Sejarah Kerajaan Tarumanegara, dari Berdiri Hingga Pecah Menjadi Sunda dan Galuh

Summary

The Tarumanegara Kingdom, one of the oldest in Indonesia, flourished between the 5th and 7th centuries CE in West Java. Founded by King Jaya Singawarman, the kingdom achieved its peak under King Purnawarman, who expanded its territory, improved waterways, and promoted economic growth. Known for significant inscriptions, Tarumanegara's influence extended to neighboring regions and even China. However, after internal struggles and the rise of rival kingdoms, it fragmented into two smaller entities, the Kingdom of Sunda and the Kingdom of Galuh, marking the decline of its once powerful reign.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tarumanegara Kingdom, founded around 358 CE, was the second oldest kingdom in Indonesia, after the Kutai Kingdom in Kalimantan.
• 😀 The kingdom was established by King Jayasingawarman, an Indian priest from the Salakayana region, who migrated to Java after his homeland was conquered by the Magadha Kingdom.
• 😀 The name 'Tarumanegara' is derived from the Citarum River (Taruma) and 'Nagara,' meaning kingdom or state.
• 😀 Tarumanegara reached its peak under King Purnawarman, who ruled from 395 CE to 434 CE, during which he expanded the kingdom and developed infrastructure.
• 😀 King Purnawarman is famous for his attention to river management, including the construction and enhancement of several rivers for economic and agricultural development.
• 😀 The kingdom's influence extended from Banten to Cirebon, and it maintained diplomatic ties with China during the 6th century, sending embassies in 528, 538, and 666 CE.
• 😀 Seven key inscriptions (prasasti) document the history of Tarumanegara, most notably the Ciaruteun inscription, which features a footprint symbolizing King Purnawarman's power.
• 😀 The kingdom's economy heavily relied on rivers, which played a crucial role in agriculture and trade during the kingdom’s height.
• 😀 After Purnawarman's reign, the kingdom was succeeded by several rulers, including Wisnuwarman, Indrawarman, and Candrawarman, but eventually began to decline due to internal issues and external competition.
• 😀 The kingdom eventually split into two, giving rise to the Kingdom of Sunda and the Kingdom of Galuh, marking the end of Tarumanegara's dominance.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Tarumanegara Kingdom in Indonesian history?

The Tarumanegara Kingdom is one of the oldest kingdoms in Indonesia, and it is the second oldest after the Kutai Kingdom. It flourished in West Java between the 5th and 7th centuries CE, and its significance lies in the archaeological evidence, such as inscriptions and relics, which provide insight into the kingdom's governance, culture, and influence in Southeast Asia.

Who founded the Tarumanegara Kingdom and when?

The Tarumanegara Kingdom was founded by King Jayasingawarman around 358 CE, who was originally a Maharishi (priest) from India. He established the kingdom along the banks of the Citarum River after seeking permission from the local ruler, Raja Dewawarman VIII of Salakanagara.

What does the name 'Tarumanegara' mean?

The name 'Tarumanegara' is derived from two words: 'Taruma' and 'Nagara'. 'Taruma' comes from the name of the Citarum River, which runs through the kingdom's territory, and 'Nagara' means kingdom or state, referring to the kingdom itself.

What role did rivers play in the Tarumanegara Kingdom?

Rivers were crucial in the Tarumanegara Kingdom, serving as vital transportation and trade routes. King Purnawarman undertook extensive projects to improve and maintain river systems, such as the Citarum, Cimanuk, and Gomati rivers, which supported agriculture and trade, contributing to the kingdom's economic prosperity.

What was the peak of the Tarumanegara Kingdom's power?

The peak of the Tarumanegara Kingdom's power occurred during the reign of King Purnawarman (395–434 CE), who expanded the kingdom's territory, improved infrastructure, and successfully managed the kingdom’s river systems. His reign marked the kingdom's golden age.

How did the Tarumanegara Kingdom maintain diplomatic relations with other regions?

The Tarumanegara Kingdom had diplomatic relations with China, as evidenced by historical records of diplomatic missions sent to China in 528 CE, 538 CE, and 666 CE. These missions were often for friendship and trade purposes, indicating the kingdom’s reach and influence beyond Southeast Asia.

What are some important archaeological discoveries related to the Tarumanegara Kingdom?

Significant archaeological discoveries from the Tarumanegara Kingdom include seven inscriptions, such as the Ciaruteun inscription, which features footprints symbolizing King Purnawarman's power, and the Tugu inscription, which describes the construction of an extensive irrigation system. These inscriptions provide valuable historical insights.

What led to the decline of the Tarumanegara Kingdom?

The decline of the Tarumanegara Kingdom was marked by internal issues such as granting autonomy to subordinate rulers, leading to lack of supervision and protection. External factors, including the rise of competing kingdoms like Galuh, contributed to rebellions and the eventual collapse of Tarumanegara.

What happened to the Tarumanegara Kingdom after its decline?

After the decline of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, it split into two distinct kingdoms: the Kingdom of Sunda and the Kingdom of Galuh. The Kingdom of Sunda continued the legacy of Tarumanegara under Raja Tarusbawa, while the Kingdom of Galuh emerged as a rival kingdom.

Who succeeded King Purnawarman after his reign?

After King Purnawarman's death, the throne passed to several rulers, including his son Wisnuwarman, followed by Indrawarman, Candrawarman, and other successors. However, the kingdom's power gradually waned under the rule of later kings, culminating in the reign of King Linggawarman, the last monarch of the kingdom.