Sir James Brooke, Rajah[note] of Sarawak, KCB (April 29, 1803 –June 11, 1868), is a British soldier and adventurer who founded the Kingdom of Sarawak in Borneo.

He rules as the first White Rajah of Sarawak from 1841 until his death in 1868.

Brooke was born and raised under the Company Raj in India.

After a few years of education in England, he serves in the Bengal Army, is wounded, and resigns his commission.

He next buys a ship and sails out to the Malay Archipelago where, by helping to crush a rebellion, he becomes governor of Sarawak.

He then vigorously suppresses piracy in the region and, in the ensuing turmoil, restores the Sultan of Brunei to his throne, for which the Sultan makes Brooke the Rajah of Sarawak.

He rules until his death.

Brookeis not without detractors and is criticized in the British Parliament and officially investigated in Singapore for his anti-piracy measures.

He is, however, honored and feted in London for his activities in Southeast Asia.

The naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace is one of many visitors whose published work speaks of his hospitality and achievements.