Discussing the History of the Mataram Kingdom, The Ruler of Java
The Ancient Mataram Kingdom, or more commonly known as the Medang Kingdom, was a kingdom that stood as the successor to the Kalingga Kingdom. This kingdom was established by King Syailendra and once ruled most of Central Java and East Java. Here is a complete explanation from its origins to its legacy.
Origins
The Ancient Mataram Kingdom or Medang Kingdom was established as the successor kingdom to Kalingga, which existed from the 8th to the 10th century AD. This kingdom was predominantly agricultural, and it was led by three dynasties.
The three dynasties that once ruled the Mataram Kingdom were the Sanjaya Dynasty, Syailendra, and Istana.
The history of this kingdom is quite long, and it is estimated that it was established in the area of Yogyakarta and its surroundings. At that time, Yogyakarta was referred to as bhumi mataram.
Historical sources state that this kingdom was founded by Sanjaya, titled Rakai Mataram, and it experienced several relocations of its capital.
Location of the Mataram Kingdom
In the history of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, this kingdom actually had two periods based on its location or capital city.
The first government of the Medang kingdom was located in Central Java under the Sanjaya and Syailendra dynasties. It later moved to East Java during the reign of the Isyana Dynasty.
In 929, this kingdom moved to East Java due to several driving factors. The main driving factor was political issues and natural disasters.
The initial location was in Yogyakarta, then moved to the Magelang and Tamwlang areas. Tamwlang was once one of the regions located in East Java.
Founder of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom
King Sanjaya was the founder and the first king. His name is mentioned in the Canggal Inscription and several other inscriptions. In the inscription, it is told that there was initially a leader of Java named Sanna. Sanna died because Java was attacked by enemies, leading Sanjaya, who was Sanna's son, to begin his reign.
According to the history of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, King Sanjaya bravely conquered other kings who were initially in conflict until Java became a safe and peaceful island again.
During his reign, King Sanjaya also received the title Maharaja, which means the greatest of all kings due to his bravery.
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Lineage of Kings
1. King Sanjaya (717-746 AD)
2. Sri Maharaja Rakai Panangkaran (770 AD)
3. Dharanindra (782 AD)
4. Sri Maharaja Rakai Warak (802 AD)
5. Rakai Garung (828-847 AD)
6. Sri Maharaja Rakai Pikatan (840s-856 AD)
7. Sri Maharaja Rakai Kayuwangi Dyah (856-880 AD)
8. Sri Maharaja Rakai Watumalang (890 AD)
9. Sri Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung (899-911 AD)
10. Mpu Daksa (913-919 AD)
11. Sri Maharaja Rakai Layang Dyah (919-924)
12. Sri Maharaja Rakai Sumba Dyah Wawa (924-929 AD)
13. Mpu Sindok (929-947)
14. Sri Isyana Tunggawijaya (947 AD)
15. Sri Makuta Wangsa Wardhana
16. Sri Maharaja Teguh (991 -1016 AD)
Golden Age of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom
The reign of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom was very long, making its history often difficult to understand. So when was the golden age of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom?
The Ancient Mataram Kingdom reached its peak during the reign of King Balitung, who ruled from 899-911 AD. During his reign, he successfully conquered the surrounding areas, expanding the territory of the Mataram Kingdom.
In fact, the vastness of the Ancient Mataram government, which initially centered in Central Java, could reach the city of Malang in East Java.
Read Also: History of the Pajajaran Kingdom, the Last Hindu Kingdom in Java
Legacy
1. Kelurak Inscription
The Kelurak Inscription is one of the historical evidence of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. This inscription was made in 7782 AD and found around the Lumbung Temple.
The Lumbung Temple is located in Kelurak Village and is in the same complex as the Prambanan Temple in Central Java. Because its location is in Kelurak Village, this inscription is referred to as the Kelurak inscription.
2. Mantyasih Inscription
In addition to the Kelurak inscription, another legacy of the Ancient Mataram is the Mantyasih Inscription. This inscription was found in Mateseh Village in the northern Magelang area.
This inscription contains the names of kings who ruled the Ancient Mataram before King Balitung. It also mentions that King Balitung granted Mantyasih the privilege of being a tax-free village.
3. Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is one of the Buddhist temples built during the reign of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom.
This temple is located in Borobudur Village, Magelang. It was built during the reign of King Samaratungga, a descendant of the Syailendra dynasty. According to the Kyumwungan Inscription, this temple was built over 100 years until May 26, 824.
4. Mendut Temple
Mendut Temple is another historical evidence of the Mataram Kingdom. This temple is located 3 kilometers east of Borobudur Temple.
This temple was built during the Syailendra dynasty, specifically during the reign of King Indra, and was established in 824 AD, making it older than Borobudur Temple.
Thus is the explanation about the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. Its reign was very long, involving three dynasties. During the reign of the Ancient Mataram, religious tolerance was highly upheld. It is no wonder that the people at that time lived in safety and peace. The ruling king was also known to be wise.
