Origin and Historical Story of the Establishment of the Pajang Kingdom

The Pajang Kingdom was one of the Islamic kingdoms on the island of Java. Its existence began to emerge after the fall of the Demak Sultanate. The Pajang Kingdom was established in 1549 and lasted until 1587 AD. Its existence was initiated by its founder, Jaka Tingkir, after he moved the center of the Demak Kingdom to the Pajang area. Check out the history of the Pajang Kingdom here.

Origin of the Pajang Kingdom

When a dispute occurred between Jaka Tingkir (Hadiwijaya) and Arya Penangsang, the condition of the Demak Kingdom became unstable. The war occurred around 1546 shortly after the Sultan of Demak passed away.

Jaka Tingkir, as the winner of the battle, moved the center of his government to the Pajang area. Initially, in the historical narrative, it is told that before the kingdom was officially established, Jaka Tingkir had served as the leader of the Pajang Region.

He served during the reign of Sultan Trenggono. Due to his victory over Arya Penangsang, the center of the Demak Kingdom was moved to the Pajang area.

Geographical Location

The Pajang Kingdom was centered in Central Java, more precisely in the Kertasura region, which at that time was one of the inland areas on the island of Java.

The Pajang Kingdom's territory was not very extensive, covering only Central Java. After the death of Sultan Trenggono, many areas in East Java declared independence.

Although its power weakened at that time, Sultan Hadiwijaya did not remain idle. In 1586, Sultan Hadiwijaya held a meeting with the nobles or dukes in East Java.

The meeting yielded good results. The nobles of East Java were willing to recognize the sovereignty of the Pajang Kingdom over their territories.

List of Kings Who Ruled the Pajang Kingdom

1. Sultan Hadiwijaya (1549-1582)

Jaka Tingkir or Sultan Hadiwijaya is the founder and the first ruler of the Pajang Kingdom. When he grew up, Jaka Tingkir became the son-in-law of Sultan Trenggana. Sultan Trenggana was one of the leaders who once became a king in the Demak Kingdom. Jaka Tingkir received the title Hadiwijaya when he served as one of the rulers of Pajang.

During his reign, several advancements were achieved by the Pajang Kingdom. He managed to expand the territory to other areas including Madiun, Blora, and Kediri.

Due to his great expansion intentions, he held a meeting with all the dukes of East Java, and they eventually declared their intention to join the Pajang Kingdom.

2. King or Sultan Arya Pangiri (1583-1586)

The second sultan to rule in the history of the Pajang Kingdom was Arya Pangiring. He succeeded Sultan Hadiwijaya after his death.

The title he received after serving as the sultan of the Pajang Kingdom was Ngawantiputra. During his leadership, he attempted to conquer Mataram.

Due to his obsession with subduing the Mataram Kingdom, Arya Pangiri did not focus much on the welfare of his people. He continued to gather strength from the people of Demak to fight against the Mataram Kingdom, even causing the people of Pajang to be marginalized by the forces he created. The people of Pajang lived in misery, and robbery became rampant.

3. Sultan Benawa (1586-1587)

Sultan Benawa was the third sultan to rule the Pajang Kingdom. He successfully replaced Arya Pangiri. Prince Benawa was the son of Sultan Hadiwijaya, who had the title Prabuwijaya. Sultan Benawa passed away in 1587, and the Pajang Kingdom was fully taken over by the Mataram Kingdom.

The Golden Age of the Pajang Kingdom

In the historical narrative of the Pajang Kingdom, its golden age occurred during the reign of the first sultan, Sultan Hadiwijaya. He was a skilled politician who could persuade the leaders of East Java to recognize the sovereignty of the Pajang Kingdom. Additionally, he was also adept at determining territorial expansion tactics.

The Pajang Kingdom became a prosperous kingdom as its people thrived through agricultural aspects. Its fertile natural conditions, due to its location flanked by two rivers, advanced its economy.

Even in the 16th to 17th centuries, this kingdom became one of the rice production locations capable of exporting its rice outside the Pajang region.

Heritage of the Pajang Kingdom

1. Kabanaran Port

Kabanaran Port is one of the remnants of the Pajang Kingdom. It is not surprising that its existence serves as one of the historical evidence of the Pajang Kingdom. This site is located on the banks of the Jenes River, which is a tributary of the Bengawan Solo River. In its time, the Janes River, formerly known as the Kabanaran River, was a fairly busy trade route.

2. Laweyan Market

Another remnant of the Pajang Kingdom is Laweyan Market. In its time, this market was the center of the people's economy. Even until now, Laweyan Market is still used as one of the trading locations by the community. Unfortunately, there is still no specific story about the establishment of Laweyan Market in the history of the Pajang Kingdom.

3. Laweyan Mosque

Not only the market, but another evidence of the Pajang Kingdom is the Laweyan Mosque. This mosque is one of the proofs of the spread of Islam in Solo. Until now, the mosque still functions and has undergone several repairs.

Although it has been repaired several times, some remnants of the Pajang Kingdom are still visible.

Thus is the explanation regarding the Pajang Kingdom. Its role as one of the kingdoms that spread Islam on the island of Java can be considered quite significant. Although its reign was relatively short, its existence serves as evidence that the development of Islam in Java did not cease even after the fall of the Demak Kingdom.