History of the Majapahit Kingdom

Overview

• Largest and most successful kingdom in the archipelago.
• Wealth based on maritime and trade network.
• Known for uniting the archipelago under Majapahit.
• Last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom before the Islamic Demak.
• Existed from 1293 to 1527.
• Centered in Mojokerto, East Java.

Founding and Early History

• Fall of Singasari Kingdom:
  • Singasari Kingdom attacked by Jayakatwang.
  • King Kertanegara killed.
  • Raden Wijaya (Kertanegara’s son-in-law) fled and allied with Arya Wiraraja.
  • Defeated Jayakatwang with Mongolian troops' help.
• Establishment:
  • Founded by Raden Wijaya in 1293.
  • Raden Wijaya became first king: Prabu Kertarajasa Jayawardana.
  • Ruled until 1309.

Succession and Expansion

• Jayanagara's Rule (1309-1328):
  • Succeeded Raden Wijaya.
  • Moved capital to Trowulan.
  • Faced many rebellions, notably Ra Kuti's.
• Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328–1350):
  • Jayanagara’s half-sister succeeded him.
  • Gajah Mada appointed Mahapatih, took Palapa Oath.
• Hayam Wuruk's Era (1350–1389):
  • Peak of Majapahit glory.
  • Expanded influence to Malay Peninsula, Tumasik, Thailand, and Philippines.
  • Battle with Sunda Kingdom in 1357.

Decline

• Wikramawardhana's Rule (1389–1429):
  • Son-in-law of Hayam Wuruk.
  • Faced opposition from Bhre Wirabhumi leading to Paregreg War in 1404.
  • War caused loss of territories outside Java.
• Later Rulers:
  • Queen Suhita succeeded Wikramawardhana.
  • Followed by Brawijaya I to VII.
  • Economic crisis and political conflicts.
  • Sultanate of Demak emerged as new power.
• Collapse:
  • Attacked and overcome by Demak Sultanate.

Legacy

• Historic buildings: Rat Temple, Bajang Ratu Gate.
• Inscriptions: Kudadu, Canggu.
• Negarakertagama Book:
  • Written by Mpu Prapanca.
  • Chronicles the glory and administration of Majapahit.