Rethinking Raffles: A Study Of Stamford Raffles Discourse On Religions Amongst Malays

Based on a study of Sir Stamford Raffles letters and related documents, this book argues that Raffles had a variety of opinions about the religions observed amongst the Malays that he encountered during his tour of duty in the Malay Archipelago. These religions included Islam, Hinduism-Buddhism, Paganism and Christianity. The author identifies a common idea running through Raffles opinionshis unwillingness to accept that the Malays should continue to maintain the religious beliefs which he observed amongst them. Another objective of this book is to uncover some of Raffles ideas on what constitutes the term “”religion.””