Understanding the History of the Kutai Kingdom, the Oldest Kingdom in Indonesia

The introduction of the Kutai Kingdom as the first kingdom in Indonesia is well-documented by the many inscriptions discovered by scholars. Nevertheless, the history of the Kutai Kingdom often refers to two major kingdoms that are interconnected. Curious? Let's explore the story of the Kutai Kingdom below.

Getting to Know the Kutai Kingdom

The Kutai Kingdom was founded by Kudungga in the 5th century or around 400 AD, located at the upstream of the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan. This region's location indicates an international trade route in the archipelago that connects with India. 

The shape of the Mahakam River, which can be navigated by ships to Muarakaman, made this place known to the world.

This interconnected condition even serves as evidence of the influence of Hindu-Buddha spread as the beginning of this kingdom's establishment. This place also provides Yupa, which is a kind of stone with inscriptions in Sanskrit using Pallava script. Typically, this language and writing were used in Hindu lands.

The history of the Kutai Kingdom as a Hindu kingdom is also marked by Hindu architectural styles used in its buildings. This kingdom is believed to have been established by King Kudungga as a customary leader and religious figure in East Kalimantan. 

This kingdom was established after King Kudungga spread the religion in the region.

Read also: The Dark Story Behind the History of the Singasari Kingdom 

Inscriptions from the Kutai Kingdom as a Hindu Kingdom

The existence of the Kutai Kingdom as a Hindu kingdom named Kutai Martapura is marked by the discovery of seven Yupa inscriptions. These inscriptions are carved on andesite stone pillars or monoliths. 

Yupa even has distinctive Pallava script features with the use of a box head found at the top of the script. These inscriptions are also in the form of stone pillars or monuments measuring approximately 1 meter. 

The pillars planted in the ground also serve as inscriptions, animal ties for religious ceremonies, and symbols of the king's greatness. 

The seven Yupa inscriptions in one location are often referred to as Kutai inscriptions or Mulawarman inscriptions.

You can also understand each inscription to study the history of the Kutai Kingdom. Typically, Yupa inscription I is written in Sanskrit in 12 lines of text. 

This inscription mentions the family lineage of Sri Maharaja Kudungga, who was blessed with 3 children. Among these three children, Mulawarman is the prominent child as a good, strong, and powerful king.

Yupa inscription II presents 8 lines of text using the same script and language. In this inscription, there is writing related to Sri Mulawarman's condition, who has donated 20,000 cattle to the Brahmins. 

This second inscription can even be identified as a commemorative symbol created by the Brahmins present at that location.

Then, Yupa inscription III also presents 8 lines of text describing the goodness and greatness of King Mulawarman. Meanwhile, Yupa inscription IV does not display the same writing because it has been erased. 

Nevertheless, this inscription still retains the same shape and has remnants of the script head that is usually located above the writing.

Yupa inscription V also describes the history of the Kutai Kingdom during the reign of King Mulawarman. This inscription has 4 writings as a reminder of two significant donations made by King Mulawarman. 

Similarly, Yupa inscription VI presents 8 lines of text as a sign of offerings to the Brahmins. However, this inscription has been damaged and contains broken words.

In addition, Yupa inscription VII also presents 8 lines of script that describe the story of King Mulawarman. This inscription even introduces the strength of King Mulawarman, who was able to conquer the kings who ruled over him. This monument was even built by Brahmins who came from other regions.

Read also: The History of the Pajajaran Kingdom, the Last Hindu Kingdom in Java

The Glory and Fall of the Kutai Kingdom

The stories presented in each inscription show that this kingdom experienced glory under the leadership of King Mulawarman. This place was even able to establish good cooperation with foreigners who traded here. 

Merchants passing through the Makassar Strait, the Philippines, and China also made the Kutai Kingdom a stopover. This good cooperation condition even made the kingdom very prosperous. 

Moreover, educated people such as the warrior and Brahmin classes also traveled to India and the centers of Hinduism spread in Southeast Asia. These intellectuals also held honorable positions in Kutai.

Unfortunately, the history of the Kutai Kingdom experienced a decline after the reign of King Mulawarman. Maharaja Dharma Setia was even killed during a war with the 13th King of Kutai Kartanegara. 

This condition even led to the kingdom being controlled by the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom as an Islamic kingdom that held power in East Kalimantan.

These are some stories you need to know regarding the condition of the Kutai Kingdom in East Kalimantan. This kingdom once experienced a golden age under the leadership of King Mulawarman and faced decline afterward. 

In fact, this condition also led to a power struggle, resulting in this place being replaced by the Islamic kingdom, the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom.

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