Lecture Notes: The Tarumanagara Kingdom and its Historical Significance

Introduction

• 5th Century Context
  • Collapse of the Western Roman Empire due to barbarian attacks.
  • A simultaneous flood affected the kingdom in West Java, leading to a significant mega-project.
• Focus of Lecture
  • Exploration of the oldest kingdom on Java Island: Tarumanagara.
  • Emphasis on ecological achievements and historical significance.

The Great Flood and Mega Project

• Impact of the Flood
  • Severe flooding impacted the palace and surrounding areas.
  • Maharaja Taruma's initiative: dredging the river to the sea.
  • River identified as Candrabhaga, now known as the Bekasi River.
• King Purnawarman
  • Renowned ruler of Tarumanagara responsible for creating the canal.
  • Taruma considered the oldest kingdom on Java, though not in the archipelago (preceded by Kutai).

Historical Evidence of Taruma

• Inscriptions
  • Numerous inscriptions, some with unique human foot stamps.
  • Written in Sanskrit and early Pallava script, pointing to a 5th-century existence.
  • Notable inscriptions: Ciareteun, Pasir Koleangkak, Kebon Kopi.
• Archaeological Sites
  • Batujaya temple complex and Cibuaya Site in West Java.
  • The Durga-Kali statue in Tanjung Priok.

Foreign Records

• Chinese Records
  • Liu-Song Dynasty mentions a Java kingdom sending envoys to China in 435 AD.
  • New History of the Tang Dynasty references a kingdom called To-lo-mo (interpreted as Taruma).

Purnawarman's Rule

• Military Campaigns
  • Known for military prowess and strategic skills.
  • Pasir Koleangkak Inscription alludes to his impenetrable armor.
• Expansion and Dominance
  • Subjugated rival kingdoms, including Aruteun, consolidating power over West Java.
  • Possible coverage from Ujung Kulon to the Citarum River.

Societal Structure and Indian Influence

• Pre-Kingdom Society
  • Austronesian speakers with democratically elected leaders.
  • Societal units known as wanua led by traditional elders.
• Transition to a Kingdom
  • Influence of Indian kingdom concepts, leading to centralized rule under a maharaja.

Religious Influence

• Dewaraja Concept
  • King Purnawarman seen as a god's incarnation on Earth.
  • Inscription comparisons with deities Indra and Vishnu.
  • Influence of water-related deities due to frequent floods.

River Engineering Mega Project

• Notable Projects
  • Dredging the Bekasi River and the Cakung Lama River (formerly Gomati River).
  • Second project completed in the 22nd year of Purnawarman's reign.

Religion and Tolerance

• Vedic Influence and Hinduism
  • Early Vedic Hindu practices, with reverence to Lord Indra.
  • Evidence of Buddhist tolerance, with the presence of Batu Jaya Temple.

Legacy and Collapse

• Post-Purnawarman Era
  • Lack of successors in inscriptions.
  • Theories of Taruma's collapse due to Srivijaya attack.
• Mystery and Significance
  • Unclear origins and demise of Purnawarman.
  • Legacy of mega-projects and leadership despite technological limitations.

Conclusion

• Leadership Lessons
  • Emphasis on real actions and ecological achievements.
  • Importance of leaders bringing prosperity and protection to their realms.