Lecture Notes on Muaro Jambi Temples and History

Overview

• Discussion on the discovery of temples in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia.
• Mention of significant funds from the government for archaeological expeditions.
• Exploration of hidden treasures and the historical context of the region.
• Link to the great king of Sumatra and connections to Majapahit.

Historical Context

• Period of Exploration: 7th to 14th centuries.
• Key Text: Wang Dayuan's Dǎo Yí Zhì (1349) referenced multiple sites in Southeast Asia.

Majapahit and Sumatra

• Gajah Mada's Death (1365): Led to turmoil in Sumatra, divided into 3 axes of power: Palembang, Dharmasraya, and Adityawarman's kingdom.
• Adityawarman: Main power center, suspected to be in Pagaruyung or Saruaso.
• Historical Texts: Kakawin Nagarakertagama mentions 17 Sumatran kingdoms under Majapahit, with Jambi listed first, suggesting its prominence.

Economic Importance of Jambi

• Natural Resources: Gold deposits in Batanghari River.
• Historical Trade: Gold was a means of trade even in the 17th century.

Muaro Jambi Temple Complex (KCBN Muaro Jambi)

• Significant Discoveries: 115 temple structures identified through LIDAR.
• Historical Importance: Hypothesized as the center of Sriwijaya's power from the 7th century and a Buddhist educational center.

Key Sites Visited

1. Telago Rajo Pool

• Believed to be a bathing place for kings, possibly used for storing gold (according to Arab traveler accounts).
• Archaeological Findings: Ceramics and household items indicating significant habitation.

2. Kembar Batu Temple

• Features a main temple and surrounding structures.
• Chinese gong from 1321 found here, suggesting links to Jambi's ruler.
• Possible shift from educational to power center after the fall of Sriwijaya.

3. Astano Temple

• Surrounded by a moat, contains fragments of ancient objects.
• Named "Astano" means grave; could be linked to royal burials.

4. Sialang Temple

• Associated with a myth of a magical fortress.
• Excavated with findings indicating use from the 10th to 13th centuries.

Menapo - Mounds of Ancient Treasures

• Definition: Mounds formed from ancient ruins, many undiscovered.
• Menapo Gedong I: Example of a mound that has yet to be fully excavated.
• Future Excavations: Plans to explore and identify structures within these mounds.

5. Parit Duku Temple

• Accessed easily; historical significance from the 8th to 13th centuries.
• Findings of ancient artifacts and traces of historical building practices.

6. Menapo Square

• Size and function suggest it may have been a debate arena in ancient times.
• Links to Buddhist tradition and education.

Conclusion

• Muaro Jambi is a significant site for understanding classical Indonesian civilization.
• Urges the importance of preserving history and cultural heritage.
• Future explorations aimed at uncovering more treasures and insights into the past.