The Pajajaran Kingdom was a Hindu kingdom located in West Java, with its capital in Pakuan (now Bogor). Established in 923 AD, this kingdom became a symbol of great power during its time. In this article, we will explore its long history, golden era, and the legacies that remain to this day.
History of the Pajajaran Kingdom
The Pajajaran Kingdom did not emerge without a foundation. In fact, it was a continuation of several previous kingdoms, such as Tarumanegara, Galuh, Kawali, and Sunda. According to the Sanghyang Tapak Inscription, the kingdom was founded by Sri Jayabhupati in 923 AD in Pakuan Pajajaran. However, at its inception, it was not yet named “Pajajaran.”
Sri Jayabhupati ruled until the throne was passed to Rahyang Niskala Wastu Kancana. During Wastu Kancana’s era, the kingdom’s capital was moved to Kawali. Later, in 1428, Sri Baduga Maharaja, also known as Prabu Siliwangi, was crowned as king. His coronation marked the end of the Sunda and Galuh Kingdoms and the beginning of the Pajajaran Kingdom, with its capital in Pakuan.
Following Prabu Siliwangi, the kingdom was led by several other kings, whose names were recorded in the manuscripts of Babad Pajajaran, Carita Waruga Guru, and Carita Parahyangan. Although the order of kings differs in each manuscript, here are some of the notable rulers of the Pajajaran Kingdom:
- Sri Baduga Maharaja (1482–1521 AD): Led the kingdom to its golden age.
- Surawisesa (1521–1535 AD): Faced external challenges.
- Ratu Dewata (1535–1543 AD): Ruled Pakuan during a period of growing tension.
- Ratu Nilakendra (1551–1567 AD): Abandoned Pakuan due to attacks from the Banten Sultanate.
- Raga Mulya (1567–1579 AD): Reigned in Pandeglang, marking the kingdom’s final days.
According to historians in Sejarah Sunda (Ekadjati, 1984), the fall of the Pajajaran Kingdom resulted from political conflicts and attacks by neighboring Islamic kingdoms.
The Golden Era of the Pajajaran Kingdom
The Pajajaran Kingdom reached its peak of prosperity under the leadership of Sri Baduga Maharaja. His reign was characterized by peace and order. One of his progressive policies was exempting the people from four types of taxes.
Sri Baduga Maharaja also prioritized infrastructure development, religious guidance, and military strengthening. He established robust defense systems, including defensive moats, and formed a powerful military. Records from Carita Parahyangan state that the kingdom had around 100,000 soldiers and 40 war elephants at its peak. With this formidable force, the Pajajaran Kingdom successfully maintained its stability and defended its territory against external threats.
The Fall of the Pajajaran Kingdom
However, this glory did not last forever. The Pajajaran Kingdom fell in 1579 AD. This event was marked by the capture of the kingdom’s throne, Palangka Sriman Sriwacana, by Maulana Yusuf of the Banten Sultanate. The throne was moved to Surosowan, symbolizing the end of Pajajaran’s rule.
After the fall, many nobles of the Pajajaran Kingdom fled to the Lebak region in Banten. They continued their traditional lifestyle in isolation. Today, their descendants are known as the Baduy people.
According to an archaeological report by the Balai Pelestarian Cagar Budaya Banten (Banten Cultural Heritage Preservation Center), traces of Pajajaran’s culture and traditions can still be observed in the daily lives of the Baduy people.
The Legacy of the Pajajaran Kingdom
Although the Pajajaran Kingdom has fallen, its legacy endures in the form of several important relics that continue to inspire:
- Serat Babad Pajajaran
This manuscript records the lineage of Pajajaran kings and recounts the wisdom of the Sunda people in the past. To this day, it remains a key source for studying the kingdom’s history. - Carita Parahyangan
Written in the late 16th century, this manuscript documents the history of Sunda from the Galuh Kingdom to the fall of Pajajaran Kingdom. Many place names mentioned in the manuscript, such as Ancol, Ciranjang, and Cirebon, remain known today.
Image Of Carita Parahyangan Manuscript - Carita Waruga Guru
This manuscript reflects the blending of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Written in the 17th century, it traces the lineage of Pajajaran kings back to Adam.
Image of Carita Waruga Guru Manuscript - The Batu Tulis Inscription
Located in Bogor, this inscription was created by Surawisesa to honor his father, Sri Baduga Maharaja. The site also contains other relics, such as Batu Tapak (a stone with the imprint of Surawisesa’s foot) and Batu Lingga (a sacred staff of the Pajajaran Kingdom).
The Batu Tulis Inscription - The Bogor Botanical Gardens
Originally known as the Samida Forest, this site was a royal garden used to conserve rare woods. After the kingdom’s fall, it was abandoned until it was transformed into the Bogor Botanical Gardens during the Dutch colonial era.
Conclusion
The Pajajaran Kingdom plays an important role in the history of the Indonesian archipelago, especially for the Sundanese people. Its long history, golden era, and enduring legacies are a testament to the greatness of Hindu civilization in West Java.
For those seeking to learn more, visiting historical sites like the Batu Tulis Inscription or the Bogor Botanical Gardens offers a deeper understanding. Additionally, manuscripts such as Babad Pajajaran and Carita Parahyangan provide valuable insights into the culture and values of the Pajajaran people.
By studying this history, we can appreciate our ancestors’ heritage and draw inspiration for the future.
