Majapahit Kingdom: History, Lineage Of Kings, And Historical Traces
JAKARTA - The Majapahit Kingdom is the most legendary kingdom in the great history of the archipelago. The center of government or capital of the kingdom which was founded in the late 13th century moved locations several times in East Java in line with the policies of the kings who had once ruled.
History of the Majapahit Kingdom
This kingdom was founded by Raden Wijaya, the son-in-law of Raja Kertanegara (the last ruler of the Singasari Kingdom) who died because of the Jayakatwang rebellion in 1292. At the time of the incident, Raden Wijaya managed to save himself from the incident.
In Majapahit: City Boundaries and Traces of Glory Outside the City (2012), Inajati Adrisijanti wrote that Raden Wijaya then cleared the forest in the Brantas River delta. That region eventually grew rapidly and became the forerunner of a kingdom called Majapahit.
The Majapahit Kingdom was declared after Raden Wijaya succeeded in conquering Jayakatwang in 1293. Subsequently, Raden Wijaya was crowned king with the title Kertarejasa Jayawardhana (1293-1309)
This kingdom reached its golden peak during the reign of Hayam Wuruk with the title Sri Rajasanegara (1350-1389). Hayam Wuruk himself is the grandson of Raden Wijaya. Hayam Wuruk's leadership was so strong because of the support of Mahapatih Gajah Mada, who was determined to unite all regions in the archipelago under the auspices of Majapahit.
The Lineage of the Ruling Kings
The following are the kings who ruled Majapahit from time to time.
- Raden Wijaya/Kertarajasa Jayawardhana (1293-1309)
- Kalagamet/Sri Jayanagara (1309-1328)
- Sri Gitarja/Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328-1350)
- Hayam Wuruk/Sri Rajasanagara (1350-1389)
- Wikramawardhana (1389-1429)
- Suhita/Dyah Ayu Kencana Wungu (1429-1447)
- Kertawijaya/Brawijaya I (1447-1451)
- Rajasawardhana/Brawijaya II (1451-1453)
- Purwawisesa/Girishawardhana/Brawijaya III (1456-1466)
- Bhre Pandansalas/Suraprabhawa/Brawijaya IV (1466-1468)
- Bhre Kertabumi/Brawijaya V (1468 -1478)
- Girindrawardhana/Brawijaya VI (1478-1489)
- Patih Air/Brawijaya VII (1489-1527)
After Gajah Mada died in 1364, followed by the death of Hayam Wuruk in 1389, Majapahit did not have a leader who was able to repeat the heyday of this kingdom.
After Gajah Mada died in 1364 and was followed by the death of Hayam Wuruk in 1389, there were no more leaders who were able to maintain the heyday of the Majapahit Kingdom.
The next period was a long bleak period for this kingdom. Disputes were frequent even within the palace grounds. In addition, the conquered areas also began to break away so that the influence of Majapahit was getting weaker.
Then in 1405, a civil war known as the Paregreg War occurred. The war involved Wikramawardhana against Bhre Wirabhumi.
Wikramawardhana is the husband of Hayam Wuruk's daughter Kusumawardhani. Meanwhile, Bhre Wirabhumi is the son of Hayam Wuruk from the concubine's wife.
The civil war was won by Wikramawardhana (1390-1428), and then he remained in power as King of Majapahit after Hayam Wuruk.
Even so, Wikramawardhana or his successors were still unable to bring Majapahit Berjaya back.
Historical Traces of the Majapahit Kingdom
The Majapahit Empire left historical traces in the form of several inscriptions and relics scattered in various regions, including at three points that had once been the center of its government, including Mojokerto, Trowulan, and Daha or Kediri.
Here are some of these legendary royal relics.
Majapahit Heritage Inscription
Wurare Inscription
This inscription is inscribed with the numbers of 1211 Saka or 1289 AD. Tells the story of a brahman named Aryya Bharad who divided the land of Java into two parts due to two kings who were almost at war, namely the Kingdoms of Panjalu and Janggala.
Kudadu Inscription
In the writing on this inscription, the number 1216 Saka or 1294 AD is found. It tells the story of Raden Wijaya who was assisted by Rama Kudadu in his escape from the threat of Jayakatwang who had killed Raja Singasari, Kertanegara. Reporting from the Journal of Arts and Humanities (Vol 24.1, 2020), this inscription also reveals historical facts regarding the designation of the area of the horse to be self-reliant or a special area because it has protected the king.
Sukamerta Inscription
Found the year 1208 Saka or 1296 AD on this inscription. Tells Raden Wijaya when he married 4 Kartanegara daughters. There is also a story about the coronation of Jayanegara, the crown prince of Raden Wijaya, as a viceroy in Daha (Kediri) in 1295 AD.
Balawi Inscription
Written in 1305 AD In it is not found a clear depiction of the story. This inscription was found in Balawi Village, Lamongan, East Java.
Prapancasapura Inscription
Created during the leadership of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, period 1328-1350 AD This inscription tells the story of Hayam Wuruk who has another name Kummaraja Jiwana.
Parung Inscription
Written the number 1350 AD in this inscription. It is said that a court must have careful consideration before making a decision.
Canggu Inscription
The date of its creation is written in 1358. Contains regulations regarding the passage in the area around the Bengawan Solo River and the Brantas River.
Biluluk Inscription
Three inscriptions were found, each of which dates from 1366, 1393, and 1395 AD. These three inscriptions explain the autonomy of the Bluluk and Tanggulan Villages. Also regarding regulations regarding taxes and other matters concerning the use of saltwater.
Karang Bogem Inscription
Written with the number 1387 AD and made of metal. This inscription was found in Bungah, Gresik, East Java. Contains the legalization of the area where you are looking for natural resources in the form of fish.
Katiden Inscription
This inscription was made in 1392 AD It was found at a location in Malang and contains the liberation of several areas in Katiden Village.
Majapahit Heritage Temple
Quite a few temples from the time of the Majapahit Kingdom, both Hindu and Buddhist temples, some of which are as follows:
Relics in the form of temples from the Majapahit kingdom were also found. Whether it's Hindu or Buddhist-style temples, here are the names of the temples that were found:
- Tikus Temple
- Sukuh Temple
- Bajang Ratu Temple
- Wringin Lawang Temple
- Jabung Temple
- Brahu Temple
- Pari Temple
- Surawana Temple
- Wringin Branjang Temple
- Minak Jinggo Temple
- Rimbi Temple
- Kedaton Ngetos Village Temple
Such is the explanation of the Majapahit Kingdom which is accompanied by history, the lineage of the kings who led it, and also historical traces that have been found. As said by the nation's founder, Ir. Soekarno, in order to become a nation with a big heart again, you should never forget history.
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