Badut Temple & Kanjuruhan, East Java's Oldest Kingdom Participated in Prambanan Project

Summary

The video delves into the history of Kanjuruhan and the Badut Temple in Malang, East Java. It explores the rise and fall of the Kanjuruhan Kingdom, its defeat by the Medang Kingdom, and how this loss led to significant cultural developments in East Java. The script connects this historical context with architectural features of the Badut Temple, including its Hindu-Shiva origins. The story reflects on the enduring impact of Kanjuruhan's contributions to Indonesian history despite its defeat, offering a perspective on how even setbacks can shape a meaningful future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The fall of the Kanjuruhan Kingdom to the Medang Kingdom led to the eventual flourishing of Prambanan Temple and influenced the development of East Java kingdoms, shaping Indonesian history.
• 😀 The Clown Temple (Candi Badut) is located in Malang, East Java, and was built during the same period as the Islamic conquest of Spain in the 8th century AD.
• 😀 The Medang Kingdom, during Rakai Kayuwangi's reign, saw significant development, contributing to monumental structures like Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
• 😀 The Kanjuruhan Kingdom, older than major kingdoms like Jenggala, Kediri, and Majapahit, was eventually attacked by the Medang Kingdom under Maharaja Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung.
• 😀 The Badut Temple is characterized by classical 8th to 10th-century Javanese architectural styles, including a three-story plinth, kinara carvings, and a shikara-style roof.
• 😀 The Badut Temple is dedicated to the Shiva sect, evidenced by niches for Mahakala, Nandiswara, Durga, Ganesha, and Agastya statues, though many statues are now missing.
• 😀 There are remnants of accompanying pewara temples near the main temple, most of which have collapsed, with only the foundations remaining.
• 😀 Archaeological remains near Badut Temple, such as Candi Karang Besuki, suggest connections to the Clown Temple, possibly used for ceremonies or gatherings.
• 😀 The Badut Temple was identified and partially restored by the Dutch East Indies in the early 20th century, and it is believed to have been built by King Gajayana of Kanjuruhan around 760 AD.
• 😀 The Dinoyo Inscription suggests that the Kanjuruhan Kingdom was older than initially thought, with strong worship of Hindu deities like Vishnu, Indra, and Agni, which influenced later temple construction.
• 😀 Despite its conquest and fall, the Kanjuruhan Kingdom’s people played a significant role in the Medang Kingdom, especially after Medang's transfer of power to East Java in the 10th century, leading to the rise of the Singhasari and Majapahit empires.

Q & A

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

The Kanjuruhan Kingdom played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesian history, especially through its contribution to the development of the Prambanan Temple and the influence it had on the East Java kingdoms. Despite its defeat by the Medang Kingdom, it left a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.

What is the importance of Candi Badut in East Java?

Candi Badut, located in Malang, East Java, is a crucial historical site that dates back to the 8th-10th century AD. It is associated with the Kanjuruhan Kingdom and offers insight into the early architecture and religious practices of the time, particularly in the context of Hinduism and the Shiva sect.

What can we learn about the architectural style of Candi Badut?

Candi Badut exhibits a classical architectural style from the 8th-10th century, with distinctive features such as a three-tiered plinth, kinara carvings, a kirtimukha face, and niches that housed statues of Hindu deities. It is an example of the early temple design seen in Central Java during this period.

How did the Medang Kingdom influence the Kanjuruhan Kingdom?

The Medang Kingdom's conquest of Kanjuruhan in the 10th century resulted in the absorption of Kanjuruhan into Medang's political sphere. This influence introduced Medang's religious and architectural styles, including the adoption of Hindu Shiva practices, which reshaped Kanjuruhan’s temple designs, such as the transformation of Candi Badut.

Why is the Clown Temple called 'Candi Badut'?

The name 'Candi Badut' is thought to derive from the nickname 'Limwa' or 'Liswa' of King Gajayana of Kanjuruhan, which means 'clown' or 'joker.' This naming reflects the playful or whimsical nature of the name, and it is believed to have evolved from the village's original name.

What role did the Medang Kingdom's kings play in the development of Candi Badut?

The Medang Kingdom, particularly during the reign of King Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung, was instrumental in launching military expeditions that led to the conquest of Kanjuruhan. This expansion allowed the Medang Kingdom to influence the religious and architectural development of Kanjuruhan, including the eventual transformation of the Candi Badut temple.

What does the Dinoyo Inscription reveal about the early Kanjuruhan Kingdom?

The Dinoyo Inscription, dating back to 760 AD, mentions the early kings of Kanjuruhan, such as King Gajayana, and provides evidence of the kingdom's religious practices, particularly the worship of gods like Vishnu and Indra. It also hints at the political and religious evolution of Kanjuruhan during this time.

What is the significance of the statues and carvings found at Candi Badut?

The statues and carvings at Candi Badut, including depictions of celestial beings like kinara and deities such as Mahakala and Nandiswara, provide insight into the religious practices of the time. These figures were integral to the worship rituals and represent the Shiva sect's influence in the region.

How does Candi Badut relate to the other temples in the region, such as Prambanan?

Candi Badut is thought to be part of a broader network of temples influenced by the Medang Kingdom. While Prambanan is a more famous example of Medang architecture, Candi Badut shares stylistic and religious similarities, reflecting the spread of Medang's influence eastward into the Kanjuruhan region.

What is the role of the Kanjuruhan people in the broader historical context of East Java?

Despite their defeat by the Medang Kingdom, the Kanjuruhan people played an essential role in East Java's history. Their strategic location and contributions to the region's political stability made them a key part of the Medang Kingdom's success, and their legacy continued to influence later kingdoms like Singhasari and Majapahit.