Surat-Surat Sultan Abdul Hamid, 1881-1895

Originating as they do from the Palace, the highest seat of administration in the state of Kedah in the 19th and early 20th century, the records reflect the unified authority wielded by the Palace in all matters relating to Kedah state administration. The Palace may thus be said to have total influence on all aspects of the life of the people.

The influence of the Palace, however is waning, as it is no longer able to control the destiny of the State on account of the need to submit itself to foreign powers far superior in might. The records are therefore useful to research from a number of perspectives, including social change, economics, politics, foreign relations, education, religion and customs