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Top 10 Sensational Facts about Gajah Mada
Gajah Mada is an influential national hero in modern Indonesia and a symbol of patriotism and national unity. A powerful military leader and Mahapatih of the Java Empire of Majapahit during the 14th century. He was also known as Jirnnodhara in old Javanese manuscripts and mythology.
He was credited with bringing the empire to its peak of glory. During his reign, the Hindu epics including the Ramayana and Mahabharata became ingrained in the culture through the performing arts. He swore to live an ascetic lifestyle. A lifestyle of not consuming food with spices until he had conquered all the southern Asian archipelagoes.
Here are 10 interesting truths about Gajah Mada the national hero.
1. The Meaning of the Name Gajah Mada
The word Gajah Mada refers to an elephant or large animal that is respected by other animals in Hindu mythology while the word Mada means drunken. Both names refer to the elephant being intoxicated. There is a Hindu saying that says that once an elephant becomes drunk, he walks arbitrarily and violently past all obstacles.
The interpretation of the Hindu saying about Gajah Mada can take two forms. One is a person who seems drunk and violent when faced with various obstacles that hinder the progress of the kingdom. Second, his community viewed him as a vehicle for the king, the executor of the king’s orders. Both meanings describe the role of Gajah Mada, and one could think the names were carefully chosen before being given to him.
2. Gajah Mada helped the king to escape
Gajah Mada Illustration by Wacana Nusantara from Wikimedia Commons
King Jaya Negara ruled from 1309-1328. In the year 1321 Rakrian Kuti one of the officials in Majapahit rebelled against the king. Gajah Mada and Arya Tadah helped the king and his family to escape the capital city of Trowulan. Mada later helped the king to return to the capital and crush the rebellion. One of the Rakrian kutis spies killed the king seven years later.
3. Gajah Mada Rises to Power
Not much is known about Gajah Mada’s early life, but he was born into a modest family. His first career was as a commander of the Bhayangkara and elite palace guard for the Majapahit king and royal family. Where he had the opportunity to help the king and royal family escape the city following the rebellion. He was also appointed to lead peace negotiations with rebels in the year 1331 by Arya Tabah. He was then offered the position of Majahapatih in the year 1334.
4. Gajah Mada made a palapa oath
Gajah Mada Head fragment by Chris Hazzard from Wikimedia Commons
During his appointment as Mahapatiah under the queen’s reign, Gajah made the famous oath known as the palapa oath. During which he was not to taste any spiced food or engage in any pleasures until he conquered the entire known archipelago for Majapahit.
5. Gajah Mada promotes Hinduism in Javanese culture
Through his reign, he helped spread Hinduism and Sanskritisation. The royal house in Bali has been performing Gajah Mada’s mask dance drama rituals for the past six centuries. The mask of Gajah Mada has been protected and brought to life every couple of years to unite and harmonize the different generations. The sacred ritual was intended to bring peace to Bali.
6. Gajah Mada’s Legacy
Gajah Mada street sign by Meursault from Wikimedia Commons
Gajah Mada’s legacy is significant for Indonesian nationalism and was invoked by the Indonesian nationalist movement in the early 20th century. Before the Japanese invasion, Indonesia’s nationalists, notably Sukarno and Mohammad Yamin, cited the Gajah Mada oath as inspiration and historical proof that Indonesia could unite vast territory and diverse cultures in the past.
7. Gajah Mada’s campaign brought unity
The Gajah Mada campaign united the far-flung island within the Indonesian archipelago under Majapahit suzerainty. It was used by Indonesian nationalists to urge that an ancient form of unity had existed before Dutch colonists. Gajah Mada was an invaluable source of inspiration during the Indonesian national revolution for independence from Dutch colonization.
8. Gajah Mada Caused the Bubat Incident
In 1357, the only remaining state refused to recognize Majaphait’s marriage to Sunda. Gajah was assigned the task of receiving the princess for marriage and escorting her back to Majapahit castle with the king.
Gajah Mada used the opportunity to insist on submission to the Majapahit’s. Sunda thought their royal marriage was a sign of a new alliance between Sunda and Majapahit. Due to miscommunication, embarrassment, and hostility, it escalated into the battle of bubat.
On the field of Bubat tradition, Majapahit overpowered the Sunda king and all his guards. The heartbroken princess committed suicide. As a result of the tragedy, the king was shocked and the entire kingdom blamed Gajah Mada for his recklessness. Because of his harsh punishments, he was demoted by the Majapahit royal family.
9. Gajah Mada University was named in his honor
There were only about 230 Indonesian natives with tertiary education in 1942. To change Dutch apathy, Republicans establish a state university that enrolled Indonesian students without discrimination. In 1945, Gajah Mada University was named in his honor. The school holds the distinction of being the first to admit Native Americans.
10. Gajah Mada’s death led to a split of the Mahapatih (prime minister) power
The year 1364 was when Gajah Mada died. When king Hayam considered the power Gajah Mada had accumulated during his time as Mahapatih, he concluded that it was too much to handle for one person. Thus the king divided the duties that had before been Gajah’s.
The king gained power through four newly created ministries. As a wise leader, the King was able to maintain Majapahit’s hegemony in the region which was acquired during Gajah Mada’s service, the Majapahit fell into collapse after the death of king Hayam.
Gajah Mada is a national champion in Indonesia. His sterling work as prime minister of Majapahit is celebrated. His ability to bring unity to the Indonesian archipelago is praised in Indonesia. He showed heroism on the battlefield won against the sworn oath and united the island and Indonesia under one banner. Above are ten sensual facts about this national lionheart.
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