Mongol Invasion of Java: Prank & Debt of Majapahit at Raos Pacinan Site

Summary

In the 13th century, Kublai Khan's Mongol forces invaded Java, where the local king, Dyah Wijaya, formed an alliance with them to defeat Jayakatwang. However, after their victory, Dyah Wijaya betrayed the Mongols, leading to a deadly ambush. Despite historical records of this event, the Mongols' presence in Java is not explicitly mentioned in inscriptions, raising questions about historical accuracy. The Raos Pacinan Site in East Java is linked to this alliance, but its true significance remains uncertain. This story explores the complexities of Dyah Wijaya’s actions, his rise to power, and the mysterious legacy of the Mongol-Java encounter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kublai Khan demanded allegiance from several Southeast Asian nations, including Java, and sent an army to invade it.
• 😀 Java was the only country that Kublai Khan had to attack with his army after others submitted peacefully.
• 😀 The Mongol army, consisting of 20,000 troops, landed in Tuban, Java in 1293 AD, and proceeded inland to Majapahit.
• 😀 Dyah Wijaya, the son-in-law of the late King Kertanegara, allied with the Mongols to defeat Jayakatwang's forces and establish Majapahit as a kingdom.
• 😀 The Mongol-Majapahit alliance was essential in defeating Jayakatwang's 100,000-strong army, leading to the fall of the Daha Kingdom.
• 😀 Dyah Wijaya betrayed the Mongols by killing their officers and soldiers upon their arrival in Majapahit, after the Mongols were ambushed.
• 😀 The historical records indicate that Dyah Wijaya's successful defeat of the Mongols and his ascension as the first king of Majapahit.
• 😀 Raos Pacinan Site, located in East Java, is believed by some to be the location of the agreement between the Mongols and Dyah Wijaya, though there are no direct historical sources to confirm it.
• 😀 Some scholars believe Dyah Wijaya did not mention the Mongol involvement in his inscriptions out of shame for betraying their agreement.
• 😀 The historical value of Raos Pacinan Site could be linked to its possible use as a religious or educational site for Shiva followers, with connections to the late Majapahit era.
• 😀 Raos Pacinan may have been where Dyah Wijaya sought refuge before later leading the rebellion against Jayakatwang, making it an important location in his rise to power.

Q & A

Why did Kublai Khan demand an oath of allegiance from Southeast Asian kingdoms, including Java?

Kublai Khan sought to expand the Mongol Empire's influence across Southeast Asia, and he believed that by forcing Java to submit, other neighboring kingdoms would follow suit and align with Mongol authority.

What was the significance of Dyah Wijaya's alliance with the Mongols?

Dyah Wijaya's alliance with the Mongols was crucial in helping him defeat Jayakatwang, the ruler of Daha, who had previously rebelled against King Kertanegara of Singhasari. This alliance allowed Dyah Wijaya to establish himself as the first king of Majapahit.

How did Dyah Wijaya betray the Mongols after their victory?

After the Mongols helped Dyah Wijaya defeat Jayakatwang, he betrayed them by refusing to send the promised tribute, which included the daughters of Kertanegara. Instead, Dyah Wijaya launched a surprise attack on the Mongols, killing many of them and forcing the remaining soldiers to retreat.

What is the historical significance of the Raos Pacinan Site?

The Raos Pacinan Site in Pasuruan, East Java, is believed by local tradition to be the location where Dyah Wijaya and the Mongols made their pact. However, there is no historical evidence to confirm this, and other sources suggest that the agreement may have been made at a different location along the Brantas River.

What does the absence of Mongol references in Dyah Wijaya's inscriptions suggest?

The absence of Mongol references in Dyah Wijaya's inscriptions may reflect his desire to downplay foreign involvement in his rise to power. It suggests that Dyah Wijaya may have considered his alliance with the Mongols to be shameful or politically inconvenient, as he later betrayed them.

Why is the Raos Pacinan Site considered to have archaeological value despite lacking direct historical evidence of the Mongol invasion?

The Raos Pacinan Site is valuable because it holds archaeological remains, such as Dwarapala statues, which may be linked to sacred Javanese religious sites. Even if the site is not directly tied to the Mongol invasion, it could have been a place of religious or educational significance during the Majapahit period.

What role did the Mongol forces play in the political struggle between Dyah Wijaya and Jayakatwang?

The Mongol forces, under Dyah Wijaya's request, helped him defeat Jayakatwang by attacking from the north while the Majapahit forces attacked from the east. This cooperation led to Jayakatwang’s defeat and capture, paving the way for Dyah Wijaya to become the ruler of Majapahit.

Why is the Raos Pacinan Site connected to the Shivite cult of the Majapahit era?

The Raos Pacinan Site is potentially connected to the Shivite cult due to its proximity to Pari Temple, an important site linked to the Bhairawa sect of Shaivism. The site’s location near a large river and its archaeological findings suggest it may have served as a religious or educational center for Shiva worshipers.

What does the word 'arddha' in the Negarakertagama suggest about the relationship between Majapahit and the Mongols?

In the Negarakertagama, the term 'arddha' (meaning 'together' or 'fellowship') suggests that Majapahit viewed its relationship with the Mongols positively, acknowledging their collaboration and alliance. This contrasts with the earlier political betrayal by Dyah Wijaya, highlighting how the event was later remembered.

What impact did Dyah Wijaya’s actions have on the future of Majapahit?

Dyah Wijaya's actions, particularly his betrayal of the Mongols and his eventual rise to power, laid the foundation for Majapahit’s future as a powerful empire in Southeast Asia. His strategic decisions allowed him to gain control of Java and establish a dynasty that would rule the region for centuries.