SEJARAH SINGKAT KERAJAAN SRIWIJAYA DAN RAJA RAJANYA

Summary

The Sriwijaya Kingdom, a powerful Buddhist maritime empire founded in the 7th century, thrived in Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for its strong navy and trade dominance, it controlled key maritime routes, including the Malacca and Karimata Straits. The kingdom became a center for Buddhist learning, attracting scholars like I-Tsing. Despite its eventual decline due to foreign invasions and internal struggles, the legacy of Sriwijaya is preserved in numerous inscriptions and historical accounts, highlighting its cultural, political, and economic influence across Southeast Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Srivijaya was a Buddhist kingdom that existed in the 7th century, proven by inscriptions such as the Kedukan Bukit in Palembang (682 CE).
• 😀 The name 'Sriwijaya' comes from Sanskrit, where 'Sri' means shining and 'Wijaya' means victory, symbolizing glorious victory.
• 😀 Chinese monk I-Tsing visited Srivijaya in 671 CE and stayed for six months, mentioning its central location at Muara Takus Temple.
• 😀 The location of the Srivijaya kingdom is debated, with theories placing it in the Musi River area, Batanghari River, or Muara Takus in Riau.
• 😀 Srivijaya was a maritime power with a strong naval fleet that expanded its influence through conquests, including territories in Sumatra, Java, and beyond.
• 😀 The kingdom maintained extensive trade routes, especially in the Straits of Malacca, Selat Karimata, and surrounding areas, benefiting from trade between India, China, and Southeast Asia.
• 😀 Srivijaya was a center for Buddhist learning, with I-Tsing translating sacred texts and attracting Buddhist scholars from China and India.
• 😀 The kingdom's peak came during the reign of King Balaputradewa, who established diplomatic ties with India and China.
• 😀 Srivijaya's decline was influenced by military defeats, notably from the Chola Empire (1017-1025 CE), and the weakening of its economic and military power.
• 😀 Various prasasti (inscriptions) provide evidence of Srivijaya's history, including records of kings and their interactions with neighboring empires and cultures.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 682 in relation to the Srivijaya Kingdom?

The year 682 is significant because it marks the discovery of the Kedukan Bukit inscription in Palembang, which is evidence that the Srivijaya Kingdom was established in the 7th century.

What does the name 'Sriwijaya' mean?

The name 'Sriwijaya' comes from the Sanskrit words 'Sri' meaning 'glorious' or 'radiant', and 'Wijaya' meaning 'victory', so it can be interpreted as 'glorious victory'.

Who was Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa?

Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa was the first king of the Srivijaya Kingdom, known for expanding the kingdom's territory and establishing its prominence in maritime and trade activities.

What was the primary source of information about the Srivijaya Kingdom's history?

The primary sources of information about Srivijaya include inscriptions, such as the Kedukan Bukit and Talang Tuo inscriptions, as well as Chinese records from travelers like I-Tsing.

What role did Srivijaya play in international trade?

Srivijaya was a powerful maritime kingdom that controlled key trade routes, such as the Strait of Malacca, and collected taxes from passing trade ships, fostering economic growth and prosperity.

How did I-Tsing contribute to the understanding of Srivijaya?

I-Tsing, a Chinese Buddhist monk, visited Srivijaya in 671 and stayed for six months. His writings provide valuable insights into the kingdom's religious practices, including its role as a center for Buddhist learning.

What caused the decline of the Srivijaya Kingdom?

The decline of Srivijaya was due to a combination of military defeats, including attacks by the Chola dynasty in 1017 and 1025, internal conflicts, and the loss of control over its strategic territories.

What were some of the key military achievements of Srivijaya?

One of Srivijaya's key military achievements was its successful campaigns under Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa, who led a fleet of 20,000 soldiers and conquered multiple regions, greatly expanding the kingdom's influence.

How did Srivijaya contribute to the spread of Buddhism?

Srivijaya was a major center for Buddhist studies and learning. I-Tsing's visit and the kingdom's role in translating Buddhist texts and training monks helped spread Mahayana Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

What led to the eventual fall of Srivijaya?

Srivijaya ultimately fell due to military defeats, economic decline from losing control of trade routes, and the rise of other regional powers, including the Dharmasraya and Majapahit kingdoms, which weakened Srivijaya's influence.