Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms which established trading links with the Chinese Empire.Early Chinese records indicate the existence of trade links with China , which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.
The state has at various times in the past been a vassal of Siam.In the 18 th century, a Kelantanese Prince, Long Yunus , ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him.Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its independence on 31st August 1957.