ACHINESE, a Sumatran tribe of Proto-Malayan stock modi fied by Hindu and Arab elements, the darker complexion of the lowlanders as distinct from the highlanders of the tribe being attributed to a greater infusion of South Indian blood. They are Muslims, but not very strict, and early in the 13th century became important in the East Indies, having commercial and political re lations with Egypt, Europe and Japan. Noted for valour and love of freedom, they long maintained their independence against the Dutch. They are excellent craftsmen ; women go unveiled and there is very little polygamy. Their language, though Malayan, contains many Sanskrit words, and there are other remnants of their former Hindu or Buddhist culture.
See E. Marsden, History of Sumatra (5783) ; C. Snouck Hurgronje, The Achehnese (1906).