The Pahang Kingdom is a Malay state that exists from 1770 to 1881, and is the immediate predecessor of the modern Malaysian state of Pahang.

The kingdom comes into existence with the consolidation of power by the Bendahara family in Pahang, following the gradual dismemberment of Johor Empire.

Self rule is established in Pahang in the late eighteenth century, with Tun Abdul Majid declared as the first Raja Bendahara.

The area around Pahang forms a part of the hereditary domains attached to this title and is administered directly by the Raja Bendahara.

The weakening of the Johor sultanate and the disputed succession to the throne is matched by an increasing independence of the great territorial magnates; the Bendahara in Pahang, the Temenggong in Johor and Singapore, and the Yamtuan Muda in Riau.

In 1853, the fourth Raja Bendahara Tun Ali, renounces his allegiance to the Sultan of Johor and becomes independent ruler of Pahang.

He is able to maintain peace and stability during his reign, but his death in 1857 precipitates civil war between his sons.

The younger son Wan Ahmad challenges the succession of his half-brother Tun Mutahir, in a dispute that escalates into a civil war.

Supported by the neighboring Terengganu Sultanate and the Siamese, Wan Ahmad emerges victorious, establishing controls over important towns and expels his brother in 1863.

He serves as the last Raja Bendahara, and is proclaimed Sultan of Pahang by his chiefs in 1881