A CHAM-MALAY ACCOUNT OF THE CONQUEST OF SOUTHERN VIETNAM BY THE FRENCH (1859-1867)

Abstract

This article examines a previously unknown Cham text giving account of the conquest of southern Vietnam and the outbreak of the subsequent anti-French revolt in 1859-1867. Whereas French and Vietnamese records of the conquest are widely studied, unofficial accounts of the non-Viet peoples and especially the Chams and the Malays living in present-day South-western Vietnam (Chau Doc and Tay Ninh) remain totally unknown. Through a vivid description of the fights between the French and Vietnamese this text sheds new light on the consequenes of the conquest for the ethnic minorities, the Chams and Malays in particular, in this region.