To’ Janggut: Legends, Histories, and Perceptions of the 1915 Rebellion in Kelantan boldly deconstructs the popular legend of the 1915 uprising against British rule in Kelantan, led by the charismatic local Malay leader, To’ Janggut. Rather than seeking a single “truth,” this book intricately weaves together diverse accounts of the rebellion–from indigenous folk tales and newspaper reports to scholarly interpretations and previously classified official documents and photographs.
Drawing inspiration from Kurosawa’s Rashomon and Ladurie’s Love, Money and Death in the Pays d’Oc, the author reveals how incidents are revised, contradicted, or denied across different versions, yet simultaneously uncovers unexpected links between them. By examining this “palimpsest” of narratives, the book illuminates the goals, beliefs, and perspectives embedded within each source, inviting readers to form their own speculative histories. This fascinating study ultimately re-evaluates the meanings and functions of history, biography, and even photography, challenging readers to consider the enduring mystery of To’ Janggut and the elusive nature of historical truth.
