The Melaka Sultanate began with the arrival of Parameswara, a Palembang-based Srivijaya king who reigned from 1400 to 1424. The name Melaka was coined from the name of the tree where Parameswara taken shelter. A strange thing happened at that time, when a white deer kicked the king's dogs. When Parameswara saw the incident, he was so impressed that he ordered the area to be opened and named the State of Melaka. This sultanate ruled Melaka for 110 years, until the Portuguese defeated it in 1511.