Unang Pangkat Srivijaya At Sailendra
The early kingdoms of Southeast Asia, such as Srivijaya and Sailendra, played vital roles in the region’s history. These powerful maritime and agricultural kingdoms helped shape cultural, political, and religious developments for centuries. While both emerged in the Indonesian archipelago around the same period, they had distinct characteristics and influences. Understanding the origins and leadership of Srivijaya and Sailendra provides important insight into early Southeast Asian civilization and the spread of Hindu-Buddhist culture in the region.
Origins of Srivijaya
Location and Strategic Importance
Srivijaya emerged as a dominant thalassocratic kingdom based in Palembang, on the island of Sumatra. Its strategic location along the Malacca and Sunda Straits allowed it to control important maritime trade routes connecting China, India, and the Middle East. This maritime power became a hub for trade, religion, and culture in the region from the 7th to the 13th century.
The First Ruler of Srivijaya
The earliest recorded king of Srivijaya was Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa. According to the Kedukan Bukit inscription, which dates back to 683 CE, he led a military expedition with thousands of troops to expand the kingdom’s territory. This marked the foundation of Srivijaya as a powerful empire. Dapunta Hyang was more than just a conqueror; he laid the groundwork for religious and cultural integration, especially Buddhism, in Srivijaya’s realm.
Political and Religious Power
Under the early leadership of rulers like Dapunta Hyang, Srivijaya became a center for Mahayana Buddhism. It attracted scholars from distant lands, including the famous Chinese monk Yijing. Temples and monasteries flourished, and Srivijaya sent envoys and scholars to China and India, maintaining strong diplomatic and religious ties.
Emergence of the Sailendra Dynasty
Territorial Roots and Influence
The Sailendra dynasty, contemporaneous with Srivijaya, was based in Central Java. Unlike Srivijaya’s maritime dominance, the Sailendra rulers established themselves through land-based agricultural wealth and monumental temple construction. Though their precise origin is debated, many scholars believe the dynasty had strong links with Mahayana Buddhism and may have originated as an offshoot of Srivijayan influence or from a local Javanese elite group that embraced Buddhism.
The First Known King of Sailendra
The earliest known king of the Sailendra dynasty was Panangkaran. His reign, around the 8th century, was marked by religious devotion and temple-building activities. He was responsible for commissioning large Buddhist structures and laid the foundation for one of Southeast Asia’s most famous monuments: Borobudur. Panangkaran also supported Buddhism while maintaining political control over Java, balancing religious dedication with administrative leadership.
Construction of Borobudur and Other Monuments
Under the Sailendra dynasty, especially during and after Panangkaran’s rule, monumental architecture became a hallmark of their legacy. Borobudur, built in the 9th century, exemplifies Mahayana Buddhist cosmology in stone and remains one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world. This temple, along with other structures like Mendut and Pawon, showcased the dynasty’s devotion to the faith and their architectural expertise.
Relationship Between Srivijaya and Sailendra
Alliance and Cooperation
Although separate entities, Srivijaya and Sailendra shared a close relationship, particularly during the height of their powers. Some evidence suggests that the Sailendras may have ruled Srivijaya for a time or were at least closely allied through marriage or diplomacy. Inscriptions from the Nalanda monastery in India mention a Srivijayan king named Balaputradewa, who was of Sailendra descent. This suggests strong familial and political ties between the two kingdoms.
Balaputradewa: A Link Between Dynasties
Balaputradewa, one of the most famous kings of Srivijaya, provides a direct link between the Srivijaya and Sailendra dynasties. According to historical records, he was forced out of Java during a political conflict and later became ruler of Srivijaya. As a descendant of the Sailendra dynasty, Balaputradewa strengthened the bond between the two kingdoms. His reign marked a golden era for Srivijaya, particularly in religious and educational exchanges with other Buddhist regions.
Decline and Legacy
Srivijaya’s Decline
Despite centuries of dominance, Srivijaya eventually declined in the 13th century. Repeated attacks by the Chola Empire from southern India weakened its naval power. The rise of new trading powers such as the Majapahit in Java and the emergence of Islamic sultanates in the region gradually reduced Srivijaya’s influence. Nonetheless, its early rulers and achievements left a lasting legacy in the region’s history.
The Fate of the Sailendra Dynasty
The Sailendra dynasty gradually lost power in Central Java, particularly as the Sanjaya dynasty rose to prominence with a preference for Hinduism. Some members of the Sailendra family migrated or maintained influence in Sumatra through Srivijaya. Their architectural legacy, however, remained untouched. Monuments like Borobudur continued to stand as silent witnesses to their glory, rediscovered centuries later during colonial exploration.
The first kings of Srivijaya and Sailendra Dapunta Hyang and Panangkaran played foundational roles in shaping Southeast Asian civilization. Their reigns marked the beginning of two influential kingdoms that helped spread Buddhism, promote trade, and support monumental architecture. While their political trajectories diverged, the connection between these dynasties reflects the intertwined history of maritime and agrarian powers in ancient Indonesia. Today, the names of these rulers and their accomplishments remain essential to understanding the early cultural and political landscape of Southeast Asia.