History of the Majapahit Kingdom

Overview

• Largest and most successful kingdom in the archipelago.
• Wealth built on maritime and trade network.
• Last Hindu-Buddhist kingdom before Islamic Demak.
• Stood for 234 years (1293-1527).

Founding

• Preceded by the fall of Singasari Kingdom.
• Jayakatwang attacked Singasari, leading to the death of King Kertanegara.
• Raden Wijaya founded Majapahit in 1293 after defeating Jayakatwang.
• Raden Wijaya was the first king: Prabu Kertarajasa Jayawardana.

Leadership Timeline

• Raden Wijaya (1293-1309): Founding king.
• Jayanagara (1309-1328): Son of Raden Wijaya; faced multiple rebellions.
• Ratu Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328-1350): Half-sister of Jayanagara; appointed Gajah Mada as Mahapatih.
• Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389): Reached peak of glory; expanded influence overseas.
• Wikramawardhana (1389-1429): Son-in-law of Hayam Wuruk; faced internal conflict.
• Queen Suhita: Post-Wikramawardhana.
• Brawijaya I to VII: Economic and political decline.

Key Events

• Palapa Oath: Taken by Gajah Mada to unify the archipelago.
• Battle with Sunda Kingdom (1357): Caused by marriage dispute, led to casualties.
• Paregreg War (1404): Civil war due to leadership dispute.
• Collapse: Attacked by Demak Sultanate, leading to complete fall.

Cultural Heritage

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