Peeking into the History of the Tarumanegara Kingdom and Its Legacy
The Tarumanegara Kingdom became one of the oldest kingdoms that ever ruled in the western part of Java Island from the 4th to the 7th century AD. It is not surprising that Tarumanegara ranks as the second oldest kingdom in the archipelago. This is inseparable from the relics that can still be witnessed today. What is the history of the Tarumanegara Kingdom and its relics?
The History of the Establishment of the Tarumanegara Kingdom
Ranking as the second oldest kingdom after the Kutai Kingdom, the Tarumanegara Kingdom is estimated to have existed around the 4th to 7th centuries AD. According to the Gregorian calendar, this kingdom existed in the year 358 AD (based on the Wangsakerta manuscript).
This kingdom was originally founded by Jayasingawarman who came from India after experiencing war. In the historical manuscript found in Wangsakerta, it is stated that in the 4th century AD, the archipelago had been visited by a number of refugees from India.
These people sought refuge by going to the archipelago due to a great war that struck India. Generally, the refugees came from Calankayana and Pallawa in India.
One of the groups was led by Jayasingawarman or a Maharesi. After landing in Indonesia and obtaining approval from the King of West Java, Dewawarman VII, who was the King of Salakanagara, they built a settlement. They established it near the Citarum River, named Tarumadesya.
After ten years, the village of Taruma was visited by many people. It is not surprising that in the historical records of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, this village became one of the significant areas.
Eventually, the area that was only a village developed into a city. This led Jayasingawarman to establish a kingdom called the Tarumanegara Kingdom.
The Location of the Tarumanegara Kingdom
Experts state that the Tarumanegara Kingdom is estimated to be located in West Java or more precisely between the Citarum and Cisadane rivers. The location of this kingdom is known based on the inscriptions found around Citarum and Cisadane. In addition, this is also known from research that has been conducted on these inscriptions.
Meanwhile, if viewed from its name, Tarumanegara is derived from the word taruna. This word is estimated to be related to the word tarung, which means blue. Not only that, the word tarung is used as the name of a river in West Java, or more precisely, Citarum. Thus, many experts believe that the center of the Tarumanegara kingdom is near that river.
The Lineage of Kings During the Tarumanegara Kingdom
In the history of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, it is known that there were 13 kings who held the throne. The first was Jayasingawarman, the founder of the Tarumanegara Kingdom.
He was a Maharesi from India who fled to the archipelago due to war. This king ruled the Tarumanegara Kingdom from 358 to 382 AD.
The reign of the Tarumanegara Kingdom was continued by Dharmayawarman from (382 to 395 AD). Then it was succeeded by Purnawarman from 395 to 434 AD.
Purnawarman led the Tarumanegara Kingdom to its peak during that time and built a new capital named Sundapura.
Not stopping there, the succession of kings after Purnawarman included Wisnuwarman (434-455), Indrawarman (455-515), Candrawarman (515-535), Suryawarman (535-561), Kertawarman (561-628), Sudhawarman (628-639), and Hariwangsawarman (639-640). The last three names were held by kings Nagajayawarman (640-666), Linggawarman (666-669), and Tarusbawa (669-723).
The Golden Age of the Tarumanegara Kingdom
The golden age of the Tarumanegara Kingdom was achieved under the leadership of Purnawarman. In the historical records of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, Purnawarman's power was expanded by conquering neighboring kingdoms.
It is not surprising that the extent of the Tarumanegara Kingdom's power was almost the same as the area of West Java in modern times.
In addition to expanding the territory, Purnawarman also established royal laws, war strategies, military regulations, and other literature.
Purnawarman was also known as a wise ruler who was able to pay attention to the people due to the policies he made. One of his major policies was the relocation of the capital to a coastal area deemed more strategic.
Relics of the Tarumanegara Kingdom
This oldest kingdom left behind various historical relics. This is what made the Tarumanegara Kingdom once stand in the archipelago.
The relics that can be identified include inscriptions, gold masks, and others. Interestingly, the relics of the Tarumanegara Kingdom are also mentioned in other historical documents in China.
One of the historical relics of the Tarumanegara Kingdom is the inscriptions found in different places. However, their discoveries are not too far apart from one another.
For example, the Ciaruteun Inscription, Jambu or Koleangkak Inscription, Pasir Awi Inscription, Kebun Kopi Inscription, Muara Cianten Inscription, Tugu Inscription, and the Lebak or Cidanghiang Inscription.
The relics of the Tarumanegara Kingdom can still be well preserved, even though they have existed since ancient times. In addition, these relics also serve as concrete evidence that the Tarumanegara Kingdom once thrived in its time. Not only that, various events and the lineage of kings are also known from the relics of the Tarumanegara Kingdom.
