The Brooke dynasty was a prominent ruling family in Sarawak, a state on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. Founded in the mid-19th century by James Brooke, a British adventurer, the dynasty began when he was appointed the first Rajah of Sarawak in 1841. The Brookes ruled for over a century, promoting development and trade in the region. The dynasty continued with James's successors, including his nephew Charles Brooke and later Charles Vyner Brooke. They maintained control until the Japanese occupation during World War II and the subsequent integration of Sarawak into Malaysia in 1963, marking the end of their rule.