Pagaruyung Kingdom

Situated at Batusangkar, the capital of Tanah Datar regency. In the past, it was the seat of the ancient of Minangkabau kingdom, Pagaruyung, which at the beginning of its history was ruled by a Queen named Bundo Kanduang. Relics of that ancient past area still scaffered over the area among them are Batusangkar stone inscriptions found some areas.

Minangkabau traditional house is called “Rumah Gadang” that means big house or Rumah Adat that means customary house. It is called Rumah Gadang, because of its big size, but it refers to the big function of the house it self. Rumah Gadang in Minangkabau belongs to all members of relatives along the mother’s line called “Kaum”. The function is as the place for all traditional ceremonies like wedding party or inauguration of a head of clan.

In front of the traditional house stands rice barns used to keep food. The traditional house wall and the rice barns are adorned with colorful carving, that very interesting and has a special meaning reflecting to Minang Philosophy “Alam Takambang Jadi Guru” means the whole nature becomes the teachers.

Their culture is Matrilineal, with property and land being passed down from mother to daughter, while religious and political affairs are the province of men. The Minangkabau are strongly Islamic, but also follow their own ethnic traditions, or adat. Minangkabau adat was derived from animistic and Hindu beliefs before the arrival of Islam.