History of the Majapahit Kingdom

Overview

• The Majapahit Kingdom was the largest and most successful kingdom in the archipelago.
• Timeframe: 1293 to 1527 (234 years).
• Capital: Mojokerto, East Java.
• Last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom before the Islamic Demak.

Key Figures

• Hayam Wuruk: Led the kingdom to its peak, along with his governor, Gajah Mada.
• Gajah Mada: Known for the Palapa Oath to unite the archipelago.
• Raden Wijaya: Founder and the first king, ruled from 1293 to 1309.
• Jayanagara: Raden Wijaya's son, ruled until 1328.
• Ratu Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi: Jayanagara's half-sister, ruled from 1328 to 1350.
• Wikramawardhana: Son-in-law of Hayam Wuruk, ruler from 1389 to 1429.
• Bhre Wirabhumi: Hayam Wuruk's son, opposed Wikramawardhana, leading to the Paregreg War.
• Queen Suhita: Daughter of Wikramawardhana.
• Kertawijaya/Brawijaya I: Succeeded Queen Suhita.

Major Events

• Foundation: Raden Wijaya founded Majapahit after defeating Jayakatwang.
• Rebellions: During Jayanagara's rule, faced Ra Kuti's rebellion.
• Palapa Oath: Gajah Mada's oath to unify the archipelago.
• Expansion: Under Hayam Wuruk, expanded influence to Malay Peninsula, Tumasik, Thailand, and Philippines.
• Bubat Tragedy (1357): Conflict with Sunda Kingdom over marriage alliance.
• Paregreg War (1404): Civil war between Wikramawardhana and Bhre Wirabhumi.
• Decline: Power reduced due to internal conflict and rise of Demak Sultanate.
• Collapse: Finally fell to the Demak Sultanate.

Cultural and Historical Legacies

• Historic Buildings: Rat Temple, Bajang Ratu Gate.
• Inscriptions: Kudadu inscription, Canggu inscription.
• Literature: Negarakertagama Book by Mpu Prapanca.

Aspects of Governance and Society

• Majapahit was a significant maritime and trade power.
• Government centered in Trowulan area during Jayanagara's reign.
• Experienced substantial internal strife leading to its decline.