M. Ghozali, N. Cholily, A. Kholid. Colophons as Cultural Markers: A Reflection of Religious, Cultural, and Linguistic Influences in Madurese Manuscripts

Mahbub Ghozali

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
E-mail: mahbub.ghozali@uin-suka.ac.id 

Naufal Cholily
UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
E-mail: naufalcholily@uinsa.ac.id 

Abd Kholid

UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
E-mail: alidoktaf@gmail.com

Colophons as Cultural Markers: A Reflection of Religious, Cultural,
and Linguistic Influences in Madurese Manuscripts

Abstract. The limited study of the colophons in Madurese manuscripts has resulted in an inadequate understanding of the rich copying practices and cultural influences that shape them. The active copying of Arabic literature manuscripts by Madurese people for educational purposes in the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) environment since the 19th century reveals significant information about the copying process and the complex cultural identity involved. This research identifies that the style of colophon writing in these manuscripts closely resembles that of Arabic manuscripts, even more so than Javanese ones. This resemblance is evident in the statements marking the end of the main text, which predominantly use Arabic diction. The choice of syntactic composition aligned with the Arabic manuscript structure is further influenced by the religious figures who often acted as copyists. Additionally, the representation of Madurese culture is reflected in the dating system used in the colophons, which incorporates the windu (eight-year Javanese cycle) calculation of the Aboge system, indicating its use in 19th-century Madurese society. The use of terms such as al-manduri (denoting Madurese origin), kiai (Islamic teacher), and bindéré (scribe) by the copyists serves as further evidence that colophons function as identifiers, aiding in the recognition and distribution of manuscripts. The inconsistent pattern in the writing of colophons in Madurese manuscripts is influenced by the copyist′s varying conditions at the time of manuscript completion. This inconsistency is also evident in colophons written by the same individual.

Keywords: manuscript transcription, Madurese texts, colophon, Aboge calendar system

Acknowledgments. The research for this article received funding from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya under decision number 190 Tahun 2024 as part of collaborative research development among universities and/or ministries/institutions. Conducted within the Nahdlatut Turats Manuscript Study Center in Bangkalan, Madura, this article was made possible through collaboration with manuscript enthusiasts in Bangkalan.

DOI: 10.31250/1238-5018-2025-31-1-56-71

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Received by the Editorial Board: 19.12.2024