Week 2: Nusantara – Srivijaya, Saleindra & Majapahit

TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. to describe the timeline in Southeast Asian history pre and
post Islamic period
2. to differentiate between Srivijaya, Saleindra and Majapahit
Indianised rules of Sumatra and Java
3. to describe the coming of Islam in Southeast Asia
4. to explain the main architectural legacy from both the Hindu,
Buddhist and Islamic influence in Srivijaya, Saleindra and
Majapahit
SUMMARY OF KINGDOMS IN INDONESIA

• Srivijaya, 7-13th Century, Java, Sumatra & Malay Peninsula.

• Sailendras, 8 – 9th Century, Central Java.
• Mataram, 832 – 1042, Central Java.
• Janggala, 1042 – 1222, Central Java.
• Kediri, 1042 – 1222, Central Java.
• Singhasari, 1222 – 1292, Java, Sumatra & Straits
• Majapahit, 1292 – 1402, The Whole Thing
SRIVIJAYA (700-1250, 7TH- 13TH CENTURY)
• Hindu-ised Malay kingdom of Srivijaya - capital at
Palembang in southern Sumatra
• Commercial pre-eminence was based on
command of the sea route from India to China
between Sumatra and the Malay peninsula (later
known as the Straits of Malacca)
• Trade agreement from Tang to Song Dynasty
• Indian in culture and administration
Buddhism
• In Sanskrit
• Sri means "shining" or "radiant“
• Vijaya means "victory" or "excellence"
Raja Chola
Srivijaya center for Buddhist & Sanskrit culture with large library; attracted pilgrims &
students from East Asia, I Ching- a Chinese Buddhist monk that visited Srivijaya in 671
and stayed there for 6 month
Kedukan Bukit inscription, 605 Saka (683 CE)
(Batu Bersurat Kedukan) - oldest surviving specimen
of the Malay language, in a form known as Old Malay

Founded by Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa; THE

KING EMPEROR; I Ching was impressed by the
generosity, kindness and hospitality demonstrated by
the king of Srivijaya.

Siddhayatra journey, sacred journey of the King;

departed from Minanga Tamwan accompanied with
20,000 soldiers heading to Matajap (Sumatera
Selatan) and conquering several areas. Other
inscriptions tell of the Siddhayatra journey and
Srivijayan conquests on surrounding areas, such
as Kota Kapur discovered in Bangka island (686
CE), Karang Brahi discovered in Jambi Hulu (686
CE) and Palas Pasemah discovered in
southern Lampung, all mentions the same event.

Kota Kapur inscription

Bangka island
Talang Tuo inscription
7th-century Srivijaya inscription discovered by Louis Constant Westenenk on 17 November 1920, on the foot of Bukit Seguntang
near Palembang This inscription tells about the establishment of the bountiful Śrīksetra park awarded by Sri Jayanasa the king of
Srivijaya, for the well being of all creatures
Telaga Batu Inscription

Telaga Batu inscription is a 7th-century Srivijayan

inscription discovered in Sabokingking, 3 Ilir, Ilir
Timur II, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia,
around the 1950s.

the people, occupations or titles mentioned in this

inscription were categorized as potentially
dangerous people or groups of people that might
revolt against Srivijayan hegemony. In order to
prevent possible uprisings, the ruler of Srivijaya
thought it is important for them to be sworn to
pledge their loyalty under the threat of curse.
Minanga Tamwan
Muara Takus –
Buddhist temple complex, thought to belong to the Srivijaya empire. It is situated in Kampar Regency in Riau
province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Its surviving temples and other archaeological remains are thought to date to
the eleventh and twelfth century AD.

Candi –
Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesia, mostly built during the Era
Hindu-Buddha or "Hindu-Buddhist period", between the 4th and 15th
centuries

Riau

Muara Takus
Muara Takus –
Buddhist temple complex, thought to belong to the Srivijaya empire. It is situated in Kampar Regency in Riau
province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Its surviving temples and other archaeological remains are thought to date to the
eleventh and twelfth century AD.

Candi –
Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesia, mostly built during the Era Hindu-Buddha or "Hindu-Buddhist period",
between the 4th and 15th centuries

Riau

Candi
 Candi Gumpung, Muara Jambi

Stupa at Muara Takus

Golden statue of Avalokiteśvara in Malayu-Srivijayan
style a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of
all Buddhas

Batang Hari, gold mine

THE FALL OF SRIVIJAYA
• Foreign piracy and raids that disrupted the
trade and security in the region.

Raid of Chola in Kedah Wat Kaew in Chaiya

SAILENDRA DYNASTY
• expansion of Srivijaya was resisted in eastern
Java, where the powerful Buddhist Sailendra
dynasty arose
• “King of the Mountain”
• 7th century onwards there was great activity in
• temple building in eastern Java, Kedu plain
• Borobudur, considered to have been the largest
Buddhist temple in the world
SAILENDRAN ROYAL COURT –
BOROBUDUR BAS RELIEF
Borobodur ship on bas relief
CANDI ARCHITECTURE
• Hindu & Buddhist temples
• Made of stone, as a place of worship, or storing the ashes
of cremated Hindu-Buddhist kings or priests in ancient
times
• Sacred structures of Hindu and Buddhist heritage, utilised
for religious rituals and ceremonies
• From Candika – Durga, goddess of death
Structure based on the Indian type of single-celled shrine,
with a pyramidal tower above it, and a portico
Temple-mountains built as a representation of the
Cosmic Mount Meru, an epitome of the universe

King Airlanggar depicted as Vishnu on Garuda

Mandala has become
a generic term for any
diagram, chart or
geometric pattern that
represents the cosmos
metaphysically or
symbolically; a
microcosm of the
universe

Mount Meru painting

LOCATION OF CANDI
 PRINCIPLES OF HINDU TEMPLE
• Belief that all things are one, everything is connected
• Mathematically structured spaces, a network of art, pillars with
carvings and statues that display and celebrate the four important
and necessary principles of human life:
• 1. the pursuit of artha (prosperity, wealth),
• 2. the pursuit of kama (pleasure, sex),
• 3. the pursuit of dharma (virtues, ethical life)
• 4. the pursuit of moksha (release, self-knowledge)
• Encourage reflection, facilitate purification of one’s mind, and trigger
the process of inner realization within the devotee
LAYOUT
• Geometrical design called vastu-purusha-mandala
• Mandala means circle
• Purusha is universal essence at the core of Hindu
tradition
• Vastu means the dwelling structure
• Vastupurushamandala is a yantra
• Symmetrical, self-repeating structure derived from
central beliefs, myths, cardinality and mathematical
principles
• Square – knowledge and human thought
• Circle – earth, human, etc.

https://issuu.com/anantvastu/docs/vastu_purush_mandala_decoded.pptx
 Decode the hidden secret of vastu-purusha-mandala

vastu-purusha-mandala represent 45 Devtas & Asuras

present in a geometrical figure.

Eternal wall
Devtas: Consciousness
Asuras: Ignorance & fear

https://issuu.com/anantvastu/docs/vastu_purush_mandala_decoded.pptx
45 energy fields
Brahma:
- occupies the central energy field
- the Brahmasthaan
- Contains within it, all possibilities of
Creation
- After Shilanyas and construction of
foundation walls, this is the first energy
field to develop in the plot
Deva Vithi (4 energies):

i. BHUDHAR the power of Manifestation

ii. ARYAMA the power of Connection

iii. VIVAWAN the power of Revolution or

Change

iv. MITRA the power of Inspiration & Action

Manushya Vithi (8 energies):

i. North East – APAHA & APAHAVATSA

ii. South East – SAVITA & SAVITUR

iii. South West – INDRA & INDRAJAYA

iv. North West – RUDRA & RAJYAKSHMA

Manushya Vithi (8 energies):

• North East –
APAHA : Generates the energy responsible for
healing
APAHAVATSA : Carries the healing power to the
occupants

• South East –
SAVITA : Energies that help to initiate any process
or action.
SAVITUR : Energies that give capabilities
to continue those actions and overcome all
challenges.
Manushya Vithi (8 energies):

• South West –
INDRA : Energies that establish and
enhance growth
INDRAJAYA : The tools and the channels
through which one can
achieve growth

• North West
RUDRA :Energies responsible for
support and ensure flow of
activities and life
RAJYAKSHMA : Energies which uphold the
support and stabilise the mind
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

North East –
ADITI; Mother of Devtas, this energy field
provides security and helps one connect with
himself/ herself

DITI; Mother of Asuras, this energy field gives

the power of a wider vision & to see the actual
truth of life
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

North East –
SHIKHI; Symbolic of a pointed flame, this field
gives the power of ideas and the ability to project
one’s thoughts to the world

PARJANYA; the river of rains, this field has the

power to bless the occupants with fertility &
fulfilment of all their wishes
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

South East –
BHRISHA; the power of friction needed to initiate
any action, thinking or activity

AAKASH; the energy that provides the space for

manifestation
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

South East –
ANILA; the energy of air or vayu, it helps to
uplift the fire or push further the actions initiated

PUSHAN; the energy of nourishment, it blocks

the path of enemies
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

South West –
BHRINGRAJ; the energy which extracts
nutrients from the food and removes the waste

MRIGHA; the energy that drives curiosity &

imparts skills
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

South West –
PITRA; the energy of the ancestors which
provides all means of safety and happiness
required for existence

DAUWARIK; the safe keeper, represents lord

Nandi- the trusted vehicle of lord Shiva. The
energy of being genius & highly knowledgeable
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer
periphery):

North West –
SHOSHA; the power of detoxification from
negative emotions

PAPYAKSHMA; the energy which gives

addiction, diseases & the feeling of guilt
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

North West –
ROGA; the power which provides support in
the hour of need

NAGA; the energy which gives emotional

enjoyments and cravings
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

North–
MUKHYA; the chief architect or lord
Vishwakarma, this energy field defines the
main purpose of the building & also helps in
their manifestation

BHALLAT; the energy field which grants

colossal abundance, it magnifies the efforts
and their results
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

North–
SOMA; the energy field of Kubera- the lord of
all wealth & money. It ensures a smooth flow
of money & opportunities

BHUJAG; the lord of hidden treasures, this

energy field is the preserver of medicine. It
safeguards the health of the occupants
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

EAST–
JAYANT; the energy which gives the sense of
being victorious, it refreshers the mind & body

MAHENDRA; the energy which grants the power

of administration & connectivity
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

EAST–
SURYA; the core controller, this energy fields
imparts health, fame & farsightedness

SATYA; the energy which establishes goodwill,

status, authenticity & creditbility
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

SOUTH–
VITATHA; the energy field of falsehood,
pretension & the unreal

GRUHAKSHAT; the power which blinds the

mind & defines its limits
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

SOUTH–
YAMA; the power of expansion, this energy
field blinds the world in laws

GANDHARVA; the energy of preservation of

health & vitality. This energy also governs all
kinds of arts & music
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

WEST–
SUGREEV; the power which grants the ability
to receive all knowledge

PUSHPADANT; the power which grants

blessings & fulfils all desires
Paishacha Vithi (32 energies, outer periphery):

WEST–
VARUN; the lord of the seas, this energy field
observes & runs the whole world. It is the granter
of immortality

ASUR; the energy filed that releases the mind

from temptations & gives depth in spirituality
 Prambanan 850 AD

9th-century Hindu temple compound in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, dedicated to the
Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator, the Preserver and the Transformer. largest Hindu temple
site in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia
 Prambanan 850 AD

the construction of Prambanan probably was meant to mark the return of the Hindu
Sanjaya Dynasty to power in Central Java after almost a century of Buddhist Sailendra
Dynasty domination.

temple was first built at the site around 850 CE by Rakai Pikatan and expanded
extensively by King Lokapala and Balitung Maha Sambu the Sanjaya king of the Mataram
Kingdom.

Rakai Pikatan was a king of the Sanjaya dynasty Medang Kingdom in Central Java who
built the Prambanan temple, dedicated to Shiva, which was completed in 856 AD.

typical of Hindu architecture, and by the towering 47-metre-high (154 ft) central building
inside a large complex of individual temples.
Opak River
•3 Trimurti temples: three main temples dedicated
to Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma

•3 Vahana temples: three temples in front of Trimurti

temples dedicated to the vahana of each
gods; Garuda, Nandi and Hamsa

•2 Apit temples: two temples located between the

rows of Trimurti and Vahana temples on north and
south side, Apit in Javanese means "flank"

•4 Kelir temples: four small shrines located on 4

cardinal directions right beyond the 4 main gates of
inner zone; Kelir in Javanese means "screen"

•4 Patok temples: four small shrines located on 4

corners of inner zone, Patok in Javanese means "peg"
Trimurti temples Vahana temples
 •224 Pervara temples: hundreds of temples arranged
in 4 concentric square rows; numbers of temples from
inner row to outer row are: 44, 52, 60, and 68

Trimurti temples Vahana temples

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan
Originally there were a total
of 240 temples standing in Prambanan.

Shiva: 47 metres tall and 34 metres wide

Consort: Durga, Agastya
Son: Ganesha

Vishnu & Brahma: 20 metres wide and 33

metres tall
Vahana temples:

a. bull Nandi for Shiva;

b. sacred swan Hamsa for Brahma;
c. Vishnu's kite Garuda- is a legendary bird or
bird-like creature in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
faith

For Nandi temple:

i. Chandra the god of the moon and
(pulled by 10horses);
ii. Surya the god of the sun (pulled by 7
horses)
Conclusion:

The architecture (Prambanan temple)- follows the typical Hindu architecture traditions based on Vastu Shastra. The temple
design incorporated mandala temple plan arrangements and also the typical high towering spires of Hindu temples.
Prambanan was originally named Shivagrha and dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple was designed to mimic Meru, the
holy mountain, the abode of Hindu gods, and the home of Shiva. The whole temple complex is a model of the Hindu universe
according to Hindu cosmology and the layers of Loka.
Just like Borobudur, Prambanan also recognizes the hierarchy of the
temple zones, spanned from the less holy to the holiest realms. Each
Hindu and Buddhist concept has its terms, but the concepts are
essentially identical. Either the compound site plan (horizontally) or
the temple structure (vertically) consists of three zones
The candi structure and layout recognize
the hierarchy of the zones, spanned from
the less holy to the holiest realms

3 zones:

1. Bhurloka (Buddhism: Kāmadhātu),

the lowest realm of common mortals;

humans, animals also demons.

Where humans still bound by their lust,

desire and unholy way of life. The outer
courtyard and the foot (base) part of each
temples is symbolized the realm of
bhurloka.
2. Bhuvarloka (Rupadhatu),

the middle realm of holy people,

rishis, ascetics, and lesser gods.
People here began to see the light of
truth. The middle courtyard and the
body of each temples is symbolized
the realm of bhuvarloka.
01 Satya-loka
02 Tapa-loka
03 Jana-loka
04 Mahar-loka
05 Svar-loka
06 Bhuvar-loka
07 Bhu-loka
08 Atala-loka 2. Bhuvarloka (Rupadhatu),
09 Vitala-loka
Loka is a Sanskrit concept in Indian religions, that
10 Sutala-loka
means plane or realm of existence. The universe
11 Talatala-loka contains 7 upper and 7 lower planes of existence
12 Mahatala-loka seven higher ones (Vyahrtis): viz. bhu, bhuvas, svar,
13 Rasatala-loka mahas, janas, tapas, and satya seven lower ones
(Pātālas): atala, vitala, sutala, rasātala, talātala,
14 Patala-loka
mahātala, pātāla and naraka.
3. Svarloka (Arupadhatu),

the highest and holiest realm of gods,

also known as svargaloka. The roof of
Hindu structure usually crowned with
ratna (sanskrit: jewel) or vajra, or in
eastern Java period, crowned by cube
structure. While stupa or dagoba
cylindrical structure served as the
pinnacle of Buddhist ones.
 Andesite
MATERIALS
• Andesite
Tuff (volcanic rock)
• Brick
• Tuff (volcanic rock) Stucco
• Stucco
• Plaster
• Wood
MOTIF AND DECORATION
• Kala Makara
• Linga-Yoni
• Bas relief
• Deities
• Guardians
• Stupa/Ratna pinnacles

Kala Makara are considered guardians of

gateways and thresholds, protecting throne
rooms as well as entryways to temples
 Kalpataru= the divine of tree of life being guarded
by mythical creatures Kinnara, Kinnari, flying
Apsara (female spirit of the clouds and waters in
Linga-Yoni symbolize the merging of micro- Hindu & Buddhist mythology) and Devata
cosmos and macro-cosmos, the divine eternal
process of creation and regeneration, and the
union of the feminine and the masculine that
recreates all of existence
Bas relief
Stupa/Ratna pinnacles
Drapala Lion at Borobodur
Sambisari Temple, Ratna pinnacle
2 TYPES OF CANDI Bajang Ratu, Trowolan

EASTERN JAVA
CENTRAL JAVA • Slender and tall
• Bulky Pawon
• Pinnacles are cube or cylindrical
• Pinnacles are stupa or ratna pinnacles
• Adornment Kala
• Adornment – Kala Makara
• Linear, asymmetric, followed topography of the
• Concentric mandala, symmetric, formal; with main site; with main temple located in the back or
temple located in the center of the complex furthermost from the entrance, often located in the
surrounded by smaller perwara temples in regular highest ground of the complex, perwara temples is
rows located in front of the main temple

• Face east • Face west

• Andesite stone • Red brick

Borobudur, 9th Century, Magelang, Java
Mahayana
BOROBUDUR- 9th-century mahayana buddhist temple in magelang regency, not far from the town of
muntilan, in central java, indonesia. it is the world's largest buddhist temple.

• 9 stacked platforms,

• 6 squares,

• 3 circular, topped by a central dome

• 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues

• Central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues,

each seated inside a perforated stupa

• Indonesian ancestor worship and Buddhist attaining

Nirvana

• Influence by Gupta art

• 75 years to complete during King Samaratungga

Mandala
Queen Maya give birth to Buddha
Gamelan and Surasundari
Apsara , weapon - keris
Dhyani Buddha Amitabha

Dharmachakra Mudra
MAJAPAHIT
• Last major empires of the region and is
considered to be one of the greatest and most
powerful empires in the history of Indonesia and
Southeast Asia
• Middle of the 14th century - Majapahit

After 500 Years of supremacy Srivijaya was

superseded by Majapahit
• Era of Hayam Wuruk– 1350 to 1389, Prime
Minister Gadjah Mada
• Javanese Hindu King from the Rajasa Dynasty
and the fourth monarch of the Indianised
Majapahit Empire. Together with his prime minister
Gajah Mada, he reigned the empire at the time of
its greatest power
King Kertajasa – Harihara – Shiva and Vishnu

is the fused representation of Vishnu (Hari) and

Shiva (Hara) ... This statue is the mortuary
deified portrayal of King Kertarajasa, the first
king of Majapahit (1293-1309) from the temple
Candi Simping in East Java
 Golden apsara

Gadjah Mada
Wringin Lawang, Trowulam- the 14th century
grand split gate, made from red brick material Jabung, Probolinggo- The temple
with ground size 13 x 11 meter and height 5.5 complex measures 35 x 40 metres
meter
ARRIVAL & SPREAD OF ISLAM IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Conversion to Islam was slow and quiet

• Ruling elite converted in cities
• Rural residents retained their traditions
• Melaka was first powerful Islamic state on
Straits of Malacca
• Sumatra, Kedah, Pasai
• Spread by Admiral Zheng He, Sufis & Arab
traders
ISLAM MOSTLY SPREADS
PEACEFULLY
Islam was
introduced
and spread
by
merchants

First Sumatra
won over in
the 1200s,
then Malaya
(Malaysia
now)
MALACCA
Big trade city in S.E. Asia
Converting Malacca to Islam
was key to converting much
of S.E. Asia
DEMAK (IN JAVA)
Islam next spread to
Demak, on island of Java
Demak was most powerful
trading state in north Java
Islamic tombstone inscription at Gresik Terengganu Inscription stone,
1303
Students studying Quran in Java
ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
• Mosque
• 3 generic types of mosque designs that can be distinguished through
historical periodisation:
1. Early Vernacular
2. Colonial Adaptation
3. Modern & Post Modern architectural design

Indonesian archipelago, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand and the

Phillipines
EARLY VERNACULAR

• Pyramid or meru type of timber roof

forms which are either placed on stilts
or that which covered a masonry
colonnaded wall system with tiled floors

• Gable type or bumbung panjang which

resembles the house form with
occasional exception of the presence of
a tiered roof system or a small pyramid
roof above the main ridge
 Classic example of a traditional
Javanese mosque

Timber

Roof is tiered and supported by four

saka guru teak pillars

Tiered roof shows many similarities

with wooden religious structures from
the Hindu-Buddhist civilizations of Java
and Bali

Main entrance of Masjid Agung Demak

consists of two doors carved with
motifs of plants, vases, crowns and an
animal head with an open wide-toothed
Masjid Agung Demak, 15th Century mouth
Four Soko-guru

Main 4 columns

Wali Songo influence

Balinese wantilan
Masjid Kampung Laut, Tumpat, Kelantan
Banten Mosque, Indonesia
Masjid Kampung Tuan, Terengganu, 19th Century
Masjid Aur Menajung, Pattani, Thailand
BUILDING MATERIALS
Heavy hardwood species called cengal (Balanocarpus heimii) constructed in
post and beam system - durability and resistance to effect of moisture and
attacks from fungus and termites
System utilized complex tenon and motise joints that require no metal
fasteners to join the timber members
Constructed on stilts - all made from cengal posts and planted into the ground
on buried stone footings
Concrete pedestals or footing replacement are used when the stilt condition
deteriorated
Roofs - small, light clay tiles called Singgora tiles laid on timber battens
Multi-tiered pitch roofs with the brown clay tiles
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
• Small – e.g. Masjid Kampong Laut is the largest with 342m2 floor area and Masjid Aur Menajung is the smallest with 47m2 floor
area - accommodate a congregation of 50 to 400 people

• Spaces in the mosques comprise:

• main prayer hall,

• mihrab,

• attic (only in Masjid Kampong Laut),

• serambi (verandah),

• entrance hall

• ablution space

• A minaret at Masjid Telok

Tropical climate- perforated components such as ventilation panels (top hung) over door and window, perforated walls, louvered
window leaves, perforated gables and tiered roofs (similar to jack roofs) with perforated panels

Ventilation panels, walls and door leaves are carved in simple geometric patterns, or with complex floral or calligraphic forms.
CARVED BUILDING COMPONENTS

3 types: structural, elemental and ornamental

• Structural - pemeleh (bargeboard), tunjuk langit (king post), cross
beam, stringer of stairs and brace
• Elemental - ventilation panels of door or window, door or window
leaf, walls, railings and mimbar
• Ornamental - Som (decorative component located at the ridge end of
pyramidal roof) and buah buton (a decorative component attached to
end of tunjuk langit jointing tie beam or rafter to tie beam)
Structural Carving

Pemeleh - emphasize the gable and

roof ridges, extends the profile of the
building towards the sky, creating a
focal point in the rural settlement

Tunjuk Langit - an important

structural member of the roof,
supporting the load of roof by holding
ridge beam and rafters and distributing
the load to the tie beams
Elemental Carving
Ornamental Carvings