He showcased exceptional skills in self-defense, earning him the moniker "Seman Tahan" due to his adeptness in resolving challenges both physically and intellectually.
Historical accounts suggest that Tun Ali, who later became the Bendahara of Pahang, adopted Dato' Bahaman at one point. During their childhood, he also enjoyed a companionship with Tun Ahmad, who would later ascend to the throne as Sultan.
Dato' Bahaman was distinguished as one of the esteemed "Orang Besar Berlapan" and was honored with the title "Dato' Setia Perkasa Pahlawan Semantan" for his leadership during the civil strife involving Sultan Ahmad and his cousin Wan Mutahir. He also led Pahang's forces in aiding Tengku Kudin during the civil conflict in Klang, Selangor.
Following Orang Kaya Indera Segara's demise, Sultan Ahmad appointed Dato' Bahaman as the Orang Kaya Temerloh.
The discourteous demeanor of the British colonizers towards Sultan Ahmad and the Malay nobility in governance, particularly concerning taxes and Malay customs, fueled resentment that ultimately led to opposition.
Tensions escalated with JP Rodger's introduction of new regulations, which included the assignment of British officials referred to as "Pemungut" and "Majistret" to oversee certain territories. The roots of Dato' Bahaman's resistance can be traced back to the provocative actions of C.E.B Desborough, who, as acting Pemangku Pemungut Hasil Semantan, arrested Dato' Bahaman's associates on charges of unauthorized timber harvesting and tax evasion.
The tension ignited in December 1890 when E.A Wise attempted to erect a police station in Lubuk Terua within Dato' Bahaman's domain without consulting him.
This construction was perceived as an infringement on Malay land and disrupted their way of life, prompting Dato' Bahaman to defy the regulations causing hardships for the local populace.
Consequently, he and his followers launched an assault on C.E.M Desborough at Sungai Semantan on December 15, 1891, assuming that Desborough aimed to apprehend him. In this abrupt strike, Desborough's group suffered defeat, leading to the death of three fully armed policemen and injuries to several others.
As a consequence, the British officials fled to Temerloh. Upon learning of the Semantan incident, British authorities in Pahang mustered a military force to counter the Malay opposition.
In a significant retaliatory strike against Dato' Bahaman at Jeram Ampai in 1894, Pahang's fighters, including Dato' Bahaman, were compelled to disperse and retreat into the jungle. This prominent figure from Pahang disappeared, reportedly retreating first to Terengganu and subsequently to Kelantan. By the close of 1895, he and his followers opted to settle in Siam.
Dato' Bahaman's prowess earned praise from Hugh Clifford, who regarded him as "The most expert woodsman in The Peninsular with a unique knowledge of jungle craft."
Dato' Bahaman's Resistance
