Sha Gu Bu Luo

Indigenous Cham chronicles were written much later and are difficult to compare with centemporary Chinese data. The names and dates of the Kings of Panduranga in the two source categories do not accord. The Cham texts mention that the defeat and capture of the Cham capital at the hands of the Vietnamese was followed by an interregnum that is dated in 1397–1433. Finally a son of the last ruler, Po Kasit (or Po Kathit) managed to establish a new capital in Byuh Bal Batsinang (or Batthinang) in Panduranga, ruling in 1433–1460. He had however difficulties in making himself obeyed, and the same problem affected his son and successor Po Kabrah (1460–1494). It was only the latter's brother Po Kabih (1494–1530) who was prestigious enough to deter the Vietnamese from attacking Panduranga.^[4]

Portuguese seafarers were established in Southeast Asia after 1511 and wrote geographical accounts that mention Champa. The most detailed is the Suma Oriental by Tomé Pires (c. 1515) which mentions Champa as sizeable land that produced rice, meat and other foodstuff. The chief merchandise was, however, Calambac (Agarwood). Imports included South Asian textiles and spices, and much gold originated from Minangkabau in Sumatra. The Cham trading vessels mostly went to Siam and all the way to Pahang but seldom visited Melaka. The king of the country is described as a "heathen" (i.e., Hindu) who was a wealthy man and waged war with other kings in the region, especially the one in Vietnam.^[5] Interestingly, Pires says there were no Muslims in the country, in stark contrast with the situation in the late 16th century.^[6]