Java arquebus
Java arquebus refer to long primitive firearm from Nusantara archipelago, dating back to the last quarter of 15th century. The weapon was used by local armies, albeit in low number, before the arrival of Iberian explorers (Portuguese and Spaniard) in the 16th century. In historical records the weapon may be classified as arquebus or musket.
Etymology
The term "Java arquebus" is a translation of Chinese word 爪哇銃 (Zua Wa Chong).[1] In local language the weapon was known by various names, bedil or bedhil is more commonly used. However, this term is broad term - it may refer to any firearms, from small matchlock pistol to large siege guns.
History
The kingdom of Majapahit pioneered the use of firearm in the Nusantara archipelago. One account mentions the use of firearm in a battle against Giri forces in 1470s:
"... wadya Majapahit ambedili, dene wadya Giri pada pating jengkelang ora kelar nadhahi tibaning mimis ..."
"... Majapahit troops shooting their firearms (bedil=firearm), while Giri troops fell dead because they couldn't withstand being pierced by bullets (mimis=ball bullet)..."
- Serat Darmagandhul
This type of arquebus have similarity to the Vietnamese arquebus of the 17th century. The weapon is very long, may reach 2.2 m in length, and had its own folding bipod.[1] Tome Pires' 1515 account tells the army of Gusti Pati, viceroy of Batara Brawijaya, numbered 200,000 men, 2,000 of which are horsemen and 4,000 musketeers.[2] Duarte Barbosa ca. 1510 said that the inhabitants of Java are great masters in casting artillery and very good artillerymen. They make many one-pounder cannons (cetbang or rentaka), long muskets, and other fire-works. Every place are considered excellent in casting artillery, and in the knowledge of using it.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b Tiaoyuan, Li (1969). South Vietnamese Notes. Guangju Book Office.
- ^ Pires, Tome. Suma Oriental. The Hakluyt Society. ISBN 9784000085052.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Barosa, Duarte (1866). A Description of the Coasts of East Africa and Malabar in the Beginning of the Sixteenth Century. The Hakluyt Society.