KELLIE’S CASTLE AND THE INDIAN LABOUR IN BATU GAJAH, PERAK, 1870-1926

Abstract

This paper will focus on the history of Kellie 's Castle, built by William Kellie Smith in Batu Gajah, Perak, between the period 1870 to 1926 and the relationship between Kellie Smith and the Indian plantation labourers. This would indicate that the writing of the history of the state of Perak would not be complete without touching Kellie's Castle in Perak with the first elevator shaft in Malaya with some other peculiarities as 3 tunnels under the castle. Needless to say, Kellie had a clear fascination and deep involvement with Indian culture and that appeared to have been the motivation behind his actions. The historical studies like these that focus on the Indian community in every state in Malaya is very important because the writings are very limited and would give a clear picture of their social life especially in plantation. This paper used qualitative methods and variety of sources especially National Archives records that have never been used by any previous researchers. The main question of this paper is focused on the history of the most historic buildings and relations between India labour in Malaya during the British era. The whole study shows that, kellies castle not only became important in British times but it also carries a great meaning in the history of Perak and Malaysia. This is because the uniqueness of the construction of the building makes us amazed because it is a combination of construction from various countries. In the meantime, the Indian community plays a big role in build it and without their sacrifice we cannot feel the history of the Kellie's Castle building that exists today in Batu Gajah, Perak.

Received: 21 July 2020

Reviewed: 16 September 2020

Accepted: 8 October 2020