Mataram Sultanate Family Tree and early history

Summary

The Mataram Sultanate, an Islamic Kingdom in Java, rose to power in the 16th century, expanding its influence through territorial conquests. The royal family's saga involves key figures like Sutawijaya, Sultan Agung, and Amangkurat I, with shifting alliances, power struggles, and royal succession. Notable events include the conquests of Madura, internal court conflicts, and betrayals, culminating in the fall of the kingdom due to external forces like the Dutch East India Company. The saga concludes with the division of Mataram's throne and continued regional instability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sultanate of Mataram emerged in the 16th century, starting from the forest south of Mount Merapi in Java.
• 😀 Ki Ageng Pemanahan, Ki Panjawi, and Ki Juru Martani were key figures in establishing the Mataram Sultanate after defeating Arya Penangsang.
• 😀 Mataram initially broke away from the Pajang Sultanate and later allied with Prince Benawa to reclaim Pajang's throne.
• 😀 Sutawijaya, the son of Ki Ageng Pemanahan, succeeded his father and founded the city of Kotagede as Mataram's new center.
• 😀 Sultan Agung's reign marked Mataram's golden age, expanding the kingdom’s territory and building new infrastructure like the Kerta Palace.
• 😀 Sultan Agung introduced terms for consorts, 'Ratu Kulon' for the senior consort and 'Ratu Wetan' for the junior consort.
• 😀 Sultan Agung’s son, Raden Mas Sayidin (Sultan Amangkurat I), faced challenges with power struggles and his wife’s mysterious death.
• 😀 Amangkurat I's reign was marred by conflict, including the tragic deaths of his wife and ladies-in-waiting after suspected poisoning.
• 😀 Raden Mas Rahmat, Amangkurat I's son, joined Trunojoyo’s rebellion but later switched sides to help his father regain the throne.
• 😀 After Trunojoyo’s forces were defeated in 1679, the VOC intervened in Mataram’s internal conflict, leading to the Treaty of Jepara in 1677.
• 😀 Amangkurat II eventually secured the throne, moving the capital to Kartasura after defeating Prince Puger and Susuhunan Ingalaga.

Q & A

What was the origin of the Mataram Sultanate?

The Mataram Sultanate originated in the 16th century AD, in the interior of Java, specifically in a forest south of Mount Merapi.

How did the Mataram Sultanate expand its territory?

The Mataram Sultanate expanded its territory through conquests of neighboring areas, eventually covering nearly all of Java and Madura.

Who were the key figures that helped establish the Mataram Sultanate?

The key figures were Ki Ageng Pemanahan, Ki Panjawi, and Ki Juru Martani, who played crucial roles in the early establishment of the kingdom.

What led to the creation of Kotagede?

After Ki Ageng Pemanahan’s death, his son Sutawijaya developed the village where he lived into a bustling city center, which was named Kotagede.

What significant event occurred in Pajang following Sultan Hadiwijaya's death?

After Sultan Hadiwijaya's death, a power struggle occurred, resulting in Arya Pangiri, Duke of Demak, usurping the throne from the crown prince, Prince Benawa.

Why did Sutawijaya adopt the title Panembahan Senopati?

Sutawijaya used the title Panembahan Senopati to show respect to Pajang after the kingdom’s collapse and its transition into a duchy under Mataram.

What was Sultan Agung's contribution to the Mataram Sultanate?

Sultan Agung's reign marked the golden age of Mataram, expanding the kingdom's reach and building important infrastructure like a new palace in Kerta and royal tombs in Imogiri.

What happened after Sultan Agung’s death in 1645?

After Sultan Agung’s death, his son Raden Mas Jolang became the ruler, followed by internal succession disputes and the eventual rise of Amangkurat I.

How did Trunojoyo's rebellion affect the Mataram Sultanate?

Trunojoyo’s rebellion weakened the Mataram Sultanate, leading to Amangkurat I's exile, the sacking of the royal palace, and eventual intervention by the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

What was the significance of the Treaty of Jepara in 1677?

The Treaty of Jepara in 1677 forced Amangkurat II to pawn the north coast of Java to the VOC, who gained control over the region's revenue until Mataram's debts were repaid.