Mahsuri’s Tomb is the crypt of
the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Located in the village of Mawat, 12km from
Kuah, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri. Most of the island’s natural
attractions have fables attached in true Malay style and Mahsuri’s Tomb is probably
its most famous legend. The story begins with the beautiful Mahsuri, a maiden
(or princess by some accounts) born over 200 years ago, who married the love of
her life during a time of conflict with the Siamese. Her husband went off to
fight in the war and her mother-in-law, jealous of her beauty, vengefully
accused Mahsuri of adultery.
Mahsuri protested her innocence
but the village elders tried the young girl, found her guilty and sentenced her
to death by stabbing. She was tied to a stake but when she was pierced with the
ceremonial dagger she bled white blood, a sign of her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri
cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck. Later the Siamese
conquered Kedah and invaded the island – the inhabitants of Langkawi set fire
to their staple crop and poisoned their wells in order to halt the advance of
the invaders. Legend has it to this day traces of burnt rice can be seen in
nearby Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice) especially after torrential
downpours.
by : Nur Suhada Syafika Bt Mohd Yazid
PTM140717136
PTM140717136
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