Alor Gajah is a city in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. It is located about 24 kilometers north of the capital city of Melaka. The city is home to approximately 125,000 people, according to the 2020 census.
The history of Alor Gajah dates back to the 15th century, when the Malacca Sultanate was established. The city played a significant role in the development of the sultanate as it served as a port of call for traders from China, India, and other parts of the world. The name Alor Gajah means "Elephant River" in Malay, and it was named after the river that runs through the city. The river was said to be home to a large number of elephants in the past.
During the Portuguese invasion of Melaka in the 16th century, Alor Gajah was one of the last strongholds of the sultanate. The city was heavily fortified, with a moat and walls built around it to protect it from Portuguese attacks. Despite the city's defenses, the Portuguese were able to capture it in 1511, marking the end of the Malacca Sultanate.
Under Portuguese rule, Alor Gajah became a center for agriculture and trade. The city's fertile land and access to water made it an ideal location for growing crops such as rice, fruits, and vegetables. The Portuguese also built a fort in Alor Gajah, which served as a trading post and military base.
In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company seized control of Melaka from the Portuguese, and Alor Gajah came under Dutch rule. The city continued to be an important center for agriculture and trade, and the Dutch built several new buildings and structures in the city, including a new fort and a church.
During the British colonial period in the 19th century, Alor Gajah remained an important center for agriculture and trade. The city's proximity to the Malacca Straits made it an important location for the transportation of goods, and the British built several new roads and bridges in the city to improve transportation. Alor Gajah also became an important center for rubber production, with many rubber plantations established in the surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Alor Gajah continued to develop and modernize. The city's population grew rapidly, and new infrastructure was built to support the growing population. In 2003, the city was officially granted municipal status, which allowed it to govern itself and manage its own affairs.
Alor Gajah has a rich and varied history that spans over several centuries. The city has been shaped by its political environment and geography, and it has played a significant role in the development of the region. Today, Alor Gajah is a vibrant and growing city that continues to be an important center for agriculture, trade, and commerce in the state of Melaka.