Laksamana
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The Laksamana is a position within the armed forces, similar to the position of admiral in Malay people sultanates and in present-day countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The word Laksamana originated from Lakshmana, a figure in the Hindu epic of Ramayana.
Malacca Sultanate
The Laksamana in the Malacca Sultanate was in charge for the sea security of the Sultanate, and most importantly, the China-India trade route within the Straits of Malacca. That trade route was the lifeline of the Empire. He was in full command of the Malaccan fleet, outranked only by the Bendahara and the Sultan.
Malacca's most famous Laksamana is Hang Tuah.
Modern day usage
The term has changed its meaning nowadays. In modern times, the word has been used as rank in the Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or also known as the Malaysian Coast Guards. The term has also be used by normal civilians to mark a person commanding a number of ship.
Lacsamana or other variants such as Laksamana and Laxamana, the term is used as a surname in the Philippines.
See also
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