History of the Majapahit Kingdom

Overview

• Largest and most successful kingdom in the archipelago.
• Founded in 1293 and lasted until 1527 (234 years).
• Center of government: Mojokerto, East Java.
• Last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom before the Islamic Demak.

Founding

• Emerged after the fall of the Singasari Kingdom.
• Key Figures:
  • Jayakatwang: Attacked and defeated King Kertanegara of Singasari.
  • Raden Wijaya: Son-in-law of Kertanegara, fled and later defeated Jayakatwang with the help of Arya Wiraraja and Mongolian troops.
  • Founded Majapahit and crowned as the first king, Prabu Kertarajasa Jayawardana.

Key Rulers and Events

• Raden Wijaya (1293-1309): First king.
• Jayanagara (1309-1328): Faced rebellions, notably Ra Kuti's successful occupation of the palace.
• Ratu Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328-1350): Appointed Gajah Mada as Mahapatih, who took the Palapa Oath.
• Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389): Peak of Majapahit glory, extended influence overseas.
  • Significant event: Conflict with Sunda Kingdom (1357).

Decline

• Wikramawardhana (1389-1429): Civil war, the Paregreg War (1404) with Bhre Wirabhumi.
• Queen Suhita: Took over after Wikramawardhana.
• Brawijaya I - VII: Experienced economic crises and political conflicts.

Fall

• Rise of the Sultanate of Demak under Raden Patah, leading to Majapahit's collapse.

Legacy

• Historical buildings: Rat Temple, Bajang Ratu Gate.
• Inscriptions: Kudadu and Canggu inscriptions.
• Negarakertagama Book by Mpu Prapanca: Chronicles the kingdom's history and administration.