Peta Sejarah Kerajaan Medang Kahuripan

Summary

Airlangga, born in 990 as the son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradata, faced significant challenges after his kingdom, Medang, was destroyed. After years of exile, he rebuilt his power and established the kingdom of Kahuripan. Through military campaigns, strategic alliances, and overcoming numerous challenges, Airlangga unified Java, restoring its glory. His leadership was marked by wisdom, courage, and a dedication to building a prosperous kingdom. In 1042, he abdicated the throne, becoming a hermit, and was later deified as a symbol of resilience and wise leadership.

Takeaways

• 😀 Airlangga was born in 990 in Bali, as the son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradata, with a royal lineage combining both Balinese and Javanese heritage.
• 😀 Airlangga's early years were filled with leadership and wisdom lessons, but his fate drastically changed in 1016 when the Medang Kingdom was destroyed by the forces of Sriwijaya.
• 😀 After the sudden attack that killed his father-in-law, King Dharmawangsa Teguh, Airlangga managed to escape into exile with Dharmawangsa's daughter and a royal advisor named Narotama.
• 😀 Airlangga spent three years in seclusion, first as a hermit in Wonogiri and later in Sendang Made, Jombang, preparing for the right moment to rise again.
• 😀 In 1020, as he gained the support of priests, Hindu-Buddhist devotees, and local commanders, Airlangga decided to rebuild the kingdom by establishing a new capital at Watan Mas, on the slopes of Mount Penanggungan.
• 😀 With a strong foundation in Watan Mas, Airlangga embarked on military campaigns to reclaim the lost glory of Java, starting with the conquest of the Hasim Kingdom in Central Java.
• 😀 Airlangga's strategic brilliance, including cutting off enemy logistics, led to significant victories and the eventual unification of Java under his rule.
• 😀 He also successfully conquered the Wuratan Kingdom in East Java and the Wengker Kingdom, using a combination of land and water assaults to defeat their formidable defenses.
• 😀 Airlangga's campaign continued with the swift subjugation of the Lewa Kingdom around Blitar and Kediri, further consolidating his control over Java.
• 😀 Despite setbacks, such as a surprise attack from the Lodoyong Kingdom in 1031, Airlangga strategically regained his power, rebuilding Kahuripan's capital in Sidoarjo.
• 😀 By 1035, Airlangga had eliminated the threat from the Wengker and expanded his territory into Bali, securing the historical legacy of his reign and ensuring stability through a solid administrative and taxation system.

Q & A

Who was Airlangga, and what was his early life like?

Airlangga was a prince born in Bali in 990, the son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradata. His early life was filled with lessons in leadership and wisdom, preparing him for his future role as a ruler. He was of mixed Balinese and Javanese heritage.

What major event caused a dramatic change in Airlangga's life?

In 1016, the Medang Kingdom, where Airlangga's father-in-law Dharmawangsa Teguh ruled, was destroyed by forces allied with Sriwijaya. Dharmawangsa was killed in a surprise attack, and Airlangga was forced into exile.

Where did Airlangga go after fleeing from the fall of Medang?

After the fall of Medang, Airlangga lived in exile as a hermit for three years, first in Wonogiri and later in Sendang Made, Jombang. During this time, he waited for the right moment to rebuild.

What was the first step in Airlangga's plan to rebuild his power?

Airlangga's first step in rebuilding his power was to establish a new capital, Watan Mas, located at the foot of Mount Penanggungan. From there, he began gathering support and building his forces.

How did Airlangga defeat the Hasim Kingdom?

Airlangga used a clever military strategy to defeat the Hasim Kingdom. He cut off the enemy's supply lines, leading to their eventual surrender, after which Hasim joined his kingdom, Kahuripan.

What strategies did Airlangga use to conquer Wuratan and Wengker?

Airlangga attacked Wuratan from both land and river, overwhelming their defenses despite their reliance on natural fortifications and naval forces. He also used similar tactics to defeat Wengker by cutting off their supply lines and forcing them into a direct battle.

How did Airlangga respond to the attacks by Lodoyong in 1031?

When the Lodoyong Kingdom attacked Airlangga's capital, Watan Mas, in 1031, he was forced to retreat to Lumajang. However, he regrouped, devised a new strategy, and launched a counteroffensive, retaking his capital.

What role did Airlangga play in developing trade and economy in his kingdom?

Airlangga focused on strengthening the economy by developing important trade routes. He enhanced ports like Kambang Putih in Tuban and Hujung Galu in Jenggala, facilitating large-scale trade across the archipelago.

How did Airlangga ensure the stability of his kingdom before stepping down?

Airlangga ensured the kingdom's stability by dividing it between his two heirs, Janggala and Panjalu, preventing internal conflicts. This strategic move helped avoid civil war after his eventual abdication.

What was Airlangga's legacy after he stepped down from the throne?

After stepping down, Airlangga became a hermit and was later deified as Vishnu in the Belahan Temple in Pasuruan. His legacy as a ruler is characterized by his ability to rebuild a broken kingdom, his strategic brilliance, and his wisdom in leadership.