Asal Usul Nama Kuningan Jawa Barat

Summary

The video explores the diverse theories behind the origin of the name 'Kuningan,' a region in Indonesia. Theories include the association with a brass metal used locally, a color reference ('Kajene' meaning yellow in Javanese), a royal legend involving a king named Demunawan, and a mythical brass pot (Bokor Kuningan) connected to an ancient test of spiritual power. Additionally, the name is linked to a ceremonial period in the Hindu calendar. The region’s rich history includes military involvement and the establishment of Kuningan as an administrative region in 1948.

Takeaways

• 😀 The name 'Kuningan' is believed to have multiple origins, including historical, cultural, and legendary sources.
• 😀 One version suggests that 'Kuningan' is derived from a type of metal alloy made from tin, silver, and bronze, which shines like gold when polished.
• 😀 Kuningan metal was historically used to make items like lamps and decorative pieces, particularly in regions like Sangkan Heran and Jalaksana.
• 😀 Another version connects the name to a region called 'Kajene', which means 'yellow' in Javanese, symbolizing the color of the landscape or its cultural significance.
• 😀 According to the *Carita Parahiangan*, 'Kuningan' was already in use as a place name during the early Galuh Kingdom, around the 7th or 8th century CE.
• 😀 A third theory ties the name 'Kuningan' to a ruler named Demunawan, who governed the region during the early Galuh Kingdom.
• 😀 The legend of Bokor Kuningan involves a magical pot used in a test of power, where a mistake in predicting a royal pregnancy led to the naming of the region.
• 😀 In the *Ciung Wanara* story, a spiritual leader named Ajun Sukaresi is tricked into misjudging the royal princess's pregnancy, leading to the Bokor Kuningan falling and breaking.
• 😀 A second version of the Bokor Kuningan legend is connected to Sunan Gunung Jati and the spread of Islam in the region during the Islamic period.
• 😀 The name 'Kuningan' could also be inspired by the Hindu calendar's 'Kuningan' period, a religious event held annually as part of the 12th cycle of the Balinese calendar.
• 😀 Historically, Kuningan forces participated in the 1527 attack on Sunda Kelapa (now Jakarta), which is another potential origin of the region's name.

Q & A

What is the origin of the name 'Kuningan' according to the first theory?

The first theory suggests that the name 'Kuningan' comes from a type of brass made from a mixture of tin, silver, and bronze. This brass, when polished, shines like gold and was used for making various items such as lamps, statues, and decorations in the region.

How was Kuningan metal used in ancient times?

Kuningan metal was used to make items like lamps, wall decorations, and statues. It was particularly valued by the elite in Kuningan during the 1950s, and many ancient artifacts made from this metal have been found in the region.

What does the term 'Kajene' mean, and how is it related to Kuningan?

Kajene is a term that means 'yellow' in Javanese, and one theory suggests that the name 'Kuningan' is derived from this term. However, this theory is debated, and the historical accuracy of the name 'Kajene' as the original name for the area is questioned.

Who was Demunawan, and how does he relate to the name Kuningan?

Demunawan was believed to be a king who ruled the area in the early period of the Galuh Kingdom. Some legends suggest that the name Kuningan could have originated from his reign, though this theory lacks concrete historical evidence.

Can you explain the Legend of Bokor Kuningan?

The Legend of Bokor Kuningan involves a brass cooking pot (bokor) used in a test of a holy man's ability to predict a princess’s pregnancy. When the king mistakenly ordered the holy man’s execution for a wrong prediction, the Bokor was kicked by the king and fell in the region, which became known as Kuningan.

How does the second version of the Bokor Kuningan legend differ from the first?

The second version of the Bokor Kuningan legend, found in the Babad Cirebon, is set during the period of Islamization. In this version, the Bokor is used to test Sunan Gunung Jati's spiritual knowledge, and the legend lacks the dramatic kicking of the pot, which is present in the first version.

What is the significance of the Hindu calendar in relation to the name Kuningan?

In the Hindu lunar calendar, Kuningan is the name of the twelfth period, which is associated with religious ceremonies. This connection may have inspired the naming of the region, particularly because of the spiritual significance of the Kuningan period in Hindu tradition.

What is the historical event that links Kuningan to the attack on Sunda Kelapa in 1527?

In 1527, Kuningan's forces participated in the attack on Sunda Kelapa (modern-day Jakarta), alongside troops from Cirebon and Demak. This event is significant in the history of Kuningan and is mentioned in historical sources as part of the region's involvement in broader regional conflicts.

What was the role of Dipati Ewangga in the 1527 attack on Sunda Kelapa?

Dipati Ewangga was the leader of Kuningan's forces during the 1527 attack on Sunda Kelapa. He was also known as Dipati Cangkuang, named after his settlement in Cangkuang. His participation in the attack was a key historical event for Kuningan.

What is the connection between the historical region of Kuningan and the local legends told about its name?

The historical region of Kuningan is deeply intertwined with local legends that explain the origin of its name. These stories, ranging from the use of Kuningan metal to the legendary Bokor Kuningan and the involvement of local rulers, highlight the area's cultural and historical significance.