The Royal Nobat of Perak

Abstract

The Malay nobat is the only court ensemble found in the Islamicate world that is still performed within its original context to serve political rulers. It symbolises power and sovereignty, and no ruler who possesses a nobat is legitimately installed unless he is dinobatkan (drummed) to its sound. It is an ancient art form that binds together an amalgamation of different cultures and beliefs, which culminates into a sacrosanct musical entity. Guarded as part of court regalia, the nobat is revered for its perceived mystical powers and ability to consolidate and maintain social-political order. This book is an ethnomusicological study of the Royal Nobat of Perak, one of the oldest Sultanates in Malaysia.