ABSTRACT
The Padri movement made no impact to the south of the Minangkabau heartland. The adjoining regions of Sungai Pagu and Kerinci, although peopled by Minangkabau, were hilly, isolated and sparsely settled. To the north of Agam, however, lay two contiguous, fertile valleys which were also inhabited by Minangkabau and where Padri teachings found a ready hearing. These were the valleys of Alahan Panjang and Rao; both became famous in Minangkabau history as the virtual fiefs of two important Padri leaders, Imam Bonjol and Tuanku Rao.
