Tarumanagara

Quick Facts: Who was Tarumanagara?

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Tarumanagara

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Early Sundanese Indianised kingdom in Western Java, known for its 5th-century inscriptions.

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Origins & Early Life

Tarumanagara or Taruma Kingdom or just Taruma was an early Sundanese Indianised kingdom, located in western Java, whose 5th-century ruler, Purnawarman, produced the earliest known inscriptions in Java, which are estimated to date from around 358 AD. At least seven stone inscriptions connected to this kingdom were discovered in Western Java area, near Bogor and Jakarta. They are Ciaruteun, Kebon Kopi, Jambu, Pasir Awi, and Muara Cianten inscriptions near Bogor; Tugu inscription near Cilincing in North Jakarta; and Cidanghiang inscription in Lebak village, Munjul district, south of Banten. The inscriptions of Taruma kingdom are the earliest records of Hinduism in the western part of the archipelago. The geographical position of coastal West Java, which corresponds to today modern Jakarta, is a commanding region that controls the Sunda Strait.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

This location is strategic in regard to Sumatra, and also its connection to Asian continent of India and China. The kingdom was located not far from modern Jakarta, and according to the Tugu inscription Purnawarman apparently built a canal that changed the course of the Cakung River, and drained a coastal area for agriculture and settlement. In his inscriptions, Purnavarman associated himself with Vishnu, and Brahmins secured the hydraulic project through ritual. Tarumanagara is believed to have existed between 358 and 669 CE in the Western Java region, in and around modern-day Bogor, Bekasi and Jakarta, which roughly corresponds to modern Greater Jakarta area. The earliest known written records of Tarumanagara's existence were inscribed in stone inscriptions.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Inscribed stone is called prasasti in Indonesian. Numbers of stone inscriptions dated from Tarumanagara period were discovered in Western Java region. The historiography of the Taruma kingdom were mostly uncovered, acquired and constructed from two main sources; the primary record of the stone inscriptions discovered near present-day Bogor and Jakarta, and Chinese chronicles dated from the Sui and Tang dynasties. In 1863, Dutch East Indies, a huge boulder of inscribed stone was spotted near Ciampea not far from Buitenzorg (Bogor). The stone inscription was discovered on the river bed of Ciaruteun river, a tributary of Cisadane River.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1863: 1863 Milestone — In 1863, Dutch East Indies, a huge boulder of inscribed stone was spotted near Ciampea not far from Buitenzorg (Bogor).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Tarumanagara

True or False: “Did the Chinese monk Fa Xian report that Hinduism was unknown in Java during his visit?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Fa Xian reported that while the Law of Buddha was not much known, Brahmans (Hinduism) flourished alongside animists.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tarumanagara