The Majapahit Kingdom

 

The Majapahit Kingdom was a powerful and influential maritime empire in Southeast Asia, centered in what is now East Java, Indonesia, and existed roughly from 1293 to 1527 CE. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Founding and Early History

• Founder: Raden Wijaya (also known as Kertarajasa Jayawardhana)
• Year Founded: 1293 CE
• Raden Wijaya established Majapahit after defeating the Mongol invasion led by Kublai Khan’s forces.
• Initially a vassal of the Singhasari Kingdom, Majapahit grew into a powerful independent empire.

2. Peak and Expansion

• Golden Age: During the reign of Hayam Wuruk (1350–1389 CE), with Gajah Mada as his prime minister.
• Gajah Mada’s Palapa Oath: Pledged to unite the entire Nusantara (the Indonesian archipelago) under Majapahit rule.
• Majapahit reached its peak influence over modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, southern Thailand, the Philippines, and East Timor.
• Known for its naval power and trade dominance.

3. Governance and Society

• Government System: Monarchy with a centralized court in Trowulan, East Java.
• Administrative Structure: Provinces called bhumi, ruled by local governors loyal to the king.
• Society: Multi-ethnic, including Javanese, Balinese, Malay, and other regional groups.
• Culture: Strong Hindu-Buddhist influence, especially in art, literature, and architecture.

4. Economy

• Trade: Majapahit was a hub for spices, textiles, and other goods connecting China, India, the Middle East, and the Malay Archipelago.
• Agriculture: Rice farming was central; irrigation systems were advanced.
• Maritime Power: Maintained a strong navy to protect trade routes.

5. Culture and Legacy

• Literature: Nagarakretagama by Mpu Prapanca (1365) documents Majapahit’s political and cultural achievements.
• Architecture: Temples and monuments, though many ruins remain in Trowulan today.
• Religion: Predominantly Hindu-Buddhist, later influenced by Islam.
• Influence: Laid the foundation for modern Indonesian culture, particularly in Java and Bali.

6. Decline

• Internal Conflicts: Succession disputes weakened central authority.
• External Pressure: Rise of Islamic sultanates in Java and Sumatra.
• Fall: By the early 16th century, Majapahit fragmented into smaller kingdoms, but its cultural legacy persisted.

Majapahit Kingdom Timeline (1293 – 1527 CE)

1293 CE – Founding of Majapahit

• Raden Wijaya defeats Mongol invaders and establishes Majapahit in Trowulan, East Java.
• Becomes independent after the fall of the Singhasari Kingdom.

1309–1328 CE – Early Expansion under Jayanegara

• Raden Wijaya’s son, Jayanegara, rules as king.
• Faces internal rebellions and consolidation of power.

1328–1350 CE – Reign of Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi

• Daughter of Kertarajasa, she strengthens Majapahit’s power.
• Begins expanding influence over neighboring regions.

1350–1389 CE – Golden Age under Hayam Wuruk

• Prime Minister: Gajah Mada.
• Palapa Oath: Gajah Mada pledges to unite Nusantara under Majapahit rule.
• Peak territorial expansion: control over Java, Sumatra, Bali, Borneo, Malaya, southern Thailand, the Philippines, and East Timor.
• Prosperity in trade, agriculture, and culture.

1389–1429 CE – Post-Hayam Wuruk Era

• Reign of Wikramawardhana and successors.
• Succession disputes and weakening central power.
• Rise of regional kingdoms and Islamic sultanates.

15th Century CE – Decline

• Internal conflicts, corruption, and loss of control over vassal states.
• Islamic sultanates like Demak, Cirebon, and Malacca gain influence.

1527 CE – Fall of Majapahit

• Majapahit loses political control and fragments into smaller kingdoms.
• Cultural and religious influence continues, especially in Java and Bali.