Overview
This lecture covers the study of ancient Sundanese manuscripts, focusing on their language, cosmology, religious structure, legal systems, and their relevance in understanding Indonesian heritage and culture.
Philology and Ancient Sundanese Texts
- Philology is the study of written human texts, focusing on both language and the documents themselves.
- Indonesia has around 100 known ancient Sundanese manuscripts, making them rare and valuable sources.
- The main ancient written languages in the Indonesian archipelago are Old Sundanese, Old Javanese, Old Balinese, and Old Malay.
- Ancient Sundanese manuscripts date mainly from the 14th–15th centuries and feature genres including epic poetry, religious texts, metaphysics, manuals, and more.
Language, Cosmology, and Religion
- Old Sundanese shares the Austronesian language family and absorbed Sanskrit vocabulary but not grammar.
- No authoritative Old Sundanese grammar or dictionary exists; comparative studies with other ancient languages are necessary.
- Ancient Sundanese manuscripts reflect a complex cosmology, with tiered heavens and underworlds, and a strong “oneness” concept similar to monotheism.
- Religious texts respect Shiva, Buddha, and ancestors, showing syncretic traditions.
- Feminist elements are present, with unique gender-specific heavens and female deities like Sunan Ambu.
Legal and Social Structure
- The legal system in ancient Sundanese society is stratified into seven tiers: custom, codified law, teacher's teachings, elders’ teachings, agreements, public expression, and judicial speech.
- These tiers allowed for adaptive and collective moral adjustments, contrasting with rigid codified law from colonial influences.
- The structure emphasized the social value of speech and honesty.
Environmental and Spatial Knowledge
- Manuscripts like Warugan Lemah provide proto-scientific guidance on land suitability, which aligns with modern geological findings.
- Land is viewed as sacred and feminine; there are taboos against exploitative treatment.
Political and Religious Elites (Tritantu)
- The Tritantu system describes the balance of power among the king (political), rama (economic), and resi (religious/intellectual).
- Each group has distinct roles and responsibilities, ensuring societal balance.
Loss and Relevance of Ancient Traditions
- Much ancient Sundanese knowledge was lost or dormant for centuries, especially during colonialism.
- Modern relevance lies in rediscovering these manuscripts for national literacy and cultural inspiration.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Philology — study of texts and language in historical documents.
- Old Sundanese — ancient language of West Java, Indonesia.
- Sanghyang Hayu — major canonical religious text.
- Warugan Lemah — manual on land suitability and spatial planning.
- Tritantu — triad of king, rama (elder/farmer), and resi (sage).
- Sunan Ambu — prominent female deity.
- Sat Mata — collective agreement or moral pact.
- Speech (Pidato) — highest level in the legal hierarchy, representing judicial process.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read highlighted manuscripts: Sanghyang Hayu, Siksa Guru, Sasana Mahaguru, Siksa Kandang Karesian.
- Explore the book "Warugan Lemah" for insights into traditional spatial planning.
- Consider deeper research on surviving manuscripts for historical and cultural studies.