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Gayatri Rajapatni: Perempuan Di Balik Kejayaan Majapahit
The Majapahit Kingdom of Java was once one of the most powerful empires in all of Southeast Asia. After defeating both the mighty warriors of Kublai Khan of Mongolia in battle as well as the neighbouring kingdom of Kediri in one fell swoop in 1293, the small city grew larger and larger under wise leadership until its borders incorporated all of Java, Bali, portions of Borneo, and even portions of the Malayan peninsula. Indeed, the Majapahit Empire is often said to have set the precedent for the borders of modern-day Indonesia.
Ostensibly, it was the Kings of Majapahit who could take credit for their kingdoms’ unprecedented growth and status in the region. Many of their reputations stand firm as being leaders who advocated for growth through peaceful talks rather than through war. But Majapahit’s preeminent ruler was not a king but a commoner, who rose through his own wit and ambition to become the nation’s most powerful Prime Minister. It was Gajah Mada who brought much of the archipelago under Majapahit’s reign, including Bali. But how could a commoner be so widely praised when it was the kings who were worshipped as gods? Might there have been someone working with Gajah Mada, guiding his every move towards greatness?
The Indonesian epic poem, Nagarakrtagama, which is one of the only known historical accounts of the Majapahit empire states “It was the disposition of the great Gayatri Rajapatni that these should be the great leaders of the world, distinguished from others… it was she who made them rulers and watched over all their affairs”. Was it possible that Gayatri, the first Queen of Majapahit, and later its Queen Mother, was the woman behind Gajah Mada’s great reputation?
Ostensibly, it was the Kings of Majapahit who could take credit for their kingdoms’ unprecedented growth and status in the region. Many of their reputations stand firm as being leaders who advocated for growth through peaceful talks rather than through war. But Majapahit’s preeminent ruler was not a king but a commoner, who rose through his own wit and ambition to become the nation’s most powerful Prime Minister. It was Gajah Mada who brought much of the archipelago under Majapahit’s reign, including Bali. But how could a commoner be so widely praised when it was the kings who were worshipped as gods? Might there have been someone working with Gajah Mada, guiding his every move towards greatness?
The Indonesian epic poem, Nagarakrtagama, which is one of the only known historical accounts of the Majapahit empire states “It was the disposition of the great Gayatri Rajapatni that these should be the great leaders of the world, distinguished from others… it was she who made them rulers and watched over all their affairs”. Was it possible that Gayatri, the first Queen of Majapahit, and later its Queen Mother, was the woman behind Gajah Mada’s great reputation?
- GenresHistory
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2016
Before i proceed just need to clarify that i have not read the indonesian version. The one on my hand now is the original english version by the author, but I couldn't find it on Goodreads so this shall do.
Generally the book can be categorized as a work of fiction but drawn its inspiration from the classic primary sources: Negarakertagama and Paraton. It tells the story of the formation of Majapahit, and the role of Gayapatri, the grandmother of the legendary King Hayam Wuruk. It introduces 'real' characters, and followed quite faithfully the chronological events in the Paraton/ Negarakertagama.
One thing that i really like about this book is that it gives the imaginative insight on how the rulers of the early 13th century in Java thought about governance. The dialogue and discussion between the king Wijaya with his wife on policies and security, for example, captured quite vividly the main political concerns of the time and how the politics were conducted.
And the depiction of a strong women character in the plot makes it not only entertaining an informative, but very inspiring as well.
Highly recommended. A light reading. Can easily finish this within two to three hours(provided there is no distractions).
Generally the book can be categorized as a work of fiction but drawn its inspiration from the classic primary sources: Negarakertagama and Paraton. It tells the story of the formation of Majapahit, and the role of Gayapatri, the grandmother of the legendary King Hayam Wuruk. It introduces 'real' characters, and followed quite faithfully the chronological events in the Paraton/ Negarakertagama.
One thing that i really like about this book is that it gives the imaginative insight on how the rulers of the early 13th century in Java thought about governance. The dialogue and discussion between the king Wijaya with his wife on policies and security, for example, captured quite vividly the main political concerns of the time and how the politics were conducted.
And the depiction of a strong women character in the plot makes it not only entertaining an informative, but very inspiring as well.
Highly recommended. A light reading. Can easily finish this within two to three hours(provided there is no distractions).
July 19, 2013
gaya penceritaannya bagus banget, dibuat layaknya prosa sehingga pembaca yang tidak suka sejarah menjadi nyaman membacanya, sosok perempuan yang kecerdasannya diakui oleh suaminya namun namanya tenggelam oleh sistem yang ada pada saat itu (patriarki) dan sosok Raden Wijaya meyakinkan saya bahwa pria-pria Indonesia sejak dari dulu memiliki sikap yang lebih "toleran" terhadap perempuan (dalam bahasa saya : fleksibel) sekalipun ketika itu Indonesia juga menganut sistem patriarki.
namun cukup sedih karena kebanyakan yang mengangkat cerita-cerita seperti ini malah orang asing
namun cukup sedih karena kebanyakan yang mengangkat cerita-cerita seperti ini malah orang asing
February 13, 2018
This book is super awesome ! Really deserve best-ever book that I've read in my life ! Book of the century !
Di luar ekspektasiku, buku ini benar-benar menyuguhkan sudut pandang cerita yang luar biasa lugas, fresh, realistis dan mudah dipahami oleh orang awam. Bahasanya tidak kaku seperti buku-buku mitologi pada umumnya, namun untuk beberapa cuplikan syair dan kutipan dari buku terdahulu (Negarakertagama, dll) masih menyuguhkan rasa orisinil yang membuat buku ini semakin menarik untuk dibaca. Satu hal lagi yang membuatku takjub dengan buku karangan Earl Drake ini adalah, bagaimana sang penulis sendiri menyuguhkan cerita 700an tahun silam dan membangkitkannya kembali seolah kisah itu masih hidup dengan kita di zaman sekarang. Well, aku merasakan dinamika emosi yang nyata ketika membaca setiap paragraf yang ada dalam cerita. Its really interesting ! Inspiring for sure ! Bagi kalian yang menyukai novel atau karya fiksi lain, buku ini sangat recommended lah untuk kalian coba.
Buku ini menceritakan kisah Gayatri -seorang ratu dibalik kebasaran imperium majapahit yang kini nyaris terlupakan. Tokoh emansipasi wanita nusantara yang telah melahirkan tokoh emansipasi lainnya yakni Ratu Tribhuwna Wijayatunggadewi (Ratu Majapahit/ Ibunda Hayam Wuruk). Lebih besar dari perannya yang terlihat, Gayatri adalah seorang wanita yang memegang teguh keinginan mulia ayahandanya (Raja Krtanagara) untuk menyatukan nusantara -kala itu untuk melawan invasi bangsa Mongol. Bagaimana prinisip "satu dalam keberagaman" sang ayah ia kembangkan hingga tertanam baik-baik pada keturunannya dan melahirkan semboyan bangsa "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", Gayatri jelas bukanlah sosok wanita biasa bagi peradaban Indonesia. Dia memiliki visi, prinsip hidup, keberanian, dan kebijaksanaan seorang wanita yang layak kita tiru sebagai wanita yang hidup di zaman millenial.
You should read this book ! Selamat membaca !
Di luar ekspektasiku, buku ini benar-benar menyuguhkan sudut pandang cerita yang luar biasa lugas, fresh, realistis dan mudah dipahami oleh orang awam. Bahasanya tidak kaku seperti buku-buku mitologi pada umumnya, namun untuk beberapa cuplikan syair dan kutipan dari buku terdahulu (Negarakertagama, dll) masih menyuguhkan rasa orisinil yang membuat buku ini semakin menarik untuk dibaca. Satu hal lagi yang membuatku takjub dengan buku karangan Earl Drake ini adalah, bagaimana sang penulis sendiri menyuguhkan cerita 700an tahun silam dan membangkitkannya kembali seolah kisah itu masih hidup dengan kita di zaman sekarang. Well, aku merasakan dinamika emosi yang nyata ketika membaca setiap paragraf yang ada dalam cerita. Its really interesting ! Inspiring for sure ! Bagi kalian yang menyukai novel atau karya fiksi lain, buku ini sangat recommended lah untuk kalian coba.
Buku ini menceritakan kisah Gayatri -seorang ratu dibalik kebasaran imperium majapahit yang kini nyaris terlupakan. Tokoh emansipasi wanita nusantara yang telah melahirkan tokoh emansipasi lainnya yakni Ratu Tribhuwna Wijayatunggadewi (Ratu Majapahit/ Ibunda Hayam Wuruk). Lebih besar dari perannya yang terlihat, Gayatri adalah seorang wanita yang memegang teguh keinginan mulia ayahandanya (Raja Krtanagara) untuk menyatukan nusantara -kala itu untuk melawan invasi bangsa Mongol. Bagaimana prinisip "satu dalam keberagaman" sang ayah ia kembangkan hingga tertanam baik-baik pada keturunannya dan melahirkan semboyan bangsa "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", Gayatri jelas bukanlah sosok wanita biasa bagi peradaban Indonesia. Dia memiliki visi, prinsip hidup, keberanian, dan kebijaksanaan seorang wanita yang layak kita tiru sebagai wanita yang hidup di zaman millenial.
You should read this book ! Selamat membaca !
September 18, 2020
A pleasant informative read. I bought the English version. This is a historical retelling of the respected Queen Mother. Stories are mostly based on a few ancient Javanese poems.
~
Gayatri Rajapatni was the influential Queen Mother of Majapahit. She herself was daughter of a king. Then, she married another king and ruled the Majapahit Empire with her husband. Upon his death, she became a Buddhist nun. However, fate dictated that her daughter, Tribhuwana, rose to the throne as Queen Regnant. However, it was believed that Gayatri was the true ruler behind the throne, giving advice and making decisions from the monastery. She also nurtured the famed Majapahit figure, Gajah Mada, the prime minister who expanded the empire. She was known to be wise, cautious and highly capable.
~
So lovely to have read this. Only 130 pages. I wish there are more texts on her. Nonetheless, the sources are quite limited. The writer relied mostly on the poems. The book, however, managed to provide a good glimpse into Majapahit history. I learnt so much! The most interesting part is on the Bubat War between Majapahit and Sunda, which happened after Gayatri's passing. Gajah Mada demanded that the Sunda bridal procession submit to Majapahit. Upon refusal, the Sunda royal family was slaughtered, died fighting for their dignity. The princess who was supposed to marry Gayatri's grandson killed herself, in accordance to tradition. The lives of these figures are very intricate and interesting and tragic.
~
Gayatri Rajapatni was the influential Queen Mother of Majapahit. She herself was daughter of a king. Then, she married another king and ruled the Majapahit Empire with her husband. Upon his death, she became a Buddhist nun. However, fate dictated that her daughter, Tribhuwana, rose to the throne as Queen Regnant. However, it was believed that Gayatri was the true ruler behind the throne, giving advice and making decisions from the monastery. She also nurtured the famed Majapahit figure, Gajah Mada, the prime minister who expanded the empire. She was known to be wise, cautious and highly capable.
~
So lovely to have read this. Only 130 pages. I wish there are more texts on her. Nonetheless, the sources are quite limited. The writer relied mostly on the poems. The book, however, managed to provide a good glimpse into Majapahit history. I learnt so much! The most interesting part is on the Bubat War between Majapahit and Sunda, which happened after Gayatri's passing. Gajah Mada demanded that the Sunda bridal procession submit to Majapahit. Upon refusal, the Sunda royal family was slaughtered, died fighting for their dignity. The princess who was supposed to marry Gayatri's grandson killed herself, in accordance to tradition. The lives of these figures are very intricate and interesting and tragic.
March 29, 2023
The first book that opens my eyes of what happened during that period of time. I believe he had done a great research. This book is mainly written from the perspective of Gayatri, but as she was a key character in almost everything that happened in the late era of Singasari and almost the entire era of Majapahit, her perspective carries the timeline and key events that happened during those times, with some glimpses of insider's views. I appreciate and respect how the author tried his best to keep the narrations from being biased, but his love to the Gayatri character is obvious. Not a bad thing. I can feel how he tried to make all the characters alive throughout the book, an effort based on admiration. Would definitely re-read this book when I miss the characters.
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October 17, 2019Good
May 23, 2024
ho to knou about gayatri
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2012
Wah, buku ini sangat informatif. Penulis berusaha membuat buku ini seobyektif mungkin tanpa mencantumkan opini-opini pribadi. Akan tetapi, buku ini terlalu banyak menggunakan sumber-sumber yang akurasinya kurang untuk dijadikan referensi. Misalnya, wikipedia dan situs-situs lainnya. Satu hal yang paling mengecewakan dari buku ini adalah terlalu banyak SALAH KETIK yang menjadikan buku ini -sedikit- terlihat kurang berkualitas. Namun, saya patut mengapresiasi sudut pandang penulis yang memunculkan satu tokoh, perempuan, yang (hampir) tidak pernah dicantumkan dalam daftar tokoh penting imperium Majapahit. Gayatri Rajapatni yang dijelmakan sebagai Pradnyaparamitha atau Dewi Kebijaksanaan.
May 16, 2016
It's an eye-opening book, right from its cover. In Indonesia, the statue in the cover is widely known as Ken Dedes (Prajnaparamita). It is clearly stated in every school book I guess. But Drake used the same statue to illustrate another person: Gayatri Rajapatni.
Gayatri itself isn't really popular (in Indonesia). In history lesson, teacher usually will simply say that she was the queen consort of Majapahit's founder and first king Raden Wijaya, and also the mother of Tribuwanatunggadewi, the queen regnal of Majapahit. However, Drake pointed out that her role is wider and more important than that.
Gayatri itself isn't really popular (in Indonesia). In history lesson, teacher usually will simply say that she was the queen consort of Majapahit's founder and first king Raden Wijaya, and also the mother of Tribuwanatunggadewi, the queen regnal of Majapahit. However, Drake pointed out that her role is wider and more important than that.
December 16, 2012
a woman's power is subtle, yet she pulls all the chords around her. i don't know about you, but i completely agree with the argument in this book. that gajah mada relies on her, the only real power behind everybody's back.
on present day, she might be the matriarch founder of the family conglomerate, who saw her company rise and finally fell after she died.
on present day, she might be the matriarch founder of the family conglomerate, who saw her company rise and finally fell after she died.
September 5, 2014
Menguak sejarah dari sudut pandang yg berbeda
October 14, 2015
Lumayan:)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews