Majapahit Empire

Majapahit Empire

Majapahit is one of the largest kingdom that ever stood on this beloved country Indonesia. This kingdom stood around the year 1293 to 1500 AD. At the time of the Majapahit Kingdom is at the peak of its glory, the kingdom of Majapahit has managed to control the entire archipelago plus some neighboring countries. This occurred during the reign of Hayam Wuruk who ruled in 1350 - 1389 AD.

Majapahit Kingdom is also a Hindu kingdom - the last Buddhist master of the archipelago. Its power lies in Java, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan to Eastern Indonesia Region.

The Rise of the Wealthy and Powerful Majapahit Empire

Raden Wijaya was crowned as the Majapahit Emperor, then the Majapahit Empire began to expand territory. Additionally, due to its strategic position on the spice trade route, the Majapahit Empire grew immensely wealthy by levying duties on goods shipped through its area of control. The golden age of the Majapahit Empire, however, is said to have been during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk, the fourth ruler of the empire. Hayam Wuruk, who ruled from 1350 to 1389, was assisted by an equally formidable prime minister or "Patih" Gajah Mada.

During Majapahit premiership, Gajah Mada successfully added Java, Bali and Sumatra to the Region of Majapahit Empire, even Borneo, Sulawesi and Maluku. Although Gajah Mada died around 1364, the expansion of the empire continued. By 1365, the entire Malay Archipelago, with the exception of Sri-Vijaya and two of its colonies, were conquered by the Majapahit Empire. In 1377, Palembang, the capital of Sri-Vijaya, fell to Hayam Wuruk’s troops. The Kingdom of Singapura, an offshoot of Sri-Vijaya, was also later conquered. Nevertheless, this rival was not entirely destroyed, and its descendants would later return to cause trouble to the Majapahit Empire.

The Short-Lived Majapahit Empire Falls

The Majapahit Empire was short-lived, as its power began to shortly after Hayam Wuruk’s death. At the beginning of the 15th century AD, a war of succession that lasted for four years broke out. At the same time, Islam as Demak Kingdom was founded after glory of Majapahit was spreading in the region, and many kingdoms were converting to this faith. 

Remaining as Hindu-Buddhists, the Majapahit Empire was unable to compete with its Muslim neighbors, and continued to disintegrate, finally collapsing in either 1478 or the early 16th century AD.

Gallery

Majapahit Empire Flag, This Flag Inspiring as Nusantara Islands. Now, This Flag guide Indonesia Flag.

Candi Tikus in Trowulan, East Java as a relics from Majapahit century in Nusantara

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Candi Brahu in Trowulan, East Java as a relics from Majapahit century in Nusantara.