The Cheteria are a group of royal dignitaries within the Sultanate of Brunei whose position ranks below the Wazir (Vizier) but above the Manteri. Each carry specialised tasks and report directly to the Sultan of Brunei. The Cheteria hierarchy is structured around what is known as the Four Fold system which expands up to 32 folds. The title of Cheteria are only bestowed upon the Pengiran, especially to the caste of Pengiran known as the Pengiran Peranakan.[1] The awarding of such titles are held in a ceremony called "mengangkat".[2]
History
The word Cheteria likely derives from the name of the Kshatriya warrior caste in Hinduism. These Bruneian traditional officials, who were part of the second class of officials in the country's traditional administration, were crucial to the state's decision-making process. In contrast to the Wazir, who were solely picked from the core aristocracy, they were recited from both the core and common nobility. The Pengiran Shahbandar Sahibul Bandar, traditionally function as the minister of commerce, was the highest-ranking representative in this group. Currently all ranks of Cheteria are primarily drawn from Brunei's nobility.[3]
Majapahit's dominance started to decline in the early 15th century, and Brunei became an independent nation in 1408. Despite Brunei's independence from Majapahit, JavaneseHindu-Buddhism had a significant cultural effect that is still visible in modern Brunei, particularly in social norms and the established governmental structure.[4] An example of this are the titles of Indera (derived from Indra)[5] and Maharaja (vassal kings with little possessions).[6]
Functions
Although titles are still awarded today, the functions that they entail have changed to reflect the needs of the contemporary political structure. For instance, Pengiran Anak Abdul Wahab, the former bearer of the noble title Pengiran Kerma Negara, which is the chief of defence, is a pensioner who once worked in the Land Department.[7] On another note, the nomination of traditional officials persists even though the contemporary administrative system has practically superseded the ancient political system. In addition to serving ceremonially, these officers serve as a conduit between the Sultan and his subjects, advising him on issues that impact the country as a whole.[8]
Hierarchy
In Bruneian society, a person's position and status are indicated by a variety of characteristics. A royal court or state function's seating arrangement is one method. In seating configurations, di atas (upper) and di bawah (lower) are used as measurements. The top end, which is often the farthest from the door, is occupied by those of greatest status. The remaining guests are placed near the entrance in decreasing order of rank. Gradations of precedence may also be shown by a person's sitting arrangement, whereby those on the right are sat higher than those on the left.[9]
The title has been awarded to the authorities permanently. Even after passing away, the titleholder would continue be in possession of the title. It is common for officials to be promoted to a higher position within the same office and given a different title, nevertheless. The title may be inherited, as an official's successor may take office with the same title as his forebear. On the other hand, there are instances where the sons of officials are sworn in with titles that differ from their dads.[10]
The sub-viziers, referred to as the Cheteria in the local dialect, were placed in 4, 8, 16, and 32 ranks. To supplement, nevertheless, other positions were made inside the division. For example, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah appointed one Additional Cheteria Under Cheteria 4 rank and two Additional Cheteria Under Cheteria 16 rank. These aristocratic officials can be identified by their ceremonial costumes during royal ceremonies.[11] The Kepala Cheteria maintains the highest rank. In general, however, the number of positions within each Cheteria level follows the number of the level e.g.; the Cheteria 8 would consist of eight positions and Cheteria 32 of thirty-two positions. An exception to this would be the Kepala Cheteria of which there are two ranks, and the Cheteria Tambahan di Bawah Cheteria 4 and 16 ranks of which; there is one Cheteria Tambahan di Bawah Cheteria 4 and two Cheteria Tambahan di Bawah Cheteria 16.[2]
There are several levels within the Cheteria group:[12][2]
Every individual who is bestowed with the position of Cheteria are given a unique title and referred to with the honorific styleYang Amat Mulia (The Glorious).[13] For example; for someone who is awarded the title Pengiran Kesuma Negara which is a position in the Cheteria 8, would be fully styled as Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Kesuma Negara, followed by another title (if any) and then real name.[14]
Court uniform and dress
Invested officials' ceremonial attire during royal court events indicates their position. Certain authorities use traditional woven cloths with certain colors and designs as part of their ceremonial attire. Umbrellas and personal standards are also employed as concrete indicators of rank. Some leaders' personal standards serve as pretty accurate markers of their position and level of authority. The state flag is flown by average residents, whereas those descended from nobles have their own standards. The traditional officials' ceremonial attire and personal standard have a similar colour. The highest ranks of Brunei society are the only ones who wear umbrellas as a symbol of their position.[15]
The dress code for any royal court occasion determined the dress code based on the wearer's status and the time of the event. According to their position, traditional or royal dignitaries used various kinds, patterns, styles, motifs, and colors of traditional dastar and arat (belt). Every male dignitary has a keris with them. Only the Cheteria, the traditional noble officials, are outfitted in ceremonial dress costumes for royal court events. Every level of the Cheteria's traditional textiles has the same pattern and design, but rank is distinguished by a change in colour. The fabric features a Jong sarat pattern embroidered with the flying fox motif, or bunga cheteria bersiku keluang. The Chief Cheteria is dark purple, followed by the secondary Cheteria 4 is light purple, the Cheteria 8 is orange, the Cheteria 16 is blue, the Cheteria 32 is pink, and the Additional Cheteria Under Cheteria 4 is green with red stripes.[16]
Copper, silver, and gold items used in royal ceremonies reveal the rank and identity of the owner. Items such as the keris (Malay dagger) and kaskol (gold betel container)[17] were given to royal dignitaries who received the title of Wazir, Cheteria, and Manteri. The kaskol is only given to the Wazir and Kepala Cheteria while Cheteria-Cheteria and Manteri-Manteri such as Pehin Dato Perdana Manteri and Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong received the silver-born tipa (container or vessel to store betel and its seasonings).[18] While copper-born tipa was granted for the other officials.[19]
In Brunei, dignitaries fly their own flag or standard in place of the national one. The person's rank determines the colour of the flag. The Perdana Wazir is white, whereas the Sultan's personal flag is yellow. Other dignitaries fly a purple flag, including Cheteria 4. Additionally, the flag's colour matches the royal court's ceremonial attire.[20]
Ceremonial uniforms of Cheteria-Cheteria
Cheteria 8, Cheteria Tambahan di Bawah Cheteria 4 and Cheteria 4
Pengiran Anak Idris, Cheteria 4
Pengiran Bahrin, Cheteria Tambahan di Bawah Cheteria 16
