Majapahit Empire, The Golden Era of the Archipelago Options

[Majapahitans]

Hey guys,
Recently I just visited the ruins of Majapahit Imperial capital city, Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java.
In mid-November 2006 Indonesian National Museum (Museum Gajah) gonna held special exhibition about Majapahit Empire. It's gonna be great (especially for history freak like me ). The exhibition to commemorate the coronation of Raden Wijaya as Kertajasa Jayawardhana, the monarch and founder of Majapahit in November 1293.
Wringin Lawang Gate

The huge gate quite awesome and fascinate me...
The glorious Ancient Indonesian Empires always captivate my imagination since Junior Hi....
It's been my long lasting obsession.
And in this Indochat I realize there's no special threads discussing about Majapahit.

So guys, lets discuss about Majapahit, the celebrated era of our ancestors.
The history, politics, the Heros, Royalty; King and Queen, art, architecture, technology, literature, religion, people, demographic, economy, trade, almost everything about this celebrated Imperial era.

First trivia: yang remeh dahulu.....
What is Majapahit?
(I believe many of Indonesian already know the origin of this name..... ).

Maja (a kind of fruit, not good to eat tough, quite non edible)
Pahit (bitter)
Bitter Maja fruit that abundant in Majapahit capital.
First the Majapahit area are called "Hutan Tarik" (tarik forest), When Raden Wijaya open new village (tanah perdikan) bestowed by King of Kediri, Jayakatwang, he finds lots of bitter Maja trees, so he simply named this new village Majapahit.....

This post has been edited by Majapahitans: Nov 24 2006, 10:43 AM

[Sirikittong]

So since the Majapahit Empire was Hindu, were the Kings considered avatarsatris or were they considered God Kings (Deva raja) --or were they considered Thammaraja (selfless king). ?

I have read much into Sri Vijaya, but very little on Majapahit--but im impressed with the military conquest of Majapahit of srivijayan lands.

Do you think you can post a picture of the extreme military extent of majapahit, khun majapahitan?

Thanks, bro.

some biblio on the majapahit empire:

The Majapahit Empire was an Indianized kingdom based in eastern Java from 1293 to around 1500. Its greatest ruler was Hayam Wuruk, whose reign from 1350 to 1389 marked the empire's peak when it dominated other kingdoms in southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Bali, and the Philippines.

The Majapahit was the last of the great Hindu empires of the Malay archipelago. It was preceded by the Srivijayan kingdom, based in Palembang on the island of Sumatra.

The founder of the Majapahit Empire, Kertarajasa or Prince (Raden) Wijaya, was the son-in-law of Kertanegara, the last ruler of the Singhasari kingdom, also based in Java. After Singhasari drove Srivijaya out of Java altogether in 1290, the rising power of Singhasari came to the attention of Kublai Khan in China and he sent emissaries demanding tribute. Kertanegara, last ruler of the Singhasari kingdom, refused to pay tribute and the Khan sent a massive 1000 ship expedition which arrived off the coast of Java in 1293.

By that time, a rebel from Kediri, Jayakatwang had usurped and killed Kertanagara. The Majapahit founder, after a brief exile in the favor of the Regent (Bupati) Arya Wiraraja of Madura, allied himself with the Mongols against Jayakatwang and, once Jayakatwang was destroyed, turned and forced his Mongol allies to withdraw from the isle after he launched a surprise attack. The huge Mongol Army in confusion had to withdraw as they were in hostile land and it was the last time for the monsoon sea-wind to depart for home, otherwise, they would have had to wait for another six months on a totally hostile island. Then, Wijaya ascended the throne as the first king of Majapahit on 1293 AD. In the Lands of Tarik he built a strong hold, and the capital was named Majapahit also, after the bitter (pahit) maja fruit, a sort of tree which grew in abundance in that area. His formal name was Kertarajasa Jayawarddhana. But the newborn empire was not without challenge. Some of his most trusted men, including Ranggalawe, Sora, and Nambi set several rebellion against the king, but they all died in misery. It was suspected that mahapati Halayudha set the conspiracy to overthrow all of his opponents in order to gain the highest position in the government. But following the death of the last rebel Kuti, mahapati was captured and jailed for his tricks, and was sentenced to death. Wijaya himself died in 1309 AD.

He was succeeded by his son, Jayanegara, whose mother was a Malayu princess. Jayanegara was not a good king since he had shown some immoral behaviors such as willing to take his own step-sisters as his wives. He was entitled Kala Gemet, or "weak villain". Jayanegara was murdered by his surgeon on 1328 AD. He should have been succeeded by his stepmother, Rajapatni who retired from court to be come a nun in Buddhist monastery, Therefore she appointed her daughther, Tribhuwana as a queen of Majapahit to rule under her auspices.

During Tribhuwana’s rule Majapahit grew to be a great kingdom and famous on all the seas of the Archipelago and a broad. Tribhuwana ruled until the death of her mother in 1350 AD. Then her son Hayam Wuruk ascended the throne. (1)

Gajah Mada, an ambitious Majapahit prime minister and regent from 1331 to 1364, extended the empire's rule to include most of present day Indonesia. A few years after Gajah Madah's death, the Majapahit navy captured Palembang, putting an end to the Srivijayan kingdom. Gajah Mada's other renown general was Adityawarman, known for his conquest in Minangkabau.

This article is part of
the History of Malaysia series


Prehistoric Malaysia (40,000-2,000 BCE)

Gangga Negara (2nd-11th century CE)

Langkasuka (2nd-14th century)

Pan Pan (3rd-5th century)

Srivijaya (3rd century -1400)

Majapahit Empire (1293-1500)

Kedah Sultanate (1136-present)

Malacca Sultanate (1402 - 1511)

Johor Sultanate (1528-current)
Jementah Civil War (1879)
White Rajahs (1841-1946)

British Malaya (1874-1946)

Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824
Burney Treaty (1826)
Straits Settlements (1826-1946)
Larut War (1861-1874)
Klang War (1867-1874)
Pangkor Treaty of 1874
Federated Malay States (1895-1946)

Unfederated Malay States (19th century-1946)

Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909

Battle of Penang (1914)

North Borneo (1882-1963)

Mat Salleh Rebellion (1896-1900)

World War II (1941-1945)

Battle of Malaya (1941-42)

Parit Sulong Massacre (1942)

Battle of Singapore (1942)

Syburi (1942-1945)

Battle of North Borneo (1945)

Sandakan Death Marches (1945)

Malayan Union (1946-1948)

Federation of Malaya (1948-1963)

Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)

Bukit Kepong Incident (1950)

Independence Day (1957)

Federation of Malaysia (1963-present)

Operation Coldstore (1963)
Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation (1962-1966)
Brunei Revolt (1962-1966)
Singapore in Malaysia (1963-1965)
May 13 Incident (1969)

New Economic Policy (1971-1990)

Operation Lalang (1987)

1988 Malaysian constitutional crisis (1987-88)

Asian financial crisis (1997-98)

[edit this box]
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.

Majapahit’s Power reached its summit under the rule of King Hayam Wuruk. After Hayam Wuruk died in 1389 AD, Majapahit power began to decline with a civil war over succession that started in 1401 and went on for four years. The country was split up by fraternal conflitets. Hayam Wuruk had been succeeded by the crown princess Kusumawardhani, who had married a relative, Prince Wikramawardhana. Hayam Wuruk also had a son by his previous marriage, the crown prince Wirabhumi. He was jealous of his sister and his brother in-law, so he claimed rights to the throne. The tense relations between the two parties remained a smoldering fire during some. (1)

It grew into a big blaze at the beginning of the 15th century when a fraternal war called Paregreg was declared and lasted from 1403 to 1406 AD. At last Wikramawardhana won the war. Wirabhumi who fled at night, was caught and decapitated. Wikramawardhana ruled to 1492 AD. Wikramawardhana was succeeded by his daugther Suhita, who ruled from 1426 to 1447 AD. She was the second child of Wikramawarddhana by a concubine who was the daughter of Wirabhumi. (1)

In 1447, Suhita died and was succeeded by Kertawijaya, her brother. He ruled until 1451 AD. After Kertawijaya died, Bhre Pamotan become a king with formal name Rajasawardhana and ruled at Kahuripan. He died in 1453 AD. (1)

After that during three years Majapahit grew internally weaker and until 1456 AD, when Bhre Wengker, son of Kertawijaya, came to hold position as the ruler. He died at 1466 AD and succeeded by Singhawikramawardhana. In 1468 AD Kertabhumi suddenly attacked Bhre Wengker and promoted himself as king of Majapahit.

Singhawikramawardhana moved the Kingdom’s capital to Daha and continued his rule until he was succeeded by his son Ranawijaya at 1474 AD. In 1478 AD he defeated Kertabhumi and brought the divided Majapahit back into one Kingdom. Ranawijaya ruled from 1474 AD to 1519 AD with formal name Girindrawardhana. Nevertheless, Majapahit situation had decayed by long lasting family conflicts and enhanced by the growing-up of the north-coastal kingdoms in Java.

Majapahit found itself unable to control the rising power of the Sultanate of Malacca. Dates for the end of the Majapahit Empire range from 1478 to 1520, or - as recorded by the babad - c. 1400 Saka. After series of battle fought with the succeeding monarch of Demak Bintoro Sultanate, founded by Kertabumi's own son Raden Patah, the last remaining courtsmen of Majapahit was forced to withdraw eastward. A large number of courtiers, artisans, priests, and members of the royalty moved east to the island of Bali at the end of Majapahit's existence, where they remained isolated until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Dutch colonials mounted a military expedition to take control of the island; however, the crown and the true seat of government moved to Demak under the leadership of Pengeran, later Sultan Fatah.

source: wikipedia

[purnomor]

^ Majapahit kings and the kings of previous Javanese Hindu kingdoms are always portrayed as God Vishnu riding the Garuda in stone statues found all over Java.

[Sirikittong]

It is the same during the Ayuthayan Empire (Golden Thai epoch). The Kings were considered Thammaraja/Devarajas. Meaning (selfless king/god king). The incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

[Kopassus]

interesting!

[ungasg]

Sirikittong:

Khun thai krap?
Sawadee krap.....phom rak mak Krung Thep Krap !!! Thai food - aroy mak.
Oh yeah...phom phut phasa thai nit noy diao !, so please don't continue hehehehe

I know that only if Indonesian Javanese language is still based on basic sanskrit writing.
Also, the national emblem of Indonesia is the same as that of Thailand , that is GARUDA.
I see many companies in Thailand which have done good social deeds to the country or the people of Thailand are allowed to display the GARUDA ( the bird with the body of a human, red in color) emblem. Am I right?

[Majapahitans]

The concept of King's divine power is not new in Indonesian history.
In original Hindu concept in India, King is king and Gods is gods. But in ancient Indonesia there's tendency to incorporate the divinity of God's power to atributes king's nobility, power, and authority. The concept Devaraja Sang Nata probably originated from Hindu ancient Indonesia. Later spread throughout Southeast Asia.

The Ciaruteun inscriptions, from Tarumanagara kingdom of West Java (4th to 7th century AD).

vikkrantasyavanipateh shrimatah purnavarmmanah tarumanagararendrasya vishnoriva padadvayam

Translation according to Vogel:

This two foots (prints) are just like (the foot of) Wishnu, belongs to King of the world, strong, brave, noble and famous, Purnawarman ruler of Tarumanagara.

Since Tarumanagara era the king is potrayed as the incarnation of Wishnu on earth.

Srivijayan emperors is believed to have divine power that can cast horrible curse to rebelious vassal kingdoms. So many rulers around Malacca strait swore their allegiance to the emperor to avoid this curse (and the realistic thing is to avoid punitive raid expedition of Srivijayan navy..... ).


King Airlangga of Kahuripan, Java was potrayed as Wishnu riding Garuda ca. 1001 AD - 1049 AD



So the first King of Majapahit, Kertajasa Jayawardhana here is potrayed as the incarnation of Lord Wishnu. Completed with Wishnu regalia (Laksana), holding "Cengkha" winged shell.

This post has been edited by Majapahitans: Oct 17 2006, 07:16 AM

[Sirikittong]

Sirikittong:

Khun thai krap?
Sawadee krap.....phom rak mak Krung Thep Krap !!! Thai food - aroy mak.
Oh yeah...phom phut phasa thai nit noy diao !, so please don't continue hehehehe

I know that only if Indonesian Javanese language is still based on basic sanskrit writing.
Also, the national emblem of Indonesia is the same as that of Thailand , that is GARUDA.
I see many companies in Thailand which have done good social deeds to the country or the people of Thailand are allowed to display the GARUDA ( the bird with the body of a human, red in color) emblem. Am I right?

Sawadee khrap!! Pleasure to meet you khun ungasg; very good that you can speak a little Thai. LOL! I am very impressed! Hope you learn more!

Salamet dateng! Terimi Kasi khun ungasg!

+++

Yes, the krut (garuda) is placed mostly in official government buildings or sometimes in company buildings that have had acquired the permission from His Majesty's Government to place the Garuda. In Thailand--it is very uncommon to see the Garuda being hung on every building; I assume it is also similar in Java/ Bali?

++++

Apa kabar!

The concept of King's divine power is not new in Indonesian history.
In original Hindu concept in India, King is king and Gods is gods. But in ancient Indonesia there's tendency to incorporate the divinity of God's power to atributes king's nobility, power, and authority. The concept Devaraja Sang Nata probably originated from Hindu ancient Indonesia. Later spread throughout Southeast Asia.

The Ciaruteun inscriptions, from Tarumanagara kingdom of West Java (4th to 7th century AD).

vikkrantasyavanipateh shrimatah purnavarmmanah tarumanagararendrasya vishnoriva padadvayam

Translation according to Vogel:

This two foots (prints) are just like (the foot of) Wishnu, belongs to King of the world, strong, brave, noble and famous, Purnawarman ruler of Tarumanagara.

Since Tarumanagara era the king is potrayed as the incarnation of Wishnu on earth.

Srivijayan emperors is believed to have divine power that can cast horrible curse to rebelious vassal kingdoms. So many rulers around Malacca strait swore their allegiance to the emperor to avoid this curse (and the realistic thing is to avoid punitive raid expedition of Srivijayan navy..... ).


King Airlangga of Kahuripan, Java was potrayed as Wishnu riding Garuda ca. 1001 AD - 1049 AD



So the first King of Majapahit, Kertajasa Jayawardhana here is potrayed as the incarnation of Lord Wishnu. Completed with Wishnu regalia (Laksana), holding "Cengkha" winged shell.

Very interesting. Did the Indonesian empires prior to Majapahit or Sri Vijaya ever conquored parts of mainland south east asia ? It is even sufficed that Funan and Chenla (the pre cursor states of Angkor) were Malay. Since the kingdom of Champa was indeed Java-based, as well.

Considering the Malay people inhabited the region FAR LONGER than any other group of people--I thought it might be a possibility.

Do you, Majapahitan or anyone else, have a speculation or opinion on this matter?

[udin_aja]

i heard Gajah Mada is not a javanese, or at least is not pure javanese, his name is not javanese words.......

[jokotarub]

i heard Gajah Mada is not a javanese, or at least is not pure javanese, his name is not javanese words.......

i heard that hypothesis before. because there's no "gajah" in Java, it was likely he's from other place where elephant lives.
maybe he's a siamese? our friend sirikittong looks similar to his picture in history comics

[rasibiduk]

i heard that hypothesis before. because there's no "gajah" in Java, it was likely he's from other place where elephant lives.
maybe he's a siamese? our friend sirikittong looks similar to his picture in history comics

The fact that elephants are prominent in Buddhist lore (isn't there carvings of elephants in Borobudur?) and that Ganesha is a man-elephant, I am definite that Gajah is not a strange animal for our forefathers.

And also, there are fossils of elephants found in Java, be it the ancient stegodon type or the modern one (Elephas maximus). The recent discovery in Rancamalang, Bandung confirms this. So perhaps they do exist in those days, alongside with the now extinct Javan Tiger.

Beside, there are so many places and ancient people's name with Gajah in it.
Leuwigajah in Cimahi, Kampung Gajah in Bandung, Karang Gajah in Garut etc. For names, beside Gajah Mada, from the old Sundanese figure: Gajah Lumantung, Gajah Hambalang, Gajah Waringin, etc.

So, I wouldn't doubt the origin of Gajah Mada because of his name.

This post has been edited by rasibiduk: Oct 17 2006, 11:27 AM

[Majapahitans]

Gajah Mada is a mysterious historical figure

No historical records about his origin, there's no tomb to commemorate his magnificent achievement.
He's probably the only Majapahit historical figure quite unknown where he's born and where he died.
But his legacy, the unified archipelagic empire of Majapahit is quite is the testament of his ambition and genius vision, a bright politician and warrior. Majapahit as the ancient incarnation of modern Indonesia stay forever as inspirations, source of pride and dignity for Indonesian.

According to books and articles I've reads here's the speculations about his origin:

Using animal name as people name is quite common in ancient Java, Lembu Tal, Kebo Ijo, Kebo Anabrang, Mundingwangi Dikusumah, Ciung Wanara, Mahesa Cempaka, etc. Gajah (means elephant) is known in ancient Java, In Borobudur relief we can find the image of Elephant, probably back then there's an original Javanese elephant sub-species, but if not it's possible to import them from Sumatra, since ancient Indonesian ship quite reliable to transport large things. But Gajah is abundant in Sumatra up until now. So the speculations arose.

Gajah Mada probably native East Javanese, born somewhere in the village along Brantas river valley.
The name Gajah just the name, to atribute his huge body. Many Javanese hold to this notions maybe for the sake of their Javaness.... . He probably an talented orphan boy with humble origin, his brightness caught the attention of Majapahit general, then he serve in Majapahit royal army.

Gajah Mada probably Malayu or Srivijayan origin, but since young he serve Javanese Majapahit special forces (Bhayangkara, the royal guard).
This theory probably based after the congquest of Malayu by Singhasari. The Pamalayu expedition led by King Kertanegara conquer the court of Malayupura (now Jambi), part of Srivijayan empire that already weaken. Malayupura once stood as rival for Srivijaya before Srivijaya conquer it. Then as Srivijaya weaken, Malayu began to be more important and enjoy certain degree of independence.

This conquest (some says alliance, cause Kertanegara gave gift for the people of Malayu, a huge 6 metres statue made in Java, then transport it to Sumatra) brough many royalties (princess of Malayu like Dara Jingga and Dara Petak), scholars, Buddhist priest (Dharmaputras), artisans, warriors, etc, to Javanese courts. Gajah Mada vast knowledge about various kingdoms, islands, and area around archipelago probably due to Srivijayan knowledge, is he Malayu soldier, that's why he really know his way when he launch naval attack to Srivijayan capital like he's ever been there before.

Gajah Mada probably Minang origin (West Sumatra). This hypothese almost the same as Malayu or Srivijayan origin, the point is Gajah Mada probably Sumatran with Minang blood in him. Actually I've heard this rumors from my Minangkabau friends, that the elders of Minangkabau people believed (and claim ) that Gajah Mada was a Minang boy when he "merantau" to Java. However this claim quite disputable and hold no historic proof.

Gajah Mada probably Balinese origin. Old Balinese story claims that Gajah Mada is Balinese origin. Balinese even believed that Gajah Mada is the incarnation of certain Hindu god (sorry I don't remember which one, not Wishnu I believed, cause Wishnu almost always reserved to Javanese King). This also based on Gajah Mada know how and where during his first overseas conquest to neighboring island of Bali, like he ever lived there before. But why he invade his home country....? And in Bali he face quite hostile resistance.

But the sure thing is Gajah Mada Is not Sundanese..... some Sundanese even up until now still despise him.... Because Gajah Mada don't respect the ancient alliance between Javanese (inhabit central and eastern Java) and Sundanese (inhabit western part of Java). Sundanese and Javanese believe that they are brothers waay back since ancient times, so it's a sin for brothers to attack and hurt eachothers. The historic river of Cipamali originally sign the border between Sunda and Java. Pamali means forbidden sin, means it's forbidden for brothers to fight among themself.

Remember the Kidung Sunda story, or Pasunda Bubat incident...? Gajah Mada tricked and trapped King of Sunda and most of Sundanese royal family in Bubat square. The bloody incidents where all of Sundanese performed honorable act of loyalty and bravery, not to submit to Majapahit until the last drop of blood and tears . Even the beautiful Princess, Dyah Pitaloka Chitraresmi take her own life to uphold the dignity of her kingdom and her people. Or maybe she's fell in to despair and lost all hope....? But this is sad story even for me....

This post has been edited by Majapahitans: Oct 17 2006, 11:39 AM

[cewe_indonycian]

Gajah Mada is a mysterious historical figure...

mysterious background notwithstanding, it would be almost impossible then for a non Javanese to hold such powerful position in a Javanese Kingdom unless he was a real kick @ss genius.

Mas Maja bagaimana anda melihat skandal "Bubat Gate" kalau ada apakah konsekuensinya disitu dimulainya menurun karir politik GM ?

Apakah akan dibuat film epic nya misalnya kaya.. The last Samurai... wah seru deh pilihTom Cruise ato Mas Maja..

[lovelytruth]

interesting

[Sirikittong]

Dyah Pitaloka Chitraresmi ...the pricess that commited suicide rather than be taken by Majapahit Imperial forces, khun?

This is very interesting--are there any statues or monuments in the honor of the Sundanese royal family ?

I know that your sig tells the tale--very sad indeed, if I may add.

[purnomor]

Yes, the krut (garuda) is placed mostly in official government buildings or sometimes in company buildings that have had acquired the permission from His Majesty's Government to place the Garuda. In Thailand--it is very uncommon to see the Garuda being hung on every building; I assume it is also similar in Java/ Bali?

The Garuda Pancasila national emblem is hung in every government building and on almost every classroom in Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua.

Very interesting. Did the Indonesian empires prior to Majapahit or Sri Vijaya ever conquored parts of mainland south east asia ? It is even sufficed that Funan and Chenla (the pre cursor states of Angkor) were Malay. Since the kingdom of Champa was indeed Java-based, as well.

Srivijaya controlled the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand, while Majapahit also have political power over Malay Peninsula. The Malay kingdom at Temasik (now Singapore) was attacked and destroyed by Majapahit raiders in 1377.

[Sirikittong]

Thanks thanks khun. Do you know any relations with champa and java or malayupura at all?

[purnomor]

^ There are heaps of trade and marital links between Champa and Srivijaya-Majapahit kingdoms.

[Majapahitans]

Very interesting. Did the Indonesian empires prior to Majapahit or Sri Vijaya ever conquored parts of mainland south east asia ? It is even sufficed that Funan and Chenla (the pre cursor states of Angkor) were Malay. Since the kingdom of Champa was indeed Java-based, as well.

Considering the Malay people inhabited the region FAR LONGER than any other group of people--I thought it might be a possibility.

Do you, Majapahitan or anyone else, have a speculation or opinion on this matter?

In India, the monarch doesn't claim to be the incarnation of Vishnu (avatar). Maybe it's considered blasphemy by Brahman (priest) caste if Ksatriyas (warrior/king) claim to be god's incarnation. The known historical avatar figures known in India are Raam Avatara, Khrisna Avatara, and Buddha Avatara. Even the great king Ashoka doesn't claim to be incarnation of Vishnu, although he is truly a great king.

Actually the Hindu concept Devaraja or Divine King probably first appear in Tarumanagara, West Java since it was the oldest Hindu kingdom in the region (4th century AD). King Purnawarman is regarded as Wishnu incarnation on earth.
Then another kingdoms also adopted this concept. The Srivijayan inscription proclaimed the emperor has divine god-like power, to bless or to curse his subjects.
Sanjaya family of Hindu Mataram also use this divine monarch claim. Sanjaya, the founder of Mataram actually a prince from kingdom of Galuh.
While Galuh and Sunda are twin kingdoms separate by Citarum river. This twin kingdom formed from the breaking of Tarumanagara kingdom, after being weakened by Srivijaya invasion.

Syailendra dynasty that rule central Java also adopted this concept of divine monarch. There's strongly suggested blood-link or marital-link between the Javan Syailendra with Funan and later Chenla royalties in mainland Southeast Asia. Jayavarman II, the founder of Khmer empire lived as a prince at the court of Sailendra in Java, whether as a royal hostage of Java's vassal kingdom, or for his education (or both), has not yet been established. Thus he brought the art and culture of Javanese Sailendran court to Cambodia.

The Devaraja concept reach it's zenith in physical and cultural significance in magnificent Angkor civilization of Khmer Empire. Then later, the empire that also influenced Sukothai and Ayuthaya of Thailand, and Champa.

It's the fact that Austronesian stock (or many called Malay-Austronesian) is inhabit the region (Southeast Asian Archipelago and some mainland parts) far longer and earlier than other race, Like Dai Viet and Siamese (Thai) that came from North (around China) in later migration wave.
Sundanese, Javanese, Balinese, Minang, Srivijayan-Malay, and Champa, (also people of Phillippines islands)are share same ancestry: Austronesian speaking race. Some people even sugested Khmer as also share Austronesian ancestry with the rest of us.

Now people (especially in Malaysia) used the name Melayu or Malay as the word to identify race, The other name for Austronesian race. But in Indonesia the word Melayu is more likely used to identify the certain ethnic groups that inhabit coastal Sumatra, coastal Borneo, and Malay peninsula (Malaysia). Javanese, Minang, Balinese, and Sundanese will refused to be called Melayu, cause they feel their culture and legacy is far older and refined than coastal Malay of Malaysia, Brunei and Sumatra .

Thanks thanks khun. Do you know any relations with champa and java or malayupura at all?

The word Malay is first mentioned to identify kingdom and place, not people or race. It's Malayupura (now Batanghari riverbank, Jambi province, Indonesia). Malayupura is the first real rival for growing Srivijaya in Southern Sumatra. Later Malayupura is conquered and absorb within Srivijaya's realm. Although conquered, Malayupura language and culture prevail and later used as Srivijaya's national language. The inscriptions written in old Malay is found throughout Srivijaya territory, even found in central Java. Srivijaya is responsible of the widespread of Bahasa Melayu throughout archipelago, that now serve as the base/origin of Bahasa Melayu (in Malaysia) and Bahasa Indonesia.

For Champa, it is the long lasting ally for Java over centuries. During the rising of Mongol forces, King Kertanegara of Singhasari (the predecessor of Majapahit) formed alliance with Champa to hold growing and threathning Mongol forces-The Yuan dynasty of China. Many kings of Java and Champa intermarried. One of the famous Queen of later era Majapahit is princess of Champa (Putri Cempo), and she's a muslim woman. The tomb of Champa Princess can be found in Trowulan, Majapahit, East Java.

This post has been edited by Majapahitans: Oct 18 2006, 10:01 AM

[Aranadhel]

I love the war uniform of the Majapahitan archers with their long bows & cool helmets...