Barru

Barru was a Bugis kingdom on the Makassar Strait coast of South Sulawesi. Tradition traced its foundation to La Sarewo, who cleared forest for rice fields and was enthroned beside the Berru tree. In 1337 its second ruler, Petta Cakkeawo, held the throne.

Under the fourth ruler, Barru divided into inland Berru Riaja and coastal Berru Rilau. Islam arrived from neighbouring Tanete, and the twelfth ruler adopted it after Tanete’s conversion in 1606. The dynasty retained its line through the Makassar wars; in 1836 the throne passed to Tenripadang Sultan Aisyah, a princess of Gowa.