Abstract
This article is a supplement to the same author's previous paper on the population and character of traditional communities in Southeast Asia. Except in Java and some other localities, the populations in this area were, until the last years of the 19th century, characterized by their sparcity, diversity, smallness, and mutual independence. Despite their substantial political independence, these petty states often recognized the authority of an externally located Center. The nature of this spiritual dependence was clearly distinct from subordination to a physical power, and leaders often obtained legitimacy through blood or titles recognized or granted by the Center. The petty states in Negeri Sembilan provide a good model, which may be applicable to other, bigger states of the area.
Some recent schemes for understanding the traditional Southeast Asian polities, including Milner's kerajaan, Wolter's overlapping mandalas, and Geertz's theatre state are also reviewed in reference to the author's scheme.
