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Negeri Sembilan's rich traditions go back a long way. One
of these has been manifested in the construction of the
Sri Menanti Palace in Sri Menanti. Built at the turn of
this century to replace an older palace which was burnt
down, this uniquely constructed palace has now become a
tourist attraction after it was turned into a Royal Museum
in 1992.
The Sri Menanti Palace was the official residence of the
royal family until 1931 when it was found to be inadequate
for the growing functions of the state. Designed by two
local craftsmen and carpenters, "Tukang Kahar" and "Tukang
Taib", the wooden palace or "Istana Lama" (old palace),
which was completed in about six years in 1908, was built
without the aid of any nails or screws. The palace which
features 99 magnificent pillars to denote 99 warriors of
various "lauk" or clans, is often the subject of study and
research among students of architecture.
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