Maternal Wisdom and Sovereign Success: The Dynamic Duo Behind Majapahit’s Triumph (Tribhuwana Tunggadewi and Gayatri Rajapatni)
The Majapahit Empire stands out as a paramount entity in the annals of archipelagic/ Nusantara history owing to its robust influence across maritime trade routes, military prowess, pivotal political centrality, and role as a bastion of cultural and civilizational advancement.
Yet, amidst its resplendent narrative, the inquiry beckons: who were the eminent personalities instrumental in shaping the majesty of the Majapahit Empire?
Furthermore, have you encountered the legendary Palapa Oath administered by Gajah Mada, aimed at unifying the Nusantara? The origins of Gajah Mada's oath of unifying the Nusantara?
During the half of the 14th century (1293–1309), a notable phenomenon emerged wherein women proved instrumental in establishing an expansive empire, encompassing the largest mandala in Southeast Asia. One such luminary figure was Sri Tribhuwana Wijayottungadewi who is also recognized as Dyah Sri Gitarja as documented in the Singhasari Inscription of 1351.
The Rani was a descendant of kings, being the granddaughter of Kertanegara, (the final monarch of Singhasari) and the daughter of Dyah Wijaya (the inaugural of Majapahit) and Gayatri Rajapatni.
After the demise of Raden Wijaya Kertarajasa, the throne of the Kingdom transpired to his son, Jayanegara. Pararaton chronicles the deleterious ramifications and political turbulence besetting during Jayanegara’s reign, this is attributed to his deleterious character as the second monarch. Jayanegara, dubbed as ‘Kala Gemet’ signifying malevolence and frailty, exhibited authoritarian tendencies and a propensity to disregard counsel from his royal advisors, thereby impeding consensus within the kingdom. His decision was often based on emotions basis devoid of consideration for the kingdom’s long-term welfare and populace. This governance style caused many uprisings throughout his leadership. Notably, the epithet ‘Kala Gemet’ also alludes to his tries to engage in incestuous unions by marrying his two step-younger sisters, Tribhuwana and Dyah Wiyat. Furthermore, Jayanegara’s proclivity for abusing women is documented, exemplified by a case involving the wife of Tanca, his personal healer who allegedly murdered the king.
Suspicion still existed regarding Gayatri’s alleged involvement and manoeuvre in Jayanegara’s death which was confirmed by Gajah Mada’s decision to ask Tanca to perform a surgical procedure on the king even though he was aware of Tanca’s personal vendetta against Jayanegara. Due to Tanca’s decisive action, Gajah Mada immediately executed the healer without any legal process which was contrary to Majapahit’s adherence to law.
Following the demise of Jayanegara, the throne of the Majapahit Kingdom was initially offered to Gayatri Rajapatni. However, she declined the offer, opting instead to pursue a monastic path as a bhiksuni or a priest in Buddhism. Consequently, Tribhuwana, assuming the regnal title Sri Tribhuwanottunggadewi Maharaja Jayawisnuwardhani ascended the throne as leader of Majapahit.
Gayatri’s decision to pass the royal mantle to her daughter, Tribhuwana, reflected astute political acumen aimed at obviating internal conflict. Reflecting on history, the Singhasari and Majapahit Kingdoms were built by 2 family lineages: the Rajasa lineage, tracing its lineage to Ken Arok, the ancestor of Dyah Wijaya (Gayatri’s spouse and a key figure in the downfall of Kertanegara and Singhasari) and Sinelir lineage, descending from Tunggul Ametung, the forebear of Kertanegara and Gayatri. Had Gayatri prioritised her personal interests over the kingdom’s welfare, there would be a conjecture attributing her every decision as Queen as a vengeful stance against the Singhasari rebellion's historical legacy. Conversely, Tribhuwana symbolized the consolidation of these intricate familial clans with a complicated history. This political manoeuvering underpinned the stability of Majapahit and offered Gayatri greater flexibility in her clandestine manoeuvrings.
Upon ascending the throne, the Rani inherited a Majapahit embroiled in internal conflicts and external perils, disrupting its stability. The preceding monarch’s reign had left Majapahit in chaos with many factions vying for supremacy. After assuming leadership, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi convened a council with a number of representatives from the annexed territories of Majapahit which was not attended by Sadeng and Keta. It was discovered that the two regions were primed for rebellion. Tribhuwana opted for diplomatic overtures to de-escalate tensions however her strategy was destroyed by Ra Kembar, Majapahit’s chief military commander, who swiftly encircled the cities intending to terminate the rebels. Subsequently, Sadeng and Keta launched a counteroffensive, making a bloody conflict unavoidable. Pararaton recounts the successful resolution of the Sadeng and Keta rebellions following Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi’s personal intervention on the battlefield, assuming the role of war commander accompanied by Gajah Mada, Ra Kembar, and Adityawarman.
The conquest of Keta and Sadeng was not devoid of anticipation, given its strategic significance as a bustling port city, thus rendering it a hub of economic activity. Tribhuawana’s triumph on the battlefield served to cement her authority as a sovereign and conqueror. earning acclaim among the populace and officials of Majapahit.
Upon the successful conquest of Sadeng and Keta, Tribhuwana crowned Gajah Mada as Mahapatih (Prime Minister) of the Majapahit Kingdom capturing a pivotal juncture in her policy agenda geared towards substantiating Majapahit’s hegemonic sway.
Internally, Tribhuwana embarked upon sweeping significant reforms and administrative consolidation within the Majapahit bureaucracy. This was encompassed by restructuring governmental hierarchies, developing a comprehensive taxation system through effective tribute, and crafting judicious economic, military and agricultural policies. As a result, Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi emerged as a linchpin of political stability in the Majapahit Kingdom, as Gajah Mada in his capacity as rakryan mahapatih, strengthened governmental efficacy. One of Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi’s political policies that was most beneficial to Indonesia and notably advocated by Gajah Mada through the Palapa Oath. The Palapa Oath was the Nusantara unification campaign signifying a commitment to amalgamate disparate territories under the banner of Majapahit. Her reign epitomized a period of territorial expansion, characterized by strategic subjugation into neighbouring realms. These military campaigns, under the command of Arya Damar (1343) to conquer the Pejeng Kingdom, the Dalem Belalu Kingdom, and the entire Bali kingdom. Continued by Adityawarman (1347) by conquering the remnants of the Srivijaya kingdom and the Malayu Kingdom. And continued until the next king, Hayam Wuruk, extending Majapahit’s dominion from Lamuri in the west to Wanin in the east. Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi not only succeeded in pioneering the unification of the Nusantara or archipelago, but she also groomed the next generation, Hayam Wuruk, to maintain and augment her legacy. Each conquest of the targeted areas had economic and commercial potential which certainly brought prosperity to the people of Majapahit.
The success of this regional expansion can be attributed to Tribhuawana’s astute by implementing the mandala system policy. The mandala system, a geopolitical framework, entails the integration of independent territories into a cohesive imperial entity. Under this system, in exchange for protection, regions pledge allegiance to the emperor or in this case Tribhuwana and offer the Majapahit kingdom tribute annually. The mandala system is characterized by its fluidity, lacking distinct geographical boundaries and often resulting in overlapping domains. The extent of a mandala’s reach is determined by the charisma of the maharaja, which influences the loyalty of its constituent members. Structurally, the mandala comprises three layers consisting of: the central nucleus, represented by the capital where the maharaja reigned (Majapahit); peripheral territories (Java, Bali, Madura, Lampung, Palembang), subject to direct control by the center authority and governed by the king’s relatives; and the Nusantara or archipelago (Swarnadwipa/Sumatra, Nusa Tanjung Nagara/Kalimantan, Sakasanusa/Sulawesi, and the islands in the eastern region to Wanin in Papua) delineated in the Nagarakretagama (1365).
However, the lingering question persists regarding the origins of the concept of Nusantara or archipelagic unification? Is it solely from Tribhuwana? Are there additional influencers at play?
Several of her achievements bear the imprint of Gayatri’s guidance and strategic manoeuvres. The Geneng II inscription (1329 AD) records that Tribhuawana’s governance was consistently guided and supervised directly by Gayatri. Further investigation reveals that these ideas trace their origins to King Kertanegara in the Singhasari Kingdom. As Kertanegara’s favourite progeny, Gayatri was nurtured amidst a large kingdom that almost succeeded in uniting the Nusantara archipelago. Hence, is it not ‘out of nowhere’ for Gayatri to harbour aspirations of resurrecting her father’s unrealized vision in Majapahit.
It is imperative to emphasized that Tribhuwana and Gajah Mada are a new generation who are not directly exposed to Kertanegara’s grand vision of Dwipantara politics. The initial idea was conceptualized by Gayatri, operationalized by Tribhuwana as a deliberative decision and policy-maker, and implemented by Gajah Mada.
The trajectory of Majapahit Kingdom, evolving from the brink of collapse due to a rebellion to a glorious empire renowned for its territorial prowess and dominance in maritime trade, owes its realization to the two dynamic duo: Gayatri with her strategic manoeuvres and her daughter, Rani Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, whose governance was characterized by astute policies, diplomacy, and authoritative power.
In contemporary times, there is an unfortunate trend, particularly among the younger demographic towards a waning appreciation for the historical legacies and contribution of our predecessors. The aspiration of this article is that with each reminiscence of Indonesia previously called Nusantara, a recollection of the painstaking efforts to forge national unity resonates. Beyond the figures detailed herein, recognition is extended to all the other personage whose collective effort contributed to this noble cause. As readers and authors alike, we are presented with an invaluable opportunity to glean insights from historical precedents, thereby fostering a collective commitment to fostering prosperity and security within our nation and world.
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