HINDU AND BUDDHIST,ANCIENT JAVANESE KINGDOMS

Ancient Javanese kingdoms
Hindu and Buddhist influences arrived through trade contacts with the Indian subcontinent. Hindu and Buddhist missionaries arrived in 5th century.These Hinduism, Buddhism and Javanese faiths blended into a unique local philosophies.

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

 PRAMBANAN TEMPLE 2012 PHOTOS

The cradle of Javanese culture is commonly described as being in Kedu and Kewu Plain in the fertile slopes of Mount Merapi as the heart of Medang i Bhumi Mataram kingdom. Earliest dynasties,Sanjaya and Sailendra has their power base there.
Center of Javanese culture and politics was moved to eastern part of the island when Mpu Sindok moved the capital of the kingdoms eastward to the valleys of Brantas River in the 10th century CE. The move was most likely caused by volcanic eruption of Merapi and/or invasion from Srivijaya.

The major spread of Javanese influence occurred under King Kertanegara of Singhasari in late 13th century.The expansionist king launched major expeditions to Madura, Bali in 1284,Borneo and most importantly to Sumatra in 1275.Following the defeat of Melayu Kingdom, Singhasari controlled trade in Strait of Malacca.
Singhasari dominance was cut short in 1292 by Kediri's rebellion under Jayakatwang, killing Kertanegara. However, Jayakatwang reign as king of Java soon ended as he was defeated by Kertanegara's son-in-law, Raden Wijaya with the help of invading Mongol troops in March 1293.

Raden Wijaya would later established Majapahit near the delta of Brantas River in modern-day Mojokerto, East Java. Kertanegara policies would later be continued by the Majapahits under King Hayam Wuruk and his minister Gajah Mada.

Kingdoms of Java actively involved in spice trade in the sea route of Silk Road. Although not a major spice producer itself, they were able to stockpile spice by trading it with rice, of which Java was a major producer. Majapahit is usually regarded as the greatest of these kingdoms. It was both an agrarian and a maritime power, combining wet-rice cultivation and foreign trade. The ruin of their capital can be found in Trowulan.