It was known to have developed from a sort of Indian theatre performance during the 19th century by visiting Indian travellers. The bangsawan theatre troupes reach its peak of popularity in the 19th to mid 20th century prior to the great war. In colonial Dutch East Indies the bangsawan theatre has inspired and influenced other form of theatrical performances, such as komedi stambul and toneel. Prior to the development and the spread of radio and television entertainment in the region, travelling live theatres and drama such as bangsawan, was the main source of entertainment for local Malays in the villages and cities alike, and was held in high anticipation and excitement. In Lingga, Riau Islands, bangsawan show enjoyed its popularity among locals until around 1960s to 1970s.[3] However, today in Indonesia, only a handful of bangsawan troupes survives. Nowadays, it is difficult, if not impossible to find any bangsawan troupes in Malaysia.