SEJARAH KERAJAAN KEDIRI

Summary

The Kingdom of Kediri, established in the 12th century on the banks of the Brantas River in East Java, was a Hindu kingdom that emerged after the division of the Mataram Kingdom. It rose to prominence under King Jayabaya, known for his influence not only on Java but also on Sumatra. Kediri flourished as both an agrarian and maritime kingdom, with its people engaged in farming and trade. However, internal conflicts, particularly with the Brahmins, led to its downfall after an attack by Ken Arok. The kingdom's legacy includes its rich cultural and military history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kingdom of Kediri was a Hindu kingdom located on the banks of the Brantas River in East Java, Indonesia, and existed in the 12th century.
• 😀 Kediri originated after the division of the kingdom of Airlangga in 1042 CE into two parts: Jenggala and Panjalu (Kediri).
• 😀 The two kingdoms, Jenggala and Kediri, were in constant conflict to control Airlangga's throne.
• 😀 The Kediri Kingdom began to rise in power in 1116 CE under the rule of King Bameswara.
• 😀 King Jayabaya succeeded Bameswara and ruled Kediri from 1134 to 1159 CE, marking a significant period in the kingdom's history.
• 😀 The kingdom saw further leadership under King Rajaswara (1159-1169 CE), and then Sri Aryeswara (1169-1181 CE).
• 😀 During the reign of Sri Aryeswara, a position called Senopati Sarwajala (Admiral) was established, suggesting a strong maritime fleet.
• 😀 King Kameswara ruled from 1182 to 1185 CE, overseeing a period of cultural and literary growth in the kingdom.
• 😀 The last ruler of Kediri, King Kertajaya, governed until 1222 CE, but his reign was marked by conflicts with the Brahmin priests.
• 😀 The downfall of Kediri began when King Kertajaya was overthrown by Ken Arok, leading to the collapse of the kingdom.
• 😀 Kediri was an agrarian society with a strong maritime presence, engaging in trade with regions like Maluku and Sriwijaya.

Q & A

What is the historical background of the Kediri Kingdom?

The Kediri Kingdom was a Hindu kingdom located on the banks of the Brantas River in East Java, Indonesia, founded in the 12th century. It was initially part of the ancient Mataram Kingdom and emerged after the division of the Mataram Kingdom by King Airlangga in 1042 AD.

How did the Kediri Kingdom come into existence?

The Kediri Kingdom emerged after King Airlangga divided his kingdom into two parts in 1042 AD: the Jenggala Kingdom, ruled by his son Mapanji Garasakan, and the Kediri Kingdom, ruled by Sri Samarawijaya. This division led to continuous conflicts between the two kingdoms for control of the throne.

Who were the key rulers of the Kediri Kingdom?

Notable rulers of the Kediri Kingdom included King Bameswara (ruled 1116–1134 AD), King Jayabaya (ruled until 1159 AD), King Rajasarwaja (ruled until 1169 AD), Sri Aryeswara (ruled until 1181 AD), and King Kameswara (ruled 1182–1185 AD). The last king was Kertajaya, who ruled until 1222 AD.

What was the significance of King Jayabaya's reign?

King Jayabaya’s reign marked the peak of the Kediri Kingdom's power. Under his leadership, the kingdom’s influence spread beyond Java to Sumatra, solidifying Kediri as a major regional force.

What were the main economic activities of the Kediri Kingdom?

The Kediri Kingdom had an agrarian economy, with the majority of the population engaged in farming, supported by fertile soil. Additionally, the kingdom was also a maritime power, with coastal communities involved in trade and sailing, including relations with Maluku and Sriwijaya.

How did the Kediri Kingdom manage its society and daily life?

The Kediri Kingdom had an organized society where people wore clothing down to their knees, and homes were clean and orderly. Those suffering from illnesses would pray to the deities for healing, reflecting a well-structured social order.

What led to the downfall of the Kediri Kingdom?

The downfall of the Kediri Kingdom occurred due to internal conflicts, particularly between King Kertajaya and the Brahmins. Kertajaya’s claim of divinity angered the Brahmins, leading them to seek assistance from Ken Arok to overthrow him, which eventually resulted in the collapse of the kingdom.

What was the role of the military in the Kediri Kingdom?

The Kediri Kingdom had a strong military presence, particularly at sea. The position of Senopati Sarwajala (Naval Commander) suggests the kingdom had a powerful navy, enabling it to control maritime trade routes and protect its territory.

What were the main cultural developments during the reign of King Kameswara?

Under King Kameswara, there was a significant cultural flourishing, particularly in the fields of art and literature. This period saw the development of various forms of art and literary works, highlighting the kingdom’s cultural achievements.

What were the diplomatic relations of the Kediri Kingdom?

The Kediri Kingdom had extensive diplomatic and trade relations, particularly with the Maluku Islands and the Sriwijaya Kingdom. These relationships were crucial for its economic and political influence in the region.