The previous sultan Alauddin Mahmud Syah I led a troubled reign and often encountered opposition from the chiefs of the kingdom.
A new uprising was launched in April 1773 by people of the often-rebellious XXII Mukims, one of the three sagis (regions) of Aceh.
[1] At the end of May the victorious party appointed Raja Udahna Lela as sultan under the name Sulaiman Syah.
Whether he was the same person as a Raja Udahna Lela who was the son of the previous usurper Badr ul-Alam Syah, is unsure.
[2] Alauddin Mahmud Syah was nevertheless able to gather supporters from the mukims (districts) Daroy Pang Uleë Susuh, Lam Ara and Jampel.