Majapahit was a vast
thalassocratic archipelagic empire based on the island of
Java (modern-day
Indonesia) from 1293 to around 1500. Majapahit reached its peak of glory during the era of
Hayam Wuruk, whose reign from 1350 to 1389 marked by conquest which extended through
Southeast Asia. His achievement is also credited to his prime minister,
Gajah Mada. According to the
Nagarakretagama (Desawarñana) written in 1365, Majapahit was an empire of 98 tributaries, stretching from
Sumatra to
New Guinea;
[3] consisting of present day
Indonesia,
Singapore,
Malaysia,
Brunei, southern
Thailand,
the Philippines, and
East Timor, although the true nature of Majapahit sphere of influence is still the subject of studies among historians.
Majapahit was one of the last major empires of the region and is considered to be one of the greatest and most powerful empires in the history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia, one that is sometimes seen as the precedent for Indonesia's modern boundaries.
[4] Its influence extended beyond the modern territory of Indonesia and has been the subject of many studies.
[5] German orientalist
Berthold Laufer suggested that maja came from the Javanese name of an Indonesian tree.
[6] Historiography
Little physical evidence of Majapahit remains,
[7] and some details of the history are rather abstract.
[8] The main sources used by historians are: the
Pararaton ('Book of Kings') written in the
Kawi language and
Nagarakertagama in
Old Javanese.
[9] Pararaton is focused upon
Ken Arok (the founder of
Singhasari) but includes a number of shorter narrative fragments about the formation of Majapahit.
Nagarakertagama, is an old
Javanese epic poem written during the Majapahit golden age under the reign of
Hayam Wuruk after which some events are covered narratively.
[8] There are also some inscriptions in Old Javanese and Chinese.
The Javanese sources incorporate some poetic mythological elements, and scholars such as C. C. Berg, a Dutch nationalist, have considered the entire historical record to be not a record of the past, but a supernatural means by which the future can be determined.
[10] Despite Berg's approach, most scholars do not accept this view, as the historical record corresponds with Chinese materials that could not have had similar intention. The list of rulers and details of the state structure show no sign of being invented.
[8] Ming Dynasty admiral
Zheng He visited Majapahit. Zheng He's translator
Ma Huan wrote a detailed description about Majapahit and where the king of Java lived.
[11] New findings in April 2011, indicate the Majapahit capital was much larger than previously believed after some artifacts were uncovered.
[12] History
Formation
After
defeating the
Melayu Kingdom[13] in Sumatra in 1290,
Singhasari became the most powerful kingdom in the region.
Kublai Khan, the
Great Khan of the
Mongol Empire and the Emperor of the
Mongol Yuan Dynasty, challenged Singhasari by sending emissaries demanding tribute.
Kertanegara, the last ruler of Singhasari, refused to pay the tribute, insulted the Mongol envoy and challenged the Khan instead. As the response, in 1293, Kublai Khan
sent a massive expedition of 1,000 ships to Java.
By that time,
Jayakatwang, the
Adipati (Duke) of
Kediri, a vassal state of Singhasari, had usurped and killed Kertanagara. After being pardoned by Jayakatwang with the aid of Madura's regent, Arya Wiraraja;
Raden Wijaya, Kertanegara's son-in-law, was given the land of
Tarik timberland. He then opened that vast timberland and built a new village there. The village was named
Majapahit, which was taken from a fruit name that had a bitter taste in that timberland (
maja is the fruit name and
pahit means bitter). When the Mongolian Yuan army sent by Kublai Khan arrived, Wijaya allied himself with the army to fight against Jayakatwang. Once Jayakatwang was destroyed, Raden Wijaya forced his allies to withdraw from Java by launching a surprise attack.
[14] Yuan's army had to withdraw in confusion as they were in hostile territory. It was also their last chance to catch the
monsoon winds home; otherwise, they would have had to wait for another six months on a hostile island.
In 1293,
Raden Wijaya founded a stronghold with the capital Majapahit. The exact date used as the birth of the Majapahit kingdom is the day of his coronation, the 15th of
Kartika month in the year 1215 using the Javanese
çaka calendar, which equates to November 10, 1293. During his coronation he was given formal name
Kertarajasa Jayawardhana. The new kingdom faced challenges. Some of Kertarajasa's most trusted men, including
Ranggalawe,
Sora, and
Nambi rebelled against him, though unsuccessfully. It was suspected that the
mahapati (equal with prime minister)
Halayudha set the conspiracy to overthrow all of the king's opponents, to gain the highest position in the government. However, following the death of the last rebel
Kuti, Halayudha was captured and jailed for his tricks, and then sentenced to death.
[14] Wijaya himself died in 1309.
According to tradition, Wijaya's son and successor,
Jayanegara was notorious for immorality. One of his sinful acts was his desire on taking his own stepsisters as wives. He was entitled
Kala Gemet, or "weak villain". Approximately during Jayanegara's reign, the Italian Friar
Odoric of Pordenone visited Majapahit court in Java. In 1328, Jayanegara was murdered by his doctor, Tanca. His stepmother, Gayatri Rajapatni, was supposed to replace him, but Rajapatni retired from court to become a
Bhikkhuni. Rajapatni appointed her daughter,
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi, or known in her formal name as Tribhuwannottungadewi Jayawishnuwardhani, as the queen of Majapahit under Rajapatni's auspices. Tribhuwana appointed
Gajah Mada as the Prime Minister in 1336. During his inauguration Gajah Mada declared his
Sumpah Palapa, revealing his plan to expand Majapahit realm and building an
empire. During Tribhuwana’s rule, the Majapahit kingdom grew much larger and became famous in the area. Tribhuwana ruled Majapahit until the death of her mother in 1350. She abdicated the throne in favour of her son,
Hayam Wuruk.
Golden age
The graceful
Bidadari Majapahit, golden celestial
apsara in Majapahit style perfectly describes Majapahit as "the golden age" of the archipelago.
Hayam Wuruk, also known as Rajasanagara, ruled Majapahit in 1350–1389. During this period, Majapahit attained its peak with the help of prime minister,
Gajah Mada. Under Gajah Mada's command (1313–1364), Majapahit conquered more territories and become the regional power. According to the book of
Nagarakertagama pupuh (canto) XIII and XIV mentioned several states in
Sumatra,
Malay Peninsula,
Borneo,
Sulawesi,
Nusa Tenggara islands,
Maluku,
New Guinea, and some parts of
Philippines islands as under Majapahit realm of power. This source mentioned of Majapahit expansions has marked the greatest extent of Majapahit empire.This empire also serve as one of the most influence empire in the Indonesian history.It is considered as a commercial trading empire in the civilization of Asia.
Next to launching naval and military expeditions, the expansion of Majapahit Empire also involved diplomacy and alliance. Hayam Wuruk decided, probably for political reasons, to take princess
Citra Rashmi (Pitaloka) of neighboring
Sunda Kingdom as his
consort.
[15] The Sundanese took this proposal as an alliance agreement. In 1357 the Sunda king and his royal family came to Majapahit, to accompany and marry his daughter with Hayam Wuruk. However
Gajah Mada saw this event as an opportunity to demand Sunda's submission to Majapahit overlordship. The skirmish between the Sunda royal family and the Majapahit troops on Bubat square were unevitable. Despite the courageous resistance, the royal family were overwhelmed and decimated. Almost whole of the Sundanese royal party were viciously massacred.
[16] Tradition mentioned that the heartbroken Princess committed
suicide to defend the honour of her country.
[17] The
Battle of Bubat or Pasunda Bubat tragedy become the main theme of
Kidung Sunda, also mentioned in
Carita Parahyangan and
Pararaton, however it was never mentioned in
Nagarakretagama.
The
Nagarakertagama, written in 1365 depict a sophisticated court with refined taste in art and literature, and a complex system of religious rituals. The poet describes Majapahit as the centre of a huge
mandala extending from
New Guinea and
Maluku to
Sumatra and
Malay Peninsula. Local traditions in many parts of Indonesia retain accounts in more or less
legendary form from 14th century Majapahit's power. Majapahit's direct administration did not extend beyond
east Java and
Bali, but challenges to Majapahit's claim to overlordship in outer islands drew forceful responses.
[18] In 1377, a few years after Gajah Mada's death, Majapahit sent a punitive naval attack against a rebellion in
Palembang,
[4] contributing to the end of the
Srivijayan kingdom. Gajah Mada's other renowned general was
Adityawarman[citation needed], known for his conquest in
Minangkabau.
The nature of the Majapahit empire and its extent is subject to debate. It may have had limited or entirely notional influence over some of the
tributary states in included Sumatra, the
Malay Peninsula,
Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia over which of authority was claimed in the
Nagarakertagama.
[19] Geographical and economic constraints suggest that rather than a regular centralised authority, the outer states were most likely to have been connected mainly by trade connections, which was probably a royal monopoly.
[4] It also claimed relationships with
Champa,
Cambodia,
Siam, southern
Burma, and
Vietnam, and even sent missions to
China.
[4] Although the Majapahit rulers extended their power over other islands and destroyed neighboring kingdoms, their focus seems to have been on controlling and gaining a larger share of the commercial trade that passed through the archipelago. About the time Majapahit was founded,
Muslim traders and
proselytizers began entering the area.
Decline
Following Hayam Wuruk's death in 1389, Majapahit power entered a period of decline with conflict over succession. Hayam Wuruk was succeeded by the crown princess Kusumawardhani, who married a relative, Prince
Wikramawardhana. Hayam Wuruk also had a son from his previous marriage, crown prince
Wirabhumi, who also claimed the throne. A civil war, called
Paregreg, is thought to have occurred from 1405 to 1406,
[8] of which Wikramawardhana was victorious and Wirabhumi was caught and decapitated. The civil war has weakened Majapahit grip on its outer vassals and colonies.
During the reign of Wikramawardhana, the series of
Ming armada naval expeditions led by
Zheng He, a
Muslim Chinese admiral, arrived in Java for several times spanned the period from 1405 to 1433. By 1430 Zheng He's expeditions has established Muslim Chinese and Arab communities in northern ports of Java such as in
Semarang,
Demak,
Tuban, and
Ampel, thus Islam began to gain foothold on Java's northern coast.
Wikramawardhana ruled to 1426 and was succeeded by his daughter
Suhita, who ruled from 1426 to 1447. She was the second child of Wikramawardhana by a concubine who was the daughter of Wirabhumi. In 1447, Suhita died and was succeeded by
Kertawijaya, her brother. He ruled until 1451. After Kertawijaya died,
Bhre Pamotan became a king with formal name Rajasawardhana and ruled at Kahuripan. He died in 1453. A three-year kingless period was possibly the result of a succession crisis.
Girisawardhana, son of Kertawijaya, came to power 1456. He died in 1466 and was succeeded by Singhawikramawardhana. In 1468 Prince Kertabhumi rebelled against Singhawikramawardhana promoting himself king of Majapahit.
In western part of the crumbling empire, Majapahit found itself unable to control the rising power of the
Sultanate of Malacca that in mid 15th century began to gain effective control of
Malacca strait and expands its influence to Sumatra. Several other former Majapahit vassals and colonies began to released themself from Majapahit domination and
suzerainty.
Singhawikramawardhana moved the Kingdom’s capital further inland to Daha (the former capital of
Kediri kingdom) and continued his rule until he was succeeded by his son
Ranawijaya in 1474. In 1478 he defeated Kertabhumi and reunited Majapahit as one Kingdom. Ranawijaya ruled from 1474 to 1519 with the formal name Girindrawardhana. Nevertheless, Majapahit's power had declined through these dynastic conflicts and the growing power of the north-coastal kingdoms in Java.
Dates for the end of the Majapahit Empire range from 1478 (that is, 1400
Saka, the ends of centuries being considered a time when changes of dynasty or courts normally ended
[20]) to 1527. The year is marked among Javanese today with
candrasengkala "
sirna ilang kertaning bumi" (the wealth of earth disappeared and diminished) (
sirna = 0,
ilang = 0,
kerta = 4,
bumi = 1). According Jiyu and Petak inscription, Ranawijaya claimed that he already defeat Kertabhumi
[21] and move capital to
Daha. This event to led the war between
Sultanate of Demak and
Daha, since Demak ruler was the descendants of Kertabhumi. The battle was won by Demak in 1527.
[22] A large number of courtiers, artisans, priests, and members of the royalty moved east to the island of
Bali. The refugees probably fled to avoid Demak retribution for their support for Ranawijaya against Kertabhumi.
With the fall of Daha crushed by Demak in 1527, the Muslim emerging forces finally defeated the remnants of the Majapahit kingdom in the early 16th century.
[23] Demak under the leadership of Raden (later crowned as Sultan) Patah (Arabic name: Fatah) was acknowledged as the legitimate successor of Majapahit. According to Babad Tanah Jawi and Demak tradition, the source of Patah's legitimacy was because their first sultan, Raden Patah, was the son of Majapahit king Brawijaya V with a Chinese concubine. Another argument supports Demak as the successor of Majapahit; the rising Demak sultanate was easily accepted as the nominal regional ruler, as Demak was the former Majapahit vassal and located near the former Majapahit realm in Eastern Java.
Demak established itself as the regional power and the first Islamic sultanate in Java. After the fall of Majapahit, the Hindu kingdoms in Java only remained in
Blambangan on eastern edge and
Pajajaran in western part. Gradually
Hindu communities began to retreat to mountain ranges in East Java and also to neighboring island of
Bali. A small enclave of
Hindu communities still remain in
Tengger mountain range.
Culture, art and architecture
Wringin Lawang, the 15.5 meter tall
red brick split gate. Located at
Trowulan. Believed to be the entrance of an important compound in Majapahit capital.
"Of all the buildings, none lack pillars, bearing fine carvings and coloured" [Within the wall compounds] "there were elegant pavilions roofed with aren fibre, like the scene in a painting... The petals of the katangga were sprinkled over the roofs for they had fallen in the wind. The roofs were like maidens with flowers arranged in their hair, delighting those who saw them".
The main event of the administrative calendar took place on the first day of the month of
Caitra (March–April) when representatives from all territories paying
tax or
tribute to Majapahit came to the capital to pay court. Majapahit's territories were roughly divided into three types: the palace and its vicinity; the areas of east Java and Bali which were directly administered by officials appointed by the king; and the outer
dependencies which enjoyed substantial internal
autonomy.
[24] The capital (
Trowulan) was grand and known for its great annual festivities.
Buddhism,
Shaivism, and
Vaishnavism were all practiced, and the king was regarded as the incarnation of the three. The
Nagarakertagama does not mention
Islam, but there were certainly Muslim courtiers by this time.
[4] 
Jabung temple near Paiton, Probolinggo, East Java, dated from Majapahit period.
Although
brick had been used in the
candi of Indonesia's classical age, it was Majapahit architects of the 14th and 15th centuries who mastered it.
[25] Making use of a vine sap and
palm sugar mortar, their temples had a strong geometric quality. The example of Majapahit temples are Brahu temple in Trowulan, Pari in Sidoarjo,
Jabung in Probolinggo, and
Surawana temple near Kediri. Some of the temples are dated from earlier period but renovated and expanded during Majapahit era, such as
Penataran, the largest temple in East Java dated back to
Kediri era. This temple was identified in Nagarakretagama as Palah temple and reported being visited by King Hayam Wuruk during his royal tour across East Java.
Some of typical architectural style are believed to be developed during Majapahit era; such as tall and slender roofed red brick gate commonly called as
kori agung or
paduraksa, and also split gate of
candi bentar. The large split gate of Wringin Lawang located at Jatipasar, Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java, is one of the oldest and the largest surviving
candi bentar dated from Majapahit era. The
candi bentar took shape of typical Majapahit temple structure — consists of three parts; foot, body and tall roof — evenly split into two mirroring structures to make a passage in the center for people to walk through. This type of split gate has no doors and provides no real defensive purpose but narrowing the passage. It was probably only serve the ceremonial and aesthetic purpose, to create the sense of grandeur, before entering the next compound through tall roof
paduraksa gate with enclosed door. The example of
kori agung or
paduraksa style gate is the elegant Bajang Ratu gate richly decorated with Kala demon, cyclops and also the bas-relief telling the story of Sri Tanjung. Those typical Majapahit architectural style has deeply influenced the Javanese and Balinese architecture of later period. The
Majapahit Terracotta art also flourished in this period. Significant numbers of
terracotta artifacts were discovered in
Trowulan. The artifacts ranges from human and animal figurines, water containers,
piggy banks, architectural ornaments, to pipes and roof tiles.
"....the King [of Java] has subject to himself seven crowned kings. [Yet] his island is populous, and is the second best of all island that exist.... The king of this island has a palace which is truly marvelous. For it is very great, the stairs and palace interior were coated with gold and silver, even the roof were gilded with gold. Now the Great Khan of China many a time engaged in war with this king; but this king always vanquished and get the better of him."
The first European record about Majapahit came from the travel log of the
Italian Mattiussi, a Franciscan monk. In his book: "Travels of Friar
Odoric of Pordenone", he visited several places in today's Indonesia: Sumatra, Java, and
Banjarmasin in Borneo, between 1318–1330. He was sent by the Pope to launch a misson into the Asian interiors. In 1318 he departed from Padua, crossed the Black Sea into Persia, all the way across Calcutta, Madras, and Srilanka. He then headed to Nicobar island all the way to Sumatra, before visiting Java and Banjarmasin. He returned to Italy by land through Vietnam, China, all the way through the
silkroad to Europe in 1330.
In his book he mentioned that he visited Java without explaining the exact place he had visited. He said that king of Java ruled over seven other kings (vassals). He also mentioned that in this island was found a lot of
clove,
cubeb,
nutmeg and many other spices. He mentioned that the King of Java had an impressive, grand, and luxurious palace. The stairs and palace interior were coated with gold and silver, and even the roof were gilded. He also recorded that the kings of the
Mongol has repeatedly tried to attack Java, but always ended up in failure and managed to be sent back to the mainland. The Javanese kingdom mentioned in this record is Majapahit, and the time of his visit is between 1318–1330 during the reign of
Jayanegara.
In later period near the fall of Majapahit, the art and architecture of Majapahit witnessed the revival of indigenous native Austronesian megalithic architectural elements, such as
Sukuh and
Cetho temples on western slopes of
Mount Lawu. Unlike previous Majapahit temples that demonstrate typical Hindu architecture of high-rise towering structure, the shape of these temples are
step pyramid, quite similar to Mesoamerican
pyramids. The stepped pyramid structure called
Punden Berundak (stepped mounds) is a common megalithic structure during
Indonesian prehistoric era before the adoption of Hindu-Buddhist culture.
Economy
Taxes and fines were paid in cash. Javanese economy had been partly monetised since the late 8th century, using gold and silver coins. In about the year 1300, in the reign of Majapahit's first king, an important change took place: the indigenous coinage was completely replaced by imported Chinese copper cash. About 10,388 ancient Chinese coins weighing about 40 kg were even unearthed from the backyard of a local commoner in
Sidoarjo in November 2008. Indonesian Ancient Relics Conservation Bureau (BP3) of East Java verified that those coins dated as early as Majapahit era.
[27] The reason for using foreign currency is not given in any source, but most scholars assume it was due to the increasing complexity of Javanese economy and a desire for a
currency system that used much smaller denominations suitable for use in everyday market transactions. This was a role for which gold and silver are not well suited.
[24] Some idea of scale of the internal economy can be gathered from scattered data in inscriptions. The Canggu inscriptions dated 1358 mentions 78 ferry crossings in the country (mandala Java).
[24] Majapahit inscriptions mention a large number of occupational specialities, ranging from gold and silver smiths to drink vendors and butchers. Although many of these occupations had existed in earlier times, the proportion of the population earning an income from non-agrarian pursuits seems to have become even greater during the Majapahit era.
The great prosperity of Majapahit was probably due to two factors. Firstly, the northeast lowlands of Java were suitable for
rice cultivation, and during Majapahit's prime numerous irrigation projects were undertaken, some with government assistance. Secondly, Majapahit's ports on the north coast were probably significant stations along the route to obtain the
spices of
Maluku, and as the spices passed through Java they would have provided an important source of income for Majapahit.
[24] The Nagarakertagama states that the fame ruler of Wilwatikta (a synonym for Majapahit) attracted foreign merchants from far and wide, including
Indians,
Khmers,
Siamese, and
Chinese among others. A special tax was levied against some foreigners, possibly those who had taken up semi-permanent residence in Java and conducted some type of enterprise other than foreign trade.
Administration
Pair of door guardians from a temple, Eastern Java, 14th century (Museum of Asian Art, San Francisco)
During the reign of
Hayam Wuruk, Majapahit employed a well-organized bureaucratic structure for administrative purposes. The hierarchy and structure relatively remain intact and unchanged throughout Majapahit history.
[28] The king is the paramount ruler, as the
chakravartin he is considered as the universal ruler and believed to be the living god on earth. The king holds the highest political authority and legitimacy.
Bureaucracy officials
During his daily administration, the king is assisted by bureaucratic state officials that also included the close relatives of the kings that hold certain esteemed titles. The royal order or edict usually transmitted from the king to the high officials well to their subordinates. The officials in Majapahit courts are:
- Rakryan Mahamantri Katrini, usually reserved for the king's heir
- Rakryan Mantri ri Pakira-kiran, the board of ministers that conduct the daily administration
- Dharmmadhyaksa, the officials of laws, state laws as well as religious laws
- Dharmma-upapatti, the officials concerning religious affairs
Within the ministers of
Rakryan Mantri ri Pakira-kiran there is the most important and the highest minister titled
Rakryan Mapatih or
Patih Hamangkubhumi. This position is analogous to
prime minister, and together with king, they determine the important state policies, including war or peace. Among the Dharmmadhyaksa officials there is
Dharmmadhyaksa ring Kasewan (State's highest Hindu
Shivaist priest) and
Dharmmadhyaksa ring Kasogatan (State's highest
Buddhist priest), both are the religious laws authorities of each dharmic faiths. There is also the board of advisors consist of the elders within royal family called
Bhattara Saptaprabhu.
Territorial division
The elegant 16.5 metres tall Bajang Ratu gate, at
Trowulan, echoed the grandeur of Majapahit.
Majapahit recognize the hierarchy classifications of lands within its realm:
- Bhumi: the kingdom, ruled by the king
- Nagara: the province, ruled by the rajya (governor), or natha (lord), or bhre (prince or duke)
- Watek: the regency, administered by wiyasa,
- Kuwu: the district, administered by lurah,
- Wanua: the village, administered by thani,
- Kabuyutan: the hamlet or sanctuary place.
During its formation, Majapahit traditional realm only consists of lesser vassal kingdoms (provinces) in eastern and central Java. This region is ruled by provincial kings called
Paduka Bhattara with the title
Bhre. This title is the highest position below the monarch and similar to
duke or duchess. Usually this position reserved for the close relatives of the king. Their duty is to administer their own provinces, collect taxes, send annual tributes to the capital, and manage the defenses of their borders.
During the reign of
Hayam Wuruk (1350 to 1389) there were 12 provinces of Majapahit, administered by king's close relatives:
|
| Kahuripan (or Janggala, today Surabaya) | Bhre Kahuripan | Tribhuwanatunggadewi | queen mother |
| Daha (former capital of Kediri) | Bhre Daha | Rajadewi Maharajasa | aunt and also mother in-law |
| Tumapel (former capital of Singhasari) | Bhre Tumapel | Kertawardhana | father |
| Wengker (today Ponorogo) | Bhre Wengker | Wijayarajasa | uncle and also father in-law |
| Matahun (today Bojonegoro) | Bhre Matahun | Rajasawardhana | husband of the duchess of Lasem, king's cousin |
| Wirabhumi (Blambangan) | Bhre Wirabhumi | Bhre Wirabhumi1 | son |
| Paguhan | Bhre Paguhan | Singhawardhana | brother in-law |
| Kabalan | Bhre Kabalan | Kusumawardhani2 | daughter |
| Pawanuan | Bhre Pawanuan | Surawardhani | niece |
| Lasem (a coastal town in Central Java) | Bhre Lasem | Rajasaduhita Indudewi | cousin |
| Pajang (today Surakarta) | Bhre Pajang | Rajasaduhita Iswari | sister |
| Mataram (today Yogyakarta) | Bhre Mataram | Wikramawardhana2 | nephew |
1 Bhre Wirabhumi is actually the title: the Duke of Wirabhumi (Blambangan), the real name is unknown and he referred as Bhre Wirabhumi in Pararaton. He married to Nagawardhani, the king's niece.
2 Kusumawardhani (king's daughter) married to Wikramawardhana (king's nephew), the couple become the heir.
When Majapahit entered the
thalassocratic imperial phase during the administration of Gajah Mada, several overseas vassal states were included within the Majapahit sphere of influence, as the result the new larger territorial concept was defined:
- Negara Agung, or the Grand State, the core kingdom. The traditional or initial area of Majapahit during its formation before entering the imperial phase. This includes the capital city and the surrounding areas where the king effectively exercises his government. This area covered the eastern half of Java, with all its provinces ruled by the Bhres (dukes), the king's close relatives.
- Mancanegara, areas surrounding Negara Agung. These areas are directly influenced by Javanese culture, and obliged to pay annual tributes. However these areas usually possess their own native rulers or kings, that might foster alliance or intermarried with the Majapahit royal family. Majapahit stationed their officials and officers in these places and regulate their foreign trade activities and collect taxes, yet they enjoyed substantial internal autonomy. This includes the rest of Java island, Madura, Bali, as well as Dharmasraya, Pagaruyung, Lampung and Palembang in Sumatra.
- Nusantara, areas which do not reflect Javanese culture, but are included as colonies and they had to pay annual tribute. They enjoyed substantial autonomy and internal freedom, and Majapahit did not necessarily station their officials or military officers here; however, any challenges on Majapahit oversight might draw severe response. These areas such as the vassal kingdoms and colonies in Maluku, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Borneo, and Malay peninsula.
All of those three categories were within the sphere of influence of the Majapahit empire, however Majapahit also recognize the fourth realm that defines its foreign diplomatic relations:
- Mitreka Satata, literary means "partners with common order". It refer to independent foreign states that is considered as Majapahit's equals, not the subject of Majapahit powers. According to Nagarakretagama canto 15, the foreign states are Syangkayodhyapura (Ayutthaya of Siam), Dharmmanagari (Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom), Marutma, Rajapura and Sinhanagari (kingdoms in Myanmar), Champa, Kamboja (Cambodia), and Yawana (Annam).[29] Mitreka Satata can be considered as Majapahit's allies, since other foreign kingdoms in China and India was not included in this category, although Majapahit known has conducted foreign relations with these nations.
The model of political formations and power difussion from its core in Majapahit capital city that radiates through its overseas possessions, was later identified by historians as "
mandala" model. The term mandala derived from Sanskrit "circle" to explain the typical ancient Southeast Asian polity that was defined by its centre rather than its boundaries, and it could be composed of numerous other tributary polities without undergoing administrative integration.
[30] The territories belongs within Majapahit Mandala sphere of influence were those categorized as Mancanegara and Nusantara. These areas usually have their own indigenous rulers, enjoy substantial autonomy and have their own political institution intact without further integration into Majapahit administration. The same mandala model also applied on previous empires;
Srivijaya and
Angkor, and also Majapahit's neighboring mandalas;
Ayutthaya and
Champa.
In later period, Majapahit's hold on its overseas possessions began to waned. According to
Wingun Pitu inscription (dated 1447) it was mentioned that Majapahit was consist of 14 provinces, that administrated by the ruler titled
Bhre.
[31] The provinces or vassal areas are:
Legacy
Pura Maospahit ("Majapahit Temple") in
Denpasar, Bali, demonstrate the typical Majapahit red brick architecture.
The Majapahit style minaret of Kudus Mosque.
In sum, Majapahit was the largest empire ever to form in Southeast Asia.
[24] Although its political power beyond the core area in east Java was diffuse, constituting mainly ceremonial recognition of suzerainty, Majapahit society developed a high degree of sophistication in both commercial and artistic activities. Its capital was inhabited by a cosmopolitan population among whom literature and art flourished.
[24] Numbers of local legends and
folklores in the region had mentioned about the Majapahit kingdom. Most of them mentioned about the incoming Javanese forces to their land, which was probably a local testament of the empire's expansive nature that once dominating the archipelago. The
legend of Minangkabau mentioned an invading foreign prince — associated with Javanese Majapahit kingdom — that being defeated on buffalo fight. Others than Javanese sources, some regional legends mentioning Majapahit kingdom or its general Gajah Mada, also can be found; from Aceh, Minangkabau, Palembang, Malay Peninsula, Sunda, Brunei, Bali to Sumbawa.
Several Javanese legends were originated or become popular during Majapahit period. The
Panji cycles, the tale of
Sri Tanjung, and the epic of
Damarwulan, are popular tales in Javanese and
Balinese literatures. The tales of Panji was dated from older period during Kediri kingdom, while the tale of Sri Tanjung and the epic of Damarwulan took place during Majapahit period. These tales has remain a popular theme in Javanese culture of later period during Mataram Sultanate, and often become the source of inspiration for
wayang shadow puppet performance,
ketoprak and
topeng dance drama.
Majapahit had a momentous and lasting influence on
Indonesian architecture. The descriptions of the architecture of the capital's pavilions (
pendopo) in the
Nagarakertagama invoke the Javanese
Kraton also the
Balinese temples and palace compounds of today. The Majapahit architectural style that often employs
terracotta and
red brick had heavily influenced the architecture of Java and Bali in the later period. The Majapahit style
candi bentar split gate, the
kori or
paduraksa towering red brick gate, and also
pendopo pavilion has become ubiquitous in Javanese and Balinese architectural features, as evidence in
Menara Kudus Mosque,
Keraton Kasepuhan and Sunyaragi park in
Cirebon,
Mataram Sultanate royal cemetery in
Kota Gede,
Yogyakarta, and various palaces and temples in Bali.
The red brick
Candi Bentar split gate of
Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon reveal Majapahit architectural influences.
The vivid, rich and festive
Balinese culture is considered as one of Majapahit legacy. The Javanese Hindu civilization since the era of
Airlangga to the era of Majapahit kings has profoundly influenced and shaped the Balinese culture and
history.
[32] The ancient links and Majapahit legacy is observable in many ways; architecture, literature, religious rituals, dance-drama and artforms. The aesthetics and style of bas-reliefs in Majapahit East Javanese temples were preserved and copied in Balinese temples. It is also due to the fact that after the fall of the empire, many Majapahit nobles, artisans and priests has took refuge either in the interior mountainous region of East Java or across the narrow strait to Bali. Large numbers of Majapahit manuscripts, such as
Nagarakretagama,
Sutasoma,
Pararaton and
Tantu Pagelaran, were being well-kept in royal libraries of Bali and Lombok, and provides the glimpse and valuable historical records on Majapahit. The Majapahit Hindu-Javanese culture has shaped the culture of Bali, that led to popular expression; "without Java there is no Bali". Yet in return, Bali is credited as the last stronghold to safeguard and preserved the ancient Hindu Javanese civilization.
In weaponry, the Majapahit expansion is believed to be responsible for the widespread use of the
keris dagger in Southeast Asia; from Java, Bali, Sumatra, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand, to the Philippines. Although it has been suggested that the keris, and native daggers similar to it, predate Majapahit, nevertheless the empire expansion contributed to its popularity and diffussion in the region.
For Indonesians in later centuries, Majapahit became a symbol of past greatness. The Islamic sultanates of
Demak,
Pajang, and
Mataram sought to establish their legitimacy in relation to the Majapahit.
[33] The Demak claimed a line of succession through Kertabumi, as its founder,
Raden Patah, in court chronicles was said to be the son of Kertabumi with Putri Cina, a Chinese princess, who had been sent away before her son was born.
[22] Sultan Agung's conquest of
Wirasaba (present day Mojoagung) in 1615 — during that time just a small town without significant strategic and economic value — led by the sultan himself, may probably have had such symbolic importance as it was the location of the former Majapahit capital.
[34] Central Javanese palaces have traditions and
genealogy that attempt to prove links back to the Majapahit royal lines — usually in the form of a grave as a vital
link in Java — where legitimacy is enhanced by such a connection.
[citation needed] Bali in particular was heavily influenced by Majapahit and the
Balinese consider themselves to be the true heirs of the kingdom.
[25] 
The high reliefs of Gajah Mada and Majapahit history depicted in
Monas, has become the source of Indonesian national pride of past greatness.
Modern Indonesian nationalists, including those of the early 20th century
Indonesian National Revival, have invoked the Majapahit Empire. The memory of its greatness remains in Indonesia, and is sometimes seen as a precedent for the current political boundaries of the Republic.
[4] Many of modern Indonesian national symbols derived from Majapahit Hindu-Buddhist elements. The Indonesian national flag
"Sang Merah Putih" ("Red and White") or sometimes called "Dwiwarna" ("The bicolor"), derived from the Majapahit royal color. The Indonesian Navy flag of red and white stripes also has a Majapahit origin. The Indonesian national motto, "
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", is a quotation from an
Old Javanese poem
"Kakawin Sutasoma", written by a Majapahit poet, Mpu Tantular.
[35] The Indonesian coat of arms,
Garuda Pancasila, also derives from
Javanese Hindu elements.
[36] The statue and relief of
Garuda have been found in many temples in Java such as
Prambanan from the ancient
Mataram era, and the
Panataran as well as the
Sukuh temple dated from the Majapahit era. The notable statue of Garuda is the statue of the king
Airlangga depicted as
Vishnu riding
Garuda.
In its propaganda from the 1920s, the
Communist Party of Indonesia presented its vision of a classless society as a reincarnation of a romanticized Majapahit.
[37] It was invoked by Sukarno for nation building and by the
New Order as an expression of state expansion and consolidation.
[38] Like Majapahit, the modern state of Indonesia covers vast territory and is politically centred on Java.
Palapa, the series of communication satellites owned by Telkom, an Indonesian telecommunication company, has been named after
Sumpah Palapa, the famous oath taken by
Gajah Mada. Gajah Mada swore that he would not taste any spice as long as he had not succeeded in unifying Nusantara (Indonesian archipelago). This ancient oath of unification signifies the Palapa satellite as the modern means to unify the Indonesian archipelago by way of
telecommunication. The name was chosen by president
Suharto, and the program was started in February 1975.
During the last half year of 2008, the Indonesian government sponsored a massive exploration on the site that is believed to be the place where the palace of Majapahit once stood.
Jero Wacik, the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism stated that the
Majapahit Park would be built on the site and completed as early as 2009, in order to prevent further damage caused by home-made brick industries that develop on the surrounding area.
[39] Nevertheless, the project leaves a huge attention to some historians, since constructing the park's foundation in Segaran site located in south side of
Trowulan Museum will inevitably damage the site itself. Ancient bricks which are historically valuable were found scattered on the site. The government then argued that the method they were applying were less destructive since digging method were used instead of drilling.
[40] List of rulers
Genealogy diagram of
Rajasa dynasty, the royal family of Singhasari and Majapahit. Rulers are highlighted with period of reign.
The rulers of Majapahit was the dynastic continuity of the
Singhasari kings, which started by
Sri Ranggah Rajasa, the founder of
Rajasa dynasty in late 13th century.
- Raden Wijaya, styled Kertarajasa Jayawardhana (1294–1309)
- Kalagamet, styled Jayanagara (1309–1328)
- Sri Gitarja, styled Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328–1350)
- Hayam Wuruk, styled Sri Rajasanagara (1350–1389)
- Wikramawardhana (1389–1429)
- Suhita (1429–1447)
- Kertawijaya, styled Brawijaya I (1447–1451)
- Rajasawardhana, born Bhre Pamotan, styled Brawijaya II (1451–1453)
- Interregnum (1453–1456)
- Bhre Wengker, Purwawisesa or Girishawardhana, styled Brawijaya III (1456–1466)
- Singhawikramawardhana, Pandanalas, or Suraprabhawa, styled Brawijaya IV (1466–1468 or 1478[8])
- Kertabumi, styled Brawijaya V (1468–1478)
- Girindrawardhana, styled Brawijaya VI (1478–1527)
