PART I

This manuscript is a copy of the original in the possession of Datu Mastura of Magindanao. The original copy is neat and very well written. It gives first the descent of Kabungsuwan from Mohammed, then a narrative of his departure from Juhur, his arrival in Mindanao, and the conversion of the people of Mindanao to Islam. The latter half of it gives the genealogy of the reigning family of Bwayan from Pulwa to Pakih Mawlana and Pakaru-d-Din, his brother. It is a very good type of the style and composition of the Mindanao dialect. It is original and borrows nothing of its text and form from either Malay or Arabic.

The combination of the genealogy of Bwayan with the story of the conversion of Magindanao to Islam brings the history of Bwayan into attention before that of Mindanao; but, as very little is known of the early history of Bwayan, it matters not when it comes.

The rule of Bwayan extends all the way from the head of the delta or from the Kakal (canal) to Bagu-Ingud, which is a few miles below Piket. In fact the datus of the surrounding country, all through the upper valley of the Rio Grande, owed more or less allegiance to the rulers of Bwayan through all ages.

The sultan of Bwayan is known as Raja Bwayan. The rajas of Bwayan attained a distinction and a power second to none, except that of the sultan of Magindanao. The greatest datus of Bwayan who have figured prominently in the recent history of the country are Datu Utu and Datu Ali of Tinunkup, both of whom will be referred to later.

Diagram No. 1 ends with Sultan Sakandar. The relation between him and Sultan Maytum, the next raja of Bwayan, is not given in the records. The second diagram begins with Sultan Maytum and ends with the present generation of rulers.