What Is the Ciaruteun Inscription?
The Ciaruteun Inscription is one of the significant relics left behind by the Tarumanegara Kingdom. It is among the seven inscriptions created under the rule of King Purnawarman. Discovered in 1863 along the Ciaruteun River (a tributary of the Cisadane River) in Muara Village, Bogor, N.W. Hoverman initially found the inscription and quickly reported it to the Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (now the National Museum) in Batavia.
The inscription distinctly displays text written in Pallava script and Sanskrit, which clearly demonstrates the significant influence of Indian culture in the Nusantara region during that era. It also indicates that the local community had already developed a complex system of writing and communication.
However, a major flood in 1893 caused the andesite stone inscription to drift several meters downstream. This unfortunate event resulted in the carved surface being turned upside down.
To address this, in 1903, the authorities relocated the inscription back to its original place. Later, to prevent future risks of flooding, the Directorate of Protection and Preservation of Historical and Archaeological Heritage under the Ministry of Education and Culture moved the inscription in 1981 to Ciaruteun Ilir Village, Cibungbulang Subdistrict, Bogor Regency, about 19 kilometers northwest of Bogor city center.
Ciaruteun Inscription: A Deep Dive into Its History and Cultural Significance
The Ciaruteun Inscription is a remarkable historical relic that clearly carries profound cultural and historical values. Located in Ciaruteun, Bogor, this inscription actively serves as a silent witness to Indonesia’s journey through history, particularly during the Hindu-Buddhist era.
Its existence not only provides insights into the past but also strongly reflects the traditions and culture of the society at that time. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of preserving historical artifacts as part of a nation’s identity on a global scale.
Content of the Ciaruteun Inscription
The Ciaruteun Inscription contains carvings that are rich in meaning and carefully arranged into four lines.
Here is the content of the inscription:
Original Sanskrit Text:
Vikkrāntāsyā vanipateh, “The brave and valiant king, lord of the world,”
śrīmatah pūrņņavarmmaņah, “The illustrious Pūrņavarman (the name of a great king),”
tārūmanagarendrasya, (“The ruler of Tarumanagara, the great king,”)
vişņoriva padadvāyam, “Like the footprints of Lord Vishnu (sacred and exalted).”
Here is the content of the inscription:
1. The footprints of Purnawarman, symbolizing the area where it was found as part of the Tarumanegara Kingdom’s territory, are featured in the inscription.
2.The text emphasizes that King Purnawarman was a ruler who could provide protection and care for all his people, akin to the deity Vishnu, and was exceptionally kind-hearted. In fact, Purnawarman’s reign is predicted to have been the golden era of the Tarumanegara Kingdom many years ago.
3. The meter used, known as Anustubh, bears similarities to that found in the Yupa inscriptions discovered in Kutai. This signifies a specific cultural connection between the Kutai Kingdom and the Tarumanegara Kingdom.
4.The name Purnawarman, ending with the suffix warman, is similar to the names of kings from the Kutai Kingdom, such as Asmawarman and Mulawarman. This underscores that Hindu culture in Java, particularly West Java, shares similarities with the Hindu culture found in Kalimantan.
Translation:
“These are the pair of footprints resembling those of Lord Vishnu (the preserver), which belong to the noble Purnawarman, the king of Taruma, a brave ruler of the world.”
From a religious perspective, this inscription strongly reflects the Hindu-Buddhist influence that became an integral part of society’s life. The footprints, attributed to Purnawarman, symbolize the king’s authority over the area where the inscription was found. King Purnawarman himself is regarded as both a ruler and protector of the people.
Functions of the Ciaruteun Inscription
The Ciaruteun Inscription serves a broader purpose than simply being a historical artifact. It holds various important roles in social, cultural, and educational aspects. Specifically, here are three key functions of the Ciaruteun Inscription:
1. Understanding Indonesia’s Civilization
The inscription plays a crucial role as a historical source in the study of Indonesia’s civilization. Through this artifact, researchers and historians can easily uncover information about the Tarumanegara Kingdom, led by the highly revered King Purnawarman.
2. Cultural Preservation
The inscription significantly acts as a symbol of cultural preservation. By safeguarding its existence, society actively helps maintain collective memories of their history. This is vital for sustaining the cultural identity of the nation, especially in the face of challenges from modernization and globalization.
3. Local Identity and Pride
The existence of the inscription greatly contributes to the identity and pride of the local community. Having an artifact that is rich in historical value allows the community to feel more connected to their ancestors’ legacy. Moreover, it becomes a source of pride for the local people while also attracting the interest of tourists.
The Ciaruteun Inscription is not merely an ancient record but also serves as a reflection of the civilization and culture that thrived in Indonesia thousands of years ago. By understanding its content and functions, we can better appreciate the wealth of history that this nation possesses. Undoubtedly, this inscription is a priceless treasure worth preserving for future generations.
For more details about Prasasti Ciaruteun, you can explore Museum Nasional Indonesia and Idsejarah. These sources provide comprehensive insights into the inscription’s history and significance.
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