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Golden Celestial Nymph of Majapahit (CC BY-SA 3.0), and carved relief of a bulging-eyed figure on a temple in Trowulan, suggested site of the capital city of the Majapahit Empire (CC BY-SA 3.0), Deriv.

The Hidden Mastermind and Warrior Queen Behind an Empire’s Golden Age

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The Majapahit Empire was a vast empire on the island of Java from 1293 to 1527 CE, which later became part of modern Indonesia. It was an empire of 98 tributaries, stretching from the island of Sumatra to New Guinea, and it is said to have encompassed what are known now as the majority of Southeast Asia. Although the true nature of its scope of influence is still the subject of studies among historians, Majapahit was one of the last major empires of the region and is considered to be one of the greatest and most powerful empires in the history of Southeast Asia, as well as the empire that sets the precedent for Indonesia's modern boundaries.

Location of Majapahit Empire

Location of Majapahit Empire (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The picture of a powerful empire politically and culturally dominating the whole of the Indonesian Archipelago is attached to the “Golden Age” of Majapahit in the fourteenth century. It was the time of the famous poets Prapafica and Tantular, and of the sculptors of reliefs that have been preserved on the Surawana, Tigawangi and Kedaton temples. The two men largely credited for this success are the great king Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389 CE) and the prime minister Gajah Mada—both their names and likenesses are still venerated in the region today. Gajah Mada especially is credited with bringing the empire to its peak of glory and serves as an important national hero in modern Indonesia—a symbol of patriotism and national unity.

The haute reliefs of Indonesian history encircling National Monument, Jakarta. On northeastern corner depicting ancient empires of Indonesia, at the nearest right is Gajah Mada, the prime minister of Majapahit empire.

The haute reliefs of Indonesian history encircling National Monument, Jakarta. On northeastern corner depicting ancient empires of Indonesia, at the nearest right is Gajah Mada, the prime minister of Majapahit empire. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Kedaton Temple

Kedaton Temple (CC BY-SA 3.0)

However, paving the way for the two men was a warrior queen who is, by contrast, rarely mentioned. Born as Dyah Gitarja, she was later known in history by her title Tribhuwana Tunggadewi (“The Exalted Goddess of the Three Worlds”), and she was the woman who set in motion Majapahit’s dominance.

Bajang Ratu Gate, Trowulan archaeological site, East Java. The tall red bricks temple is dated from Majapahit period circa 13th to 15th century

Bajang Ratu Gate, Trowulan archaeological site, East Java. The tall red bricks temple is dated from Majapahit period circa 13th to 15th century (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Difficulties in Deciphering Ancient Records of the Majapahit Empire

It may seem strange that Tribhuwana Tunggadewi became relegated to a lesser known character in the story of the expansion of Majapahit. Indeed, her title alone should give an indication of the influence of the queen in her era. However, as with many other information about ancient Indonesia, very little information about her survived. Tribhuwana Tunggadewi’s name was given in Serat Pararaton (“The Book of Monarchs”), written c. 1600, which chronicles the early kingdoms of Java and their mythological beginnings.

Statue representing Tribhuwanottunggadewi, queen of Majapahit (1328-1350). The statue originated from Rimbi temple, East Java, circa 14th century CE.

Statue representing Tribhuwanottunggadewi, queen of Majapahit (1328-1350). The statue originated from Rimbi temple, East Java, circa 14th century CE. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Although Serat Pararaton is an important contemporary source, it is also important to note the incompleteness of its data as far as the names of the monarchs are concerned. As most of the people noted in the Serat Pararaton are indicated only by their titles instead of by their birth names, it is frequently uncertain who is who, especially where different princes, or princesses, successively held the same title. The prefixes and suffixes used in the west to indicate a title or rank, are used differently in this time period and were never used again in modern usage.

The prefix bhre (Sanskrit for “monarch”), for example, which the Serat Pararaton uses most often in such titles, indicates the noble status but not the gender of the person concerned.

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Top Image: Golden Celestial Nymph of Majapahit (CC BY-SA 3.0), and carved relief of a bulging-eyed figure on a temple in Trowulan, suggested site of the capital city of the Majapahit Empire (CC BY-SA 3.0), Deriv.

By Martini Fisher

 
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Martini

Martini Fisher comes from a family of history and culture buffs. She graduated from Macquarie University, Australia, with a degree in Ancient History. Although her interest in history is diverse, Martini is especially interested in  mythologies, folklores and ancient funerary... Read More

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