Since we are mentioning about translation, I would
like to explore my motherland, the meaning of Malaysia (formerly Malaya) in
Sanskrit just for fun.
The word ‘Malaya’ is perhaps originated from a Sanskrit name
referring to a place. As recorded in an Indian epic, the Mahabhrata compiled
somewhere around 4BC, Tamilian king sent a ship made of gold to bring chendana
(sandalwood) oil of Malaya to celebrate Yudhisthira king’s coronation.
In another ancient Indian literature, Satapatha Brahmana in Vajasaneyi
Sanhita Yajur Veda recorded that when the big flood submerged the land and
formed the Indian Ocean, the water on Jambudvipa subsequently subsided, the ark
of Manu was grounded on the north of Malaya Parvatas; which should be the
current Malabar mountain ranges. However, Malabar is an Arabic word originated
from Sanskrit ‘Malaya-vara’ or ‘the mountain nation’. Coincidentally, ‘malayalam’
refers to ‘mountain range’ and ‘malaya’ refers to ‘mountain’. The modern Tamil
still calls mountain as ‘malai’.
The work ‘Vayu Purana’ from 5AD mentioned that Jambudvipa
was divided into 6 continents. Amongst the continents, there was a ‘Malayadvipa’
which refered to Sumatera however. Perhaps the Indian too like other races tend
to name a place new to them with their most familiar name. For example: The
Maha-Malaya refers to the highest peak in Sumatera, Gnung Kerintji. While the
spiritual mountain, Mandora in Indian epic refers to Si-Guntang Mahameru
mountain. There is a river flowing at the foot of Mahameru. This river is known
as Sungei Malayu that perhaps was named after some ancient Indian has migrated
at the place.
Interestingly, although the Sultanate Melaka has
acknowledged the use of the word ‘Malayu’; the Federated Malay States was introduced
by the British colonial.
Maybe only the God can reveal the real situation. I will
leave the puzzle to scholars to argue about.
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