The Great Majapahit Imperial

Majapahit was an empire centered in East Java, Indonesia, which once stood from about 1293 to 1500 AD The kingdom reached its peak into the highway empire controlled a vast area in the archipelago during the reign of Hayam Wuruk, who ruled from 1350 to 1389.

Kingdom of Majapahit was the last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that controlled the archipelago and is considered as one of the greatest country in the history of Indonesia. According Negarakertagama, its power lies in Java, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Indonesia to the east, though his domain is still debated.

Before the founding of Majapahit, Singhasari has become the most powerful kingdom in Java. This is a concern of Kublai Khan, the ruler of the Yuan Dynasty in China. He sent a messenger named Meng Chi to Singhasari demanding tribute. Kertanagara, the last ruler of the kingdom Singhasari refused to pay tribute and to embarrass the messenger by destroying his face and cut off his ear. Kublai Khan angry and then dispatched a large expedition to Java in 1293.

 

Wringin Lawang Temple

At that time, Jayakatwang, duke of Kediri, already overthrew and killed Kertanegara. On the advice of Aria Wiraraja, Jayakatwang give pardon to Raden Wijaya, Kertanegara son, who came to surrender. Then, Wiraraja sent messengers to Daha, who brought the letter contains a statement, Raden Wijaya give up and want to serve Jayakatwang. The answer from the above letter was greeted with pleasure. Raden Wijaya then given forest Pull. He opened the forest and built a new village. The village was named Majapahit, which take their name from maja fruit, and taste "bitter" of the fruit. When the Mongols arrived, Wijaya allied with the Mongols to fight Jayakatwang. After successfully dropping Jayakatwang, Raden Wijaya turned against the allies Mongolnya forcing them pull back its troops home as frantically as they are in a foreign country. When it was also their last chance to catch the monsoon winds in order to go home, or they have to wait another six months on a foreign island.

The exact date used as the birth date of the Majapahit kingdom is the day of the coronation as king Raden Wijaya, the 15th of the month of Kartika in 1215 saka which coincides with November 10, 1293. He was named the official name Kertarajasa Jayawardhana. This kingdom is in trouble. Some reliable Kertarajasa, including Ranggalawe, Sora, and Nambi rebelled against him, though the rebellion was not successful. Rebellion is powered by Panji Ranggalawe Mahajaya, Ra Arya Sidi, Ra Jaran Waha, Latitude Ra, Ra Tosan, Ra Banyak, and Ra Tati. All of this is mentioned in Pararaton. Slamet Muljana (the famous writer and interpreter of Negarakertagama and Pararaton) suspecting that the one who did the conspiracy to overthrow the king trusted everyone, so that it can reach the highest positions in the government is mahapatih Halayudha. But after the death of the last rebel (Kuti), Halayudha arrested and imprisoned, and then put to death. Wijaya died in 1309.

 

Brahu Temple

Nagarakretagama mention the valuable cultural palace and graceful, with a sense of art and literature that is fine, as well as a complex system of religious rituals. The main event in the calendar of statecraft held every first day of the month Caitra (March-April) when all the delegates from all the conquered territory of Majapahit came to the palace to pay tribute or taxes. Majapahit region simply divided into three types: the palace including the capital city and the surrounding region; areas in East Java and Bali, which is directly headed by officials appointed directly by the king; as well as the territories conquered in the archipelago which enjoys broad autonomy.

The capital of Majapahit in Trowulan is a big city and is famous for the religious celebrations held every year. Buddhism, Shiva, and Vaishnava (devotees of Vishnu) is embraced by the residents of Majapahit, and the king was considered at the same incarnation of Buddha, Shiva, and Vishnu. Nagarakertagama made ​​no mention of Islam, but it is very likely there are some Muslim employee or servant of the palace at the time.

 

Bajang Ratu Temple

Although brick had been used in the temple in the past, the architects of Majapahit is the most experts. The temples of the Majapahit geometrically good quality by utilizing the sap of vines and brown sugar as glue bricks. Examples of Majapahit temple can still be found today is the Tikus Temple and Bajang Ratu Temple in Trowulan. Some architectural elements derived from the Majapahit period, such as the gate of the temple was torn in a minute, paduraksa gate (the great kori) high roof, and a verandah based brick structure. Style buildings like this can still be found in the architecture of Java and Bali.

Until this recent time, we still could see and learn about the great and the culture of Majapahit, especially in Trowulan Regency, Mojokerto, East Java, Indonesia. There’s more than ten relics from ancient Majapahit as tourism object. BeePro Tour and Travel is the right partner if you and the family want to visit the natural beauty of Indonesia. Based in Singosari, Malang, East Java, we are ready to provide a different experience and unforgettable while in Indonesia.

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