Remembering the History of the Kediri Kingdom, From Its Establishment to Its Collapse

Getting to know the history of various kingdoms in the archipelago is certainly not unfamiliar with the history of the Kediri Kingdom. This kingdom, which was once one of the great kingdoms, was able to reach a vast area covering the entire island of Java and parts of Sumatra. Interested in exploring the history of this kingdom? Let's take a look at some of the following stories.

History of the Kediri Kingdom

The origins of the Kediri Kingdom are not precisely known. Nevertheless, the Kediri Kingdom, often referred to as Panjalu, had its center of power in Daha, located in the southern part of East Java. 

The story of the Kediri Kingdom is not clearly documented. However, there is an inscription that tells about the civil war left by Airlangga from the ancient Mataram Kingdom.

The first throne of the Kediri kingdom was led by Sri Samarawijaya. This is because Sri Samarawijaya initially fought for the position of king and opposed Mapanji Garasakan. 

Knowing this condition, Airlangga eventually divided the kingdom into the Panjalu Kingdom, known as the Kediri Kingdom, and the Jenggala Kingdom to avoid this civil war.

However, some evidence reveals that Sri Samarawijaya and Mapanji Garasakan continued to fight after Airlangga's death. The power of Samarawijaya, who ascended the throne in 1042, even left no inscription evidence because this period is considered a dark age.

The history of the Kediri Kingdom, which is largely recorded in literary texts, states that the civil war lasted for 60 years. This is because the war was briefly won by the Jenggala Kingdom. 

Eventually, the Panjalu Kingdom was able to dominate the entire throne and move its power to Kediri, thus being called the Kediri Kingdom.

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The establishment of the Kediri Kingdom by Sri Samarawijaya was finally carried out since 1045. Samarawijaya even held the title of Rakryan Mahamantri. Samarawijaya ascended the throne when Airlangga abdicated to become a priest. However, the end of this king's reign is not precisely known and was succeeded by Sri Jayawarsa in 1104.

Sri Jayawarsa, during his reign, is recorded as someone who deeply loved his people. Jayawarsa even continuously sought to develop the kingdom for the betterment of the welfare of all the people. The reason for Jayawarsa's abdication is also unknown until he was succeeded by King Bameswara in 1117.

As with previous reigns, the history of the Kediri Kingdom does not have specific records regarding the reign of King Bameswara.

The condition of governance during this period shows a society that adhered to religion very well. Eventually, this king abdicated and was succeeded by someone who greatly contributed to the Kediri Kingdom.

This kingdom's golden age peaked when Sri Jayabaya ascended the throne. His reign, which lasted from 1135 to 1157, brought about an expansion of power across the entire island of Java and parts of Sumatra. He even managed to create a very advanced economic condition and improve the welfare of the society.

Sri Jayabaya was even able to depose all the kings in Java and unite them under the Kediri region. This condition is further strengthened by the history of Babad Tanah Jawi and Serat Aji Pamasa, which state that Jayabaya is an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Thus, Jayabaya abdicated in a muksa manner or disappeared without leaving a body.

After the reign of Sri Jayabaya, the Kediri Kingdom was succeeded by several kings, including Sri Sarweswara (1159-1161), Sri Aryeswara (1171), Sri Garda (1181), Sri Kameswara (1181-1190), and Sri Kertajaya (1194-1222). This kingdom succeeded in creating a safe, prosperous, and flourishing society.

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Unfortunately, the history of the Kediri Kingdom reveals that the reign of Sri Kertajaya experienced a decline in stability. Kertajaya, who intended to reduce the rights of the Brahmins, faced much opposition, leading the Brahmins to seek help from Tumapel. 

This even caused Kertajaya to attempt to attack Tumapel. However, this condition led to the Kediri Kingdom's defeat.

Legacy of the Kediri Kingdom

1. Temples

The relatively short period of the Kediri Kingdom resulted in fewer archaeological remains compared to other kingdoms. Nevertheless, the Singhasari empire, which had a close relationship with this kingdom, left many Kediri temples. These include Candi Gurah, Candi Tondowongso, and Petirtaan Kepung.

2. Books

This kingdom also left several books as it experienced a golden age in ancient Javanese literature. Some of these books even recount the history of the Kediri Kingdom as a predecessor to the Singhasari and Majapahit Kingdom. 

Some of the books created include Bharatayudha, Hariwangsa, Gatotkacasraya, Smaradhana, Kresnayana, and Sumanasantaka.

3. Inscriptions

In addition, this kingdom also left several inscriptions that can still be seen today. These inscriptions even reveal several kings who ruled during their time. Some types of inscriptions include Prasasti Padlegan I and II, Prasasti Hantang, Prasasti Angin, Prasasti Jaring, and Prasasti Semanding.

The origins of the Kediri Kingdom are indeed not precisely known. However, this kingdom is believed to have been established after a civil war that lasted for approximately 60 years. This kingdom even experienced a golden age by controlling the entire island of Java and parts of Sumatra. Nevertheless, the Kediri Kingdom eventually fell due to wars with Tumapel.

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