History of the Majapahit Kingdom

Overview

• Majapahit was the largest and most successful kingdom in the archipelago.
• Known for its vast maritime and trade network under rulers Hayam Wuruk and his patih (governor), Gajah Mada.
• Gajah Mada's famous Palapa Oath aimed to unite the archipelago under Majapahit.
• The last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom before the rise of the Islamic Demak Sultanate.
• Existed from 1293 to 1527, centered in Mojokerto, East Java.

Founding and Early History

• Founded after the fall of the Singasari Kingdom.
• Jayakatwang attacked Singasari, killing King Kertanegara.
• Raden Wijaya, Kertanegara's son-in-law, fled and allied with Arya Wiraraja and Mongolian troops to defeat Jayakatwang.
• Raden Wijaya established Majapahit in 1293, becoming the first king as Prabu Kertarajasa Jayawardana.
• Ruled until 1309, succeeded by his son, Jayanagara (1309-1328).

Leadership and Expansion

• Jayanagara faced multiple rebellions, notably by Ra Kuti.
• Ratu Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi led from 1328-1350, appointed Gajah Mada as Mahapatih.
• Hayam Wuruk, Tribhuwana's son, led from 1350-1389; under him, Majapahit reached its peak.
• Influence extended to the Malay Peninsula, Tumasik, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Conflict and Decline

• Notable conflict during Hayam Wuruk's reign was the 1357 battle with the Sunda Kingdom due to marriage-related disputes.
• After Hayam Wuruk, Wikramawardhana took over (1389-1429), opposed by Bhre Wirabhumi, leading to the Paregreg War in 1404.
• The war weakened Majapahit, as territories outside Java began to break away.

Final Years

• After Wikramawardhana, led by Queen Suhita, succeeded by her brother Kertawijaya (Brawijaya I).
• Subsequent rulers included Brawijaya II to VII, during which Majapahit faced economic and political decline.
• Rise of the Demak Sultanate, founded by Raden Patah, a son of Brawijaya V.
• Majapahit was attacked and collapsed after the rise of Demak.

Legacy

• Historical remains from Majapahit include the Rat Temple and Bajang Ratu Gate.
• Inscriptions like the Kudadu and Canggu inscriptions.
• The Negarakertagama Book by Mpu Prapanca documents Majapahit's glory and governance.