Sejarah Tarumanegara: Gemilang Pasundan & Kerajaan Tertua di Pulau Jawa

Summary

The video script delves into the history of the Taruma Kingdom in West Java, Indonesia, highlighting its resilience against floods and its transformation into a prosperous realm under King Purnawarman. It explores the kingdom's ancient inscriptions, archaeological evidence, and its strategic military campaigns. The script also discusses Purnawarman's megaprojects, such as river dredging, and his religious practices, suggesting a blend of early Vedic Hinduism and tolerance towards Buddhism. The mystery of the kingdom's collapse and its potential connection to the Srivijaya attack is also examined, leaving viewers with a sense of admiration for Purnawarman's leadership and the kingdom's legacy.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century due to attacks from various 'barbarian' nations, while a kingdom in West Java faced a natural disaster that led to a significant mega-project.
• 🌊 Maharaja Taruma responded to a devastating flood by initiating the river dredging project to the sea, which is considered the archipelago's first mega-project and saved thousands of lives.
• 👑 King Purnawarman of the Taruma Kingdom is credited with creating the oldest canal in the archipelago, the Candrabhaga (now Bekasi River), showcasing ancient engineering prowess.
• 📜 The Taruma Kingdom's existence is supported by numerous inscriptions, some of which are unique and contain early Pallawa letters, suggesting a 5th-century AD timeline.
• 🏛️ Archaeological evidence links several temples in West Java to the Taruma Kingdom, with the Batujaya temple complex being a prime example.
• 🌐 Foreign records, such as those from the Liu-Song Dynasty and the New History of the Tang Dynasty, mention a Javanese kingdom that interacted with China, potentially referring to Taruma.
• 💪 Purnawarman's military campaigns and strategic skills expanded his empire, as indicated by inscriptions like Pasir Koleangkak and Tugu.
• 🌾 The Taruma Kingdom's society evolved from tribal units to a kingdom structure, influenced by Indian concepts of governance and the Dewaraja ideology.
• 🔨 Purnawarman's megaprojects in river engineering not only addressed flooding but also improved agriculture and demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his people.
• 🕉️ The Taruma Kingdom showed religious tolerance, with Purnawarman's early Vedic Hindu beliefs coexisting with the rise of Buddhism in Java.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in both the Western Roman Empire and West Java around the 5th century?

In the 5th century, the Western Roman Empire collapsed due to attacks from various groups considered barbarians, such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns. Simultaneously, a kingdom in West Java faced a flood that damaged its center of power.

Who was the king of the Taruma Kingdom known for his wisdom and what major project did he initiate?

The king of the Taruma Kingdom, Maharaja Taruma, was known for his wisdom. He initiated the dredging of the Candrabhaga River (identified as the Bekasi River in West Java) to the sea to prevent future flooding.

How did King Purnawarman of Taruma Kingdom contribute to the archipelago's history?

King Purnawarman contributed to the archipelago's history by creating the oldest canal in the region, which was a mega-project from ancient times, and by his military campaigns that led to the establishment of Taruma as the dominant kingdom in West Java.

What is the significance of the Taruma inscriptions in understanding the history of the Taruma Kingdom?

The Taruma inscriptions are significant as they provide historical evidence of the kingdom's existence and culture. They are written in Sanskrit and early Pallawa letters, suggesting the kingdom's existence around the 5th century AD.

Which archaeological sites are believed to be related to the Taruma Kingdom?

Archaeological sites believed to be related to the Taruma Kingdom include the Batujaya temple complex in Karawang, West Java, and the Cibuaya Site where two statues of Vishnu were found.

How did foreign records contribute to the understanding of the Taruma Kingdom's existence?

Foreign records, such as those from the Liu-Song Dynasty and the New History of the Tang Dynasty, mention a kingdom in Java that had diplomatic relations with China, which supports the existence of the Taruma Kingdom.

What was the role of the Dewaraja concept in the Taruma Kingdom's society and governance?

The Dewaraja concept played a significant role in the Taruma Kingdom by legitimizing the king's rule. King Purnawarman was considered an incarnation of a god on earth, centralizing power and unifying the mandala under his rule.

What were the religious practices and beliefs of King Purnawarman and how did they reflect in the kingdom's culture?

King Purnawarman was an early Vedic Hindu who worshiped Lord Indra as the god of water and Lord Vishnu. His religious practices were reflected in the kingdom's culture, as seen in inscriptions equating him with these deities, and possibly in the architectural nuances of the Batu Jaya Temple.

What is the historical controversy surrounding the 12 kings of Tarumanagara mentioned in the Wangsakerta Manuscript?

The 12 kings of Tarumanagara, as mentioned in the Wangsakerta Manuscript, are considered controversial by historians because the manuscript is believed to be a fake, written by modern people in the 20th century, and not a primary historical source.

What could be the possible reasons for the collapse of the Taruma Kingdom?

The collapse of the Taruma Kingdom could be due to various factors, including internal strife, defeat in war, or external attacks such as the Srivijaya military expedition mentioned in the Kota Kapur Inscription. The exact cause remains uncertain.

How did King Purnawarman's river engineering projects impact the kingdom and its people?

King Purnawarman's river engineering projects, such as the dredging of the Bekasi River and the Gomati River, were significant for preventing floods and promoting agriculture, thus contributing to the kingdom's prosperity and the welfare of its people.