and visited by many nations, and relic evidence they can still be shown; was the fact that the land has a wealth Mandailing congenital (eg 'gold' ) which is the reason many nations come to the land, is the fact that human beings with diverse backgrounds different origins, different races and religious beliefs different geographical areas once inhabited the named Mandailing; Mandailing is the fact that people are living now in the region if observed carefully still leaves the 'evidence' of the existence of a diverse mixture of race-diverse nation that ever inhabited the territory that.⁸

In connection with the above description, it would be appropriate if our understanding of Mandailing People should be built through an understanding that they are the result of the intermingling of many peoples who have lived in the geographical area Mandailing happens in the long sweep of history for centuries. Therefore, it does not seem appropriate if we always associate with the history of history Mandailing 'clans' that were there, let alone reducing it merely 'clans' as we know it; especially if it is with the dichotomy narrowed region Mandailing Julu and Mandailing Godang associated with the 'clan' Lubis and Nasution alone. Again, probably will be more striking if we define man as a result Mandailing intermingling of many nations who once inhabited the area for centuries Mandailing.

If we agree that the Mandailing is the result of the intermingling of diverse peoples, then we no longer ask for rejecting the argument purifikatif Batak people who say the Mandailing derived from Si Raja Batak descent. But here we do not need to discuss the invalidity arguments 'Tarombo Si Raja Batak'. But we want to point out, that the construction is not congruent with the historical Mandailing Batak historical construction as understood so far, ie as if the man Batak (including Mandailing in the conception of those who support it) is derived from a common ancestor named Si Raja Batak. Therefore, let us together learn the legend of the origin of the 'marga' or 'clan' in Mandailing, and we will find the fact that the ancestors of each clan are coming from different places, some from the east, there that of the west, but nothing fell from the sky like the Batak.⁹

People Mandailing who have the Lubis clan for example, although referring to the origins of their ancestors to 'Daeng Malewa' which is the Bugis, does not necessarily have to be canceled Mandailing recognition of himself as a person, because when the derivative Daeng Malewa generations have lived in the area Mandailing, they no longer identifies itself with the label 'Bugis', but has been merged into a part of the community Mandailing. Similarly with other clans, including the Tanjung clan for example the strong historical relationship with the Minangkabau. 'Tanjung' clan has long been part of the social system Dalian Natolu in a number of villages in Mandailing, so they are valid as Mandailing.¹⁰

The identity of 'nationality' should not Mandailing assosiated with ancestral together as being a model of Toba Batak people think the 'myth Si Raja Batak' famous. Similarly, Acehnese, Javanese, Malay, Sundanese, and others who Acehnese identity, Javanese, Malay and Sundanese they do not have to be referred to the respective one common ancestor. Is Acehnese declared invalid as a 'nation' of Aceh, or the Javanese as a 'nation' Java simply because they do not have a common ancestor figures ? ¹¹

Just to mention one only inconsistency or invalidity historical Si Raja Batak is, that on the one hand, the Batak mention their origin from Si Raja Batak leaders who are descendants of the 'manusia-dewa' and fell in Pusuk Buhit. But on the other hand, those authors also always associate that a Batak is a ramification of human migration that comes from the region of the Asian continent, whether classified as proto-Malay, Malay Deutro and so many bad since then. So, which one is correct ? Thankfully that people Mandailing knowledge we never call themselves descended from the 'manusia-dewa', but rather the result of the migration process can diveriifikasi validity history.¹²

With the understanding that human Mandailing it is basically the result of assimilation, as noted above, is valid if subsequently generas 'early-generation' citizens who live in the area past the Mandailing arrangement requires a life together that we call culture. Of course we are very difficult - and not just us, but all the people, too - since when determining Mandailing culture (following all the attributes that we still know it today) was formed ? This question is not a question is important and essential , because the essence of each culture is dynamic, not static. Therefore, it is important to understand is the fact that the Mandailing who initially lived in the geographical area called Mandailing already has a rich heritage of civilization, which if traced back seen from the number of ancient relics that prove his civilization them.¹³

Batak people have always argued that the remnants of ancient relics in Mandailing not inherited Mandailing, but the inheritance of the Hindu/Buddhist. Mandailing people, they said, came later to it, while the owner of the civilization that left the ancient buildings have been lost, surrendered, or vanished. There may be such a view, but it seems less plausible, because an open area like Mandailing which for centuries visited by people from different parts of the wind, surely human interact with each other, share knowledge, and therefore pass processes culture such as diffusion, acculturation and assimilation. Mandailing culture reflects the facts acculturative. Thus, we can see from the language, beliefs  social systems and their material culture. Writing  letter - 'surat tulak tulak' for example (the latter is called 'the Batak writing'), according to research and Uli Kozok and van Der Tuuk, it evolved from Mandailing to Toba, not vice versa. That is, the tradition of writing as a form of modernity, it comes from Mandailing and moving north. In addition, vocabulary is derived from the Sanskrit and Tamil languages ​​can be found in Mandailing, and it is also a historical fact with Mandailing closly related with Indian civilization, which is not only recorded in the language, but is also evident from the resence of the nation physically in the past Mandailing. Bisuk Siahaan, one of the authors Batak Toba, the  gentlemen' to admit that never found an inscription was in Toba region, which presumably could show ''evidence of the presence of physicists other nations in the region. Thankfully that Mandailing area has many ancient relics from the stone age to the time of the Hindu/Buddhist, which in part has been destroyed, abandoned, and so far it is still a 'legacy dumb' because it has not been widely scientific studies.¹⁴

Mandailing people have their own language that 'Hata Mandailing', or more commonly called 'Saro Mandailing'. In addition to having its own language, the ethnic Mandailing also has its own script called 'surat tulak-tulakt' (not the Batak alphabet). Although the Mandailing has its own alphabet, but do not use to record or write their history. In addition to write 'tarombo' ('family tree'), the script used to record a lot of medicine and science of forecasting in the 'traditional book' called 'pustaha'. Therefore, up to now not found Mandailing historical records written by the 'surat tulak-tulak'. Matters relating to past Mandailing only recorded as 'oral history' of past stories that are sometimes spoken by the people who still remember Mandailing. There is also a  'pustaha' made of 'laklak' ('bark') folded, and some are made from a section or several sections of bamboo. 'Pustaha' made of bark folded it usually contains spells and traditional ways of healing. There was also containing astrology (a kind of astrology), the science of fortune telling and the occult sciences. While 'pustaha' made of one or more joints of bamboo usually containing 'tarombo' .

According to Harry Parkin, in his book entitled 'Batak Fruit of Hindu Thought' (1978:102), that date was recorded as the date of first 'pustaha' obtained a collector is the only evidence of age 'pustaha'. On May 18, 1746, Alexander Hall handed the 'pustaha' to the British Museum. That 'pustaha' oldest ever known. In the same book Harry Parkin also explained that the 'style' used in writing 'pustaha' was called 'hata poda' (variety of language advisory). This means that all 'pustaha' (owned by various ethnic groups in North Sumatra, as Mandailing, Angkola, Toba, Simelungun, Karo, and Pakpak) uses a similar style. The language styles, according to P. Voarhoeve (1955), is an ancient language variety from the South (Mandailing). 'Pustaha' from other areas , such as Toba, Simelungun, Karo, and the consortium, written in a language that is not purely ethnic groups, but is written with a variety of 'hata poda' mixed with ethnic language.¹⁵

Thus the fact that it supports the conclusions reached as a result of comparison of the writings of various idioms that the language used to write 'pustaha' get aksaranya from the 'south' (Mandailing). Variety 'hata poda' associated with the occult sciences are dominated by the 'datu' presents a variety of linguistic problems . Each 'datu' have 'term' or 'system abbreviation' own language. Each magic has its own terminology that is not used in everyday language, so it is not generally understood. Usually only 'datu' responsible for writing 'pustaha', and which can give a full and clear explanation of the contents of 'pustaha'.¹⁶

A comparison of the script that has the equations used to write 'pustaha', along with the fact that the 'hata poda' is an ancient language diversity of the 'south' (Mandailing) gives a hint of the development pattern of the South to the North. Fill 'pustaha' show an interest that is clearly against the concept of 'megicoriligious' (magic-religious concept) .¹⁷

Harry Parkin (1978:101) adds, that "the script into the area of Mandailing Toba. From Toba road forked path around the lake, one branch moving into Simelungun, and the other branch enters the Dairi, and from there went back Karo. This happens gradually and naturally ... " . While other Western scholars is Uli Kozok in his book "Warisan Leluhur, Sastra dan Aksara Batak"(1999: 61-79 ) also illustrates the distribution of 'surat tulak tulak' of Mandailing to the North (as depicted in a map) .¹⁸

If the use of 'surat tulak tulak' is used as a sign of age in the history of Mandailing, we also do not know at all when it's time citizens entis Mandailing use the script. That means that we do not know when people started to initiate era Mandailing history.¹⁹

It may not be wrong if history Mandailing we begin by talking about the era in Indonesian Hindus or Hindu era in Mandailing. Because we know that the Hindu nation come to Indonesia, including Mandailing, have a script. In this connection, there are some opinions (theories) which says that the ethnic scripts contained in this archipelago, including the 'surat tulak tulak', derived from the Hindu script called 'Pallava script', 'Dewa Nagari' and 'Kala Nagari'.²⁰

If we accept this argument then we can say that the era of history in Mandailing ranging from early centuries AD. Because at this time that the Hindus of India began to enter into Mandailing, which is between the first century BC and the fifth century. Because in the 2nd century AD the Hindus of India began to busy looking for gold because gold supplies to India at that time started stopped due to the occurrence of major unrest in the Central Asian nation due to the invasion of the Huns and the Tar Tar and nation Mongol.²¹

We know that the Hindu nation called the island of Sumatra as 'Swarna Dwipa' ('Golden Island') which is the goal of Hindu India at the time they were trying to find gold. On the island of Sumatra, Mandailing region - which in ancient times including Pasaman region - rich with 'sere' (gold). From ancient times to the present, Mandailing called 'Tano Omas Sigumorsing' or 'Tano Sere' which means 'Golden Land'. [EN]

 Gandoang, January 12, 2014.

FOOTNOTE

1.  Therefore ' multi-cultural education' very urgent created in the educational curriculum. In this case,  the National Council for Social Studies (Gorski, 2001) proposed a number of functions that show the importance of the existence of a 'multi-cultural' between other education, namely: (i) giving a clear self-concept, (ii) help to understand the experience ethnic and cultural groups in terms of history; (iii) help to understand that the conflict between the ideal and the reality that exists in every society; (iv) help develop decision -making ( decision making) , social participation and citizenship skills (citizenship skills), and (v) recognize the diversity in language use.

2. In the book "Politics, Language, and Culture : A Critical Look At School Reform", Joseph Check (2004) posed an interesting question about the curriculum in the education system. Can the education system of a country through its curriculum load to avoid questions about the issue of race, language, and culture, and can achieve a high interpretation ? "Very serious question invites us to answer that is not possible it seems we avoid such issues as far as the issue of equity (equity) remained higher education, access (access) and quality (quality) education is still low. To address the inequities that one of them by creating or inserting the agenda of cultural and ethnic diversity within the national education curriculum. According to Ronald Ferguson (2002) and the response approaches a very large cultural influence on children's achievement in school, especially menyengkut attitudes and behaviors of students in view of the difference. See Ahmad Baedowi, "Cultural Diversity and Ethnic In Charge of Education curriculum", http://www.bit.lipi.go.id/masyarakat-literasi/index.php/component/content/article/62 3 ? joscclean = 1 & comment_id = 391, accessed date.December 12, 2013.

3. Zulkifli B. Lubis , "Contribution of Culture Revitalization Mandailing For Thought" , http://mandailing-ni-mandailing.blogspot.com/ accessed date , December 12, 2013 .

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

11. Ibid.

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. Ibid.

15. Z. Pangaduan Lubis, "Mandailing Dalam Lintansan Sejarah", http://www . mandailing.org/ind/rencana18.html , accessed date, December 12, 2013.

16. Ibid.

17. Ibid.

18. Ibid.

19. Ibid.

20. Ibid.

21. Ibid.