Bandar Seri Begawan- Good educational and spiritual experience can be gained by visiting graves of past heroes. Their tombs can be found in Bandar Seri Begawan and in well-known mausoleums in outlying areas.
Last Wednesday, 103 form two students and supervising teachers from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic Religious Secondary Girls` School (SUAMPRIPAD) went to see the tomb of Sultan Bolkiah, the fifth Sultan of Brunei.
One of the most treasured reminders of the historical heritage of the Sultanate, the tomb is located in Kota Batu, the oldest capital of Brunei Darussalam.
Kota Batu is the only site known to show evidence of occupation more or less continuously for 1,000 years. Discoveries have included coins and ceramics dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
At the main entrance of the mausoleum is an inscription on the history of the Sultan. Teachers gave the students a short account of the Sultan`s exploits.
Sultan Bolkiah ruled Brunei from 1485 to 1524, known as the Golden Age because Brunei became the superpower of the Malay Archipelago. During his reign, he spread the territory of Brunei widely and led his fleet on numerous voyages to Java, Malacca and to the Philippines where, for a short time, he seized and held Manila.
He was also a great diplomat. His marriage to Princess Lela Menchanai (the princess of Sulu) and daughter of Datu Kemin helped widen Brunei`s influence in the Philippines.
Known as Nakhoda Ragan, the `Singing Captain`, he died as he returned home from one of his voyages to Java. After his death, Sultan Bolkiah was succeeded by his son, Sultan Abdul Kahar.
From the entrance, a walkway brought the group to the main tomb on a gentle hill, overlooking the Brunei River.
The tomb`s exquisite workmanship, chiseled patterns and Quranic inscriptions drew the students` attention and admiration.
Two tombstones are on the main tomb structure. A third has the name `Lain` inscribed in Arabic calligraphy on one side. It belongs to Princess Lela Menchanai, according to a teacher.
The KB 1 excavation site contains tomb-related materials such as pottery, tools and weapons, which suggest that it was used as a burial ground.
"We like field trips, we feel they`re very interesting and helpful," said student Nurul Ain Ismail. "Lessons in school become livelier and are easier to understand because we have the chance to see the actual places first-hand."
Sharifah Fatimah, her classmate, said that schools should visit the Mausoleum and other historical sites in Brunei. "You`ll get a glimpse of the former glory of Brunei Darussalam and understand what people in the past went through by experiencing it yourselves," she said.
Source: http://www.brudirect.com