The Sultans of Selangor trace their lineage to a Bugis dynasty, originating from the rulers of Luwu in present-day Sulawesi. This dynasty played a significant role in the 18th-century dispute over the Johor-Riau Sultanate, eventually siding with Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah of Johor against Raja Kechil of the Malaccan lineage. Because of this allegiance, the Bendahara rulers of Johor-Riau bestowed upon the Bugis nobles control over various territories, including Selangor. Daeng Chelak, a notable Bugis warrior, married Sulaiman's sister and saw his son, Raja Lumu, recognized as Yamtuan Selangor in 1743 and later as the first Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salehuddin Shah, in 1766.

Raja Lumu's reign marked efforts to solidify Selangor's independence from the Johor empire. His request for recognition from Sultan Mahmud Shah of Perak culminated in his ascension as Sultan Salehuddin Shah of Selangor in 1766. His reign ended with his demise in 1778, leading his son, Raja Ibrahim Marhum Saleh, to become Sultan Ibrahim Shah. Sultan Ibrahim faced challenges, including a brief Dutch occupation of Kuala Selangor, but managed to reclaim it with the help of the Pahang Sultanate. Relationships deteriorated with the Perak Sultanate over financial disagreements during his tenure.

The subsequent reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah, Sultan Ibrahim's successor, was marked by internal power struggles, resulting in Selangor's division into five territories. However, his reign also witnessed economic growth with the inception of tin mines in Ampang. Following Sultan Muhammad's death in 1857 without designating a successor, a significant succession dispute ensued. Eventually, his nephew, Raja Abdul Samad Raja Abdullah, ascended the throne as Sultan Abdul Samad, delegating authority over Klang and Langat to his sons-in-law in the subsequent years.