The Origins of the Name Taiping
Taiping is a town rich in historical heritage. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the name Taiping?
Taiping is located in the districts of Larut, Matang, and Selama. This town began as a small settlement producing tin ore before becoming the first capital of Perak. In reality, the name of Taiping town was originally known as Klian Pauh. The word "Klian" means mine, and the word "Pauh" means mango in the Kelantan dialect. Therefore, the literal definition of Klian Pauh is Mango Mine, which likely describes the surrounding area, which was filled with tin mines and mango trees.
Originally, the Taiping area was a Malay settlement, and many foreigners began arriving there since the start of tin mining operations by Long Jaafar. According to stories passed down through generations, the event involved the rediscovery of Long Jaafar's lost elephant, named Larut, which was found covered in mud containing tin ore.
Long Jaafar
Because of this, it is said that the district was named Larut after Long Jaafar's elephant to commemorate the event that triggered large-scale tin mining activities there.
The strategic location of Taiping town at that time also contributed to its economic development, as it was situated between two other developing towns, Butterworth and Ipoh. Regarding the name Taiping, it means Safe or Peaceful, or its full meaning is Everlasting Peace in Chinese, derived from the original word "Tai-Peng". The story goes that a conflict broke out between two Chinese secret societies mining tin in the Klian Pauh area: Ghee Hin and Hai San. These two factions fought over tin mining areas and waterways. To summarize, after reaching a peace agreement, the name Taiping was chosen as the new name to replace Klian Pauh.
A Brief Chronology of Taiping's History
- The area was administered by the Minister of Larut, Long Jaafar, who was granted authority by the Sultan of Perak.
- Long Jaafar built his administrative center in Bukit Gantang and made Kuala Sungai Limau in Trong the main port for the Larut territory.
- The British began official colonization of Perak in 1874 immediately after the Pangkor Treaty was signed, and the Larut territory was administered by Captain Speedy as the Assistant British Resident.
- Taiping town began to be developed by the British because it was rich in tin ore.
- The capital of Perak, which was originally in Bandar Baru near Kampung Gajah, moved to Taiping after the assassination of J. W. W. Birch by Dato Maharaja Lela in Pasir Salak.
- Taiping ceased to be the capital of Perak in 1937. Subsequently, Ipoh was chosen as the capital of Perak due to its strategic location in the center of the state and its growing economy.
Today, Taiping remains prominent for its historical characteristics, earning it the title of Heritage Town, and it continues to develop to this day.
