CLASS X - THE KINGDOM OF KALINGGA (History)

Summary

The Kalingga Kingdom, founded in the 7th century in Central Java, was a prosperous Buddhist kingdom, famous for its wise and just ruler, Queen Sima. Her firm leadership led to a golden age marked by peace and economic growth, with trade, farming, and resource production flourishing. The kingdom’s decline occurred after repeated attacks by Sriwijaya, ultimately leading to the loss of Kalingga's territory by the mid-8th century. Key historical sources, including inscriptions and temples, provide evidence of Kalingga's significance. The kingdom’s rich legacy continues through its surviving relics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kalingga Kingdom, also known as the Holing Kingdom, was a Buddhist kingdom located in Central Java, founded around the 7th century.
• 😀 The exact location of the Kalingga Kingdom is debated, with some sources suggesting it was on the north coast of Java, while others propose it was in the Malay Peninsula.
• 😀 Historical sources about Kalingga primarily come from Chinese records, inscriptions, and oral traditions, including Buddhist texts compiled over centuries.
• 😀 The kingdom was a significant center of Hinayana Buddhism, as evidenced by the involvement of Buddhist monks like I-Tsing in translating texts.
• 😀 Queen Sima, who ruled around 647 AD, is one of the most famous figures in Kalingga history, known for her wise and firm governance.
• 😀 Queen Sima's reign is considered the golden age of the Kalingga Kingdom, marked by peace, prosperity, and a just legal system.
• 😀 The economy of the Kalingga Kingdom thrived on trade, with goods such as gold, silver, turtle shells, ivory, and rhinoceros horn being traded regularly.
• 😀 The society of the Kalingga Kingdom was orderly and disciplined, largely due to the strict governance and fair decisions of Queen Sima.
• 😀 The Kalingga Kingdom faced decline due to an attack from the Srivijaya Kingdom, which forced the Kalingga government to retreat to remote areas.
• 😀 After Queen Sima's death, the kingdom's influence waned, contributing to its eventual collapse and the domination of Srivijaya over Kalingga's territories.
• 😀 Key historical relics from the Kalingga Kingdom include inscriptions like the Tukmas and Sojomerto inscriptions, as well as temples like the Angin and Bubrah temples.

Q & A

What is the Kalingga Kingdom also known as?

The Kalingga Kingdom is also referred to as the Holing Kingdom or Rivet Kingdom.

Where was the Kalingga Kingdom located?

The Kalingga Kingdom was located on the north coast of Java, with some sources suggesting it was in Central Java, while others point to the Malayan Peninsula.

What are the primary sources of information about the Kalingga Kingdom?

The primary sources of information include Chinese records from the Tang Dynasty, inscriptions, oral traditions, and Buddhist texts, particularly those related to the translation work of the monk I-tsing.

Who was the most famous ruler of the Kalingga Kingdom?

The most famous ruler of the Kalingga Kingdom was Queen Sima, who reigned in 647 AD and was known for her justice, wisdom, and firm leadership.

What made Queen Sima's reign significant?

Queen Sima's reign is significant because of her fair and strict governance. She once punished her own son for violating the rules, demonstrating her commitment to justice and leadership.

How did the economy of the Kalingga Kingdom function?

The economy of the Kalingga Kingdom was based on trade and agriculture. People engaged in farming and produced goods like turtle shells, gold, silver, rhinoceros horn, and ivory, facilitating regular trade.

What was the social structure like in the Kalingga Kingdom?

The social structure of the Kalingga Kingdom was orderly and well-organized, with clear roles and responsibilities within the community. The strict government of Queen Sima ensured that laws and regulations were respected and followed.

What were the main reasons for the decline of the Kalingga Kingdom?

The decline of the Kalingga Kingdom was primarily due to attacks from the Srivijaya Kingdom between 742 and 755 AD, which forced the Kalingga leadership to retreat. Additionally, the death of Queen Sima led to the kingdom's gradual decline.

What relics from the Kalingga Kingdom still exist today?

Some of the surviving relics from the Kalingga Kingdom include the Tukmas Inscription, the Sojomerto Inscription, the Angin Temple, the Bubrah Temple, and the Songolikur Peak Site.

What role did Buddhism play in the Kalingga Kingdom?

Buddhism, particularly Hinayana Buddhism, played a significant role in the Kalingga Kingdom. The kingdom became a center of Buddhist knowledge, and Chinese Buddhist monks like I-tsing and Winning were involved in translating texts and sharing religious knowledge.