James Brooke was a British adventurer and the first Rajah of Sarawak, a state on the island of Borneo. He arrived in the region in the 1830s and became known for his efforts to establish a stable government and promote trade. Brooke's rule began in 1841 after he was granted the title of Rajah by the Sultan of Brunei. As Rajah, Brooke focused on developing the local economy and improving infrastructure. He also worked to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the area. His legacy includes the establishment of the Brooke dynasty, which ruled Sarawak for over a century.